The Community Engagement Program Officer will partner closely with The Tech Interactive in San Jose CA to develop and deliver programs that enable Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to engage with public audiences.
This role will be responsible for directing the “Stanford at The Tech Program” and assisting with other community engagement programming. They will train Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in effective in-person and written science communication, develop new biology activities for museum audiences, answer public questions about genetics, serve as a content expert for museum exhibit/content developers, and facilitate any other partnership-based programming with The Tech Interactive. Beyond the partnership with The Tech Interactive, this position will work with faculty and staff in the Genetics Department to support additional community engagement opportunities.
Responsibilities include mentoring Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral fellows on science communication through running hands-on activities with museum audiences; editing articles for the Ask-a-Geneticist website; collaborating on new museum programs, exhibits, or activities; identifying additional opportunities to connect Stanford scientists to local and national museum audiences; assisting in cohort selection for the Summer GRIPS HS Internship program; as well as any other community engagement opportunities.
The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in genetics or a related field, experience in science communication and/or teaching, some experience in science writing for non-expert audiences, some experience facilitating hands-on STEM activities, and love working with K-12 students, early-career scientists, and public audiences.
Duties include:
- Oversee and administer research activities by evaluating academic programs, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and coordinating and implementing changes.
- Oversee and train student interns.
- Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends to determine program effectiveness; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program.
- Teach and/or assist in the teaching and administration of courses. Create and/or advise in the development of curriculum. Make recommendations for course improvements.
- Write and edit content for proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program activities under the general direction of PI. Assist with the development of research grants, (i.e., may suggest new funding opportunities, write portions of grants, and/or summarize data for grant support).
- Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school and develop communications for internal and external constituencies. Organize and/or participate in outreach activities such as events, partnerships, fundraising, training, and conferences. Lead workshops and facilitate meetings.
- Monitor expenses, budgets, and finances of the program. Make recommendations on funding based on program spend.
* - Other duties may also be assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
MS or Ph.D. in Science or related field is highly desired for this role.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experience. Advanced degree may be required for some programs. Program administration and or research experience may be required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
- Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
- Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
- Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
- Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
- On-campus mobility.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORK STANDARDS (from JDL):
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
