GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Program Facilitator will help facilitate many of the McAuliffe Center's in-person STEM education programs, including: simulation of space missions in the Challenger Learning Center, (the main responsibility), family engagement days, and other outreach events.

Challenger Learning Centers around the globe fly students on a variety of simulated space missions. All missions are aligned with the most current national standards and can be accompanied by lessons and activities back in the classroom. Innovative technology allows for mission adaptations based on the needs and educational levels of the group visiting the Center.

When visiting our Challenger Learning Center, students are transported to a cutting-edge Mission Control room and a high-tech Space Station. Whether their mission is flying to the Moon, intercepting a comet, visiting Mars, or studying the Earth from the International Space Station, students see classroom lessons brought to life in the engaging, dynamic simulated learning environment.

Surrounded by technology, each student plays a unique role in the mission as the team completes assignments, manipulates hands-on labs, and copes with simulated emergencies. Teamwork is crucial. If one member fails to complete a job, the entire mission can be put at risk. This differentiated approach allows for a truly personalized learning experience where students apply critical, scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios.

All McAuliffe Center programs cover a wide range of science content complemented by opportunities to practice teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic-thinking challenges. All programs contain accurate and relevant STEM principles or concepts in a way that both educates and inspires further interest in STEM learning.

The Program Facilitator is mainly responsible for the facilitation of mission simulations in the Challenger Learning Center for students in grades 5 to 9.

• The Program Facilitator is a person who is comfortable with science content and is eager to learn more.
• The Program Facilitator is confident in using education technology for the facilitation of a wide range of learning experiences.
• The Program Facilitator is interested in researching and implementing effective ways to creatively engage students through the use of role-play and dynamic presentation styles.
• The Program Facilitator is a strong team player, organized, and committed to meet the needs of diverse learners who visit the Center.
• A good planner, the Program Facilitator is able to quickly adapt to changes in the daily program or schedule of activities.
• The Program Facilitator is available to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
• The Program Facilitator is accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions within areas of responsibility.
• Individuals who are bilingual (Portuguese and Spanish) are strongly encouraged to apply.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Assistant Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate programs in the Challenger Learning Center for middle and high school students
• Facilitate additional hands-on programs for elementary school students and up
• Set up, clean up, and maintain education program environments
• Monitor program materials and make updates when appropriate
• Contribute, via reviews and feedback, to the creation of new education programs

Example of work schedule and expectations:

• 2 days per week (12 hours) as a Flight Director in the Challenger Learning Center, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
• 6 hours per week assisting other duties and out-of-school time programming. These other programs are to be implemented during occasional evenings, weekends, and school vacation weeks. They include:
  • CLC programs for Scouts troops during evening and weekend visits
  • Special activities for Massachusetts STEM Week (third week of October) and the McAuliffe Center's annual science festival in the spring
  • Stargazing events
  • Professional development webinars

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is part-time, 18 hours a week, and in-person. A uniform will be provided for use in all Challenger Learning Center programs.

Schedule must be flexible in order to accommodate the scheduling needs of all groups we serve. Occasional work on evenings and weekends is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates or Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent combination of academic and professional experience
• Relevant coursework in science at the college level or equivalent experience in a science learning context
• Demonstrated experience working in a combination of informal science education, outreach, youth development, and formal education
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new software and digital technologies and troubleshoot
• Demonstrated commitment to a high standard of inclusive educational practice
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse range of audiences representing a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in the work environment, work successfully both as part of a team and independently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Portuguese are strongly encouraged to apply

This is a part-time non-benefited, contract position, not to exceed 18 hours per week. The scheduled hours are flexible. The pay rate is $22/hour to $24/hour.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.