EXEMPT 

Job Title: UBMS Program Director  
Department: Science Education  
Reports To: Knight Director of Science Education 

SUMMARY: 

Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) is a program created and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The UBMS program consists of two distinct programs for high-risk, first-generation high school students: UBMS Saturday Academy, which takes place on Saturdays during the academic year at the museum and the Integrated Marine Program and College Training (IMPACT) program which takes place for 6 weeks during the summer at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School. Both initiatives seek to strengthen the math and science skills of underserved, first-generation high-school students and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in STEM. 

This position is grant-funded and is contingent upon yearly renewal of funding. Responsibilities are as follows: The Program Director is responsible for daily operations and overall administration of the program, ensuring compliance with all federal program requirements while maximizing integration of the program through the museum’s broader initiatives around science communication, innovation, and workforce development. The Program Director will develop strategic partnerships and additional resources and opportunities for UBMS program participants and will positively scale the success of UBMS through such partnerships. The Program Director is responsible for the recruitment, hiring, and direct supervision of all UBMS staff. This position is required to work a Tuesday – Saturday work week during the academic year and a Monday – Friday week during the summer months. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Development/Administration 

• Responsible for fiscal and reporting accountability of the UBMS program by maintaining appropriate grant records and preparing and completing the program’s Annual Performance Report (APR). 
• Responsible for the planning, development, and assisting in the delivery of STEM elective classes offered during the academic year as part of the UBMS Saturday Academy. 
• Recruit, hire, directly supervise, and evaluate the performance of UBMS staff. 
• Responsible for overseeing the mentor selection process and the delivery of mentor training and monitoring. 
• Responsible for planning and overseeing all aspects of UBMS IMPACT summer program, including field trips and overnight trips. 
• Oversees and mentors, staff and volunteers who mentor students on improving self-esteem, developing positive attitudes, and successful peer/mentor relationships. 
• The Program Director serves as the liaison between the program and the rest of the museum as well as grant partners and other officials. 
• Structures and monitors outcome measures and evaluation procedures for programs by working closely with an external evaluator. 
• Responsible for UBMS student safety by adhering to standardized operating procedures relating to allergies, swimming, off-site programs, travel, and student communication. 
• Adhere to the established policies and procedures of the museum. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

College Preparedness 

• Responsible for supervising and scheduling staff in the delivery of grade level college preparation requirements; includes individual counseling and grade monitoring. 
• Collaborate with staff and/or volunteer consultants to deliver a minimum of two parent college awareness workshops on financial aid and assisting parent/students to complete the federal application for student aid, FAFSA.? 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or education or STEM education; Master’s degree preferred 
• Minimum 2 years managing grant funds; Experience with federal grants preferred 
• Minimum 5 years administering informal science education programs 
• Minimum 2 years mentoring culturally diverse high school age youths? 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

1. Excellent leadership, management and coordination skills 
2. Must have strong technology skills, especially Microsoft Office and Adobe Pro. Graphic skills (i.e. Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Canva) are helpful 
3. Experience writing and implementing federal grants 
4. Uses independent judgment to establish priorities and meet deadlines 
5. Strong communication skills (i.e. public speaking, interdepartmental communication, etc.) and organizational skills (i.e. databases, files, etc.); preference given to English speakers who also speak Spanish and/or Haitian- Creole fluently 
6. Strong writing skills, including ability to create curriculum, proposals, and other written materials 
7. Knowledge of and ability to manage and ensure compliance of participants and mentors in accordance with museum policies, rules and industry best practices 
8. Ability and willingness to accompany participants on overnight field trips 
9. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele, staff members, participants, parents, and teachers 
10. Strong facilitation and group leadership skills 
11. Experience working in a leadership capacity with diverse groups 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds on select occasions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those as employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work time will be split between working in an open office setting and on the floor observing programs and helping with program oversight. Occasional exposure to outdoor activities may be requested. Particularly during the summer component, occasional exposure to outdoor activities requiring moderate to active physical effort (i.e. kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, etc.). Availability on Saturdays throughout the academic year is required. Availability to travel for select trips throughout the year is required. 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Level 2 background clearance as defined by the Florida Statutes/Law.
• Drug screening as part of the Drug Free Workplace Programs