The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) is a global organization providing collective voice and professional support for science centers, museums, and related institutions, whose innovative approaches to science learning inspire people of all ages about the wonders and the meaning of science in their lives. Through strategic alliances and global partnerships, ASTC strives to increase awareness of the valuable contributions its members make to their communities and the field of informal STEM learning. Founded in 1973, ASTC now represents over 650 members in nearly 50 countries, including not only science centers and museums, but also nature centers, aquariums, planetariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and natural history and children’s museums, as well as companies, consultants, and other organizations that share an interest in informal science education.

The Project Director works within the professional development department of ASTC, which contributes to the creation and delivery of successful programs for the science center field. This position includes administrative and programmatic direction of a pilot national initiative that will place AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers in ASTC member science centers across the US.

Primary duties relate to creation and management of the ASTC VISTA Volunteer Community STEM Initiative. The pilot stage of this initiative places 10 VISTA volunteers in six science centers located in Los Angeles, California; Berkeley/Oakland/San Francisco, California; Queens, New York; and Honolulu, Hawaii. The VISTA volunteers will work with site supervisors to document and connect STEM-rich programs, especially targeted at underserved youth in their local communities. The ASTC Project Director will act as liaison among these sites, connect them to each other and the broader field, and ensure the production of project deliverables.

The Project Director will work under the direction of the Director of Professional Development to fulfill responsibilities related to the project.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Attend a VISTA supervisor training through the Corporation for National and Community Service
  • Advise the science centers about the VISTA volunteer recruiting and training process
  • Develop tools and protocols to document and assess the activities planned at the science center partner sites
  • Develop and distribute guidelines and resources about VISTA  programs in science center contexts
  • Promote and represent the project to the science center field

Job Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education and Experience

  • Minimum education is Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred
  • Project management experience
  • A minimum of 3 years experience working in a science center/museum or similar informal learning environment
  • Familiarity with the design and delivery of online resources
  • Science, education, and/or museum background

Other Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to effectively communicate with science center personnel and VISTA volunteers
  • Proven time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to plan and problem-solve effectively
  • Proficiency with qualitative survey data collection, analysis, and reporting
  • Experience with community outreach programs

Salary range $55,000 to $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience. ASTC offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, disability and life insurance and an employer funded retirement plan.  ASTC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is initially funded through May 2016. Continuation of the project will be contingent upon the availability of future funding sources.

To apply, please send letter of interest and resume to Mglass@astc.org by January 9, 2015.