School Programs Manager
Great Lakes Science Center
Cleveland, OH, USA
USD 55k-60k / year
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt
Expected Hours of Work: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm with occasional evening or weekend hours required for museum groups
Rate: $55,500 - $60,000
Summary:
The School Programs Manager leads the strategic development, performance, and growth of the Science Center’s school partnerships across Northeast Ohio and programs (on-site and off-site) This role includes school and teacher recruitment, program development, curriculum writing, teacher professional development, staff training for school program implementation, program evaluation, and grant reporting
The Manager works closely with the Box Office, Development, and the rest of the Education Department to ensure programs meet the needs of school partners and align with organizational goals, stakeholder expectations, and grant requirements.
Responsibilities:
Partnerships
• Recruit and develop school and teacher partnerships aligned with organizational priorities and the strategic plan
• Identify new opportunities for program growth consistent with the strategic plan and annual budget.
• Represent the Science Center with external school partners, educators, and community organizations, communicating regularly, and working with Education Department leadership and Marketing as needed
Program Management & Quality
• Lead development of new programs and experiences, fostering creativity and excellence while ensuring alignment with organizational goals, audience needs, and educational best practices
• Work closely with the Box Office to ensure strong program recruitment and smooth registration processes
• Establish quality standards for program delivery and school experiences
• Communicate and collaborate effectively across the organization to reserve spaces for school programs
• Work with Marketing to develop compelling program descriptions in a timely manner and coordinate regularly on advertising opportunities
• Review and ensure accuracy in reporting, inventory management, and supply ordering
• Address operational and quality issues as they arise
Staff Leadership & Supervision
• Hire and directly supervise School Programs Supervisor
• Develop any training materials needed
• Provide coaching and mentorship in collaboration with Education Department leadership and Human Resources
• Oversee and track payroll process for your staff
Curriculum Development and Staff Training
• Oversee curriculum development and training systems for staff
• Ensure curriculum aligns with educational standards, grants, and organizational goals
• Oversee program quality through observation, evaluation, and data analysis, using guest feedback and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement and align with best practices in informal STEM education
• Lead programs and provide expertise to Exhibits for initiatives related to providing accommodation for teachers and students with sensory, mobility and other needs
• Provide guidance on best practices in informal STEM education
Operations & Financial Accountability
• Manage program budgets and revenue goals in close collaboration with Education Department leadership
• Monitor program participation and other reporting metrics
• Oversee administrative systems including scheduling, tracking, and documentation
• Coordinate with other departments to manage shared spaces, equipment, and resources effectively
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
This job is operated in a professional office and classroom-type environment.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Please note that this position requires working outdoors for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions, frequently climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstration props. It may also include working with chemicals and gases including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, hydrogen, and oxygen. Training will be provided. Please also note that this position requires weekend, holiday, and evening hours to meet the needs of Science Center operations. Scheduled hours will vary seasonally; therefore, ideal candidates must be flexible to accommodate needs
Education and Work Experience Qualifications:
Required
• 4+ years teaching science in a middle or high school
• 2+ years of direct staff supervision or team leadership
• Demonstrated experience writing curriculum and leading innovative STEM education activities
• Expertise educating students across a wide age range
• Experience providing professional development for teachers
• Experience managing operations across multiple spaces or programs simultaneously
Preferred Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or strong content knowledge in physical sciences, chemical sciences, or engineering
• Experience writing curriculum for use beyond the classroom
• Experience piloting programs and using evaluation to improve
• Familiarity with safety protocols related to demonstrations, labs, or hazardous materials
• Working knowledge of the Ohio Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
Additional Information
Great Lakes Science Center is proud to provide staff members with a benefits program that offers choices designed to meet their individual needs and lifestyles. Eligible staff members can participate in the following benefits programs:
• Free Parking
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan with Match
• ASTC Membership
• Northeastern Ohio Intermuseum Council (NEOIMC) Membership
• And more!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
It is the policy of GLSC to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, age, source of income, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability or any other basis protected by applicable law. GLSC complies with applicable state, federal and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.