Managing Director – Summer Science Program

Role Overview

• Oversee the operational aspects of SSPI’s Summer Science Program, including managing and allocating financial and non-financial resources to meet program objectives.
• Directly supervise the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Student Success and indirectly supervise their respective teams.
• Lead program innovation and continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, and community feedback.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact within the program team and cross-departmentally.
• Play a key role in fundraising efforts and external relationship-building to support SSPI’s mission and programs.
• Oversee the professional development and mentorship of Directors and staff on the Summer Science Program team.
• Represent SSPI and the Summer Science Program at national conferences, board meetings, and in the media.
• Provide advice, context, and action plans to the Executive Leadership team for expanding the Summer Science Program without loss in academic or cultural quality or fidelity.
• Develop strategies for addressing target student populations (first generation and historically underrepresented students in STEM).
• Direct the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, and other staff members to identify and secure laboratory space, dormitory space, office space, equipment, and technical facilities for the Summer Science Program on each site as needed.
• Prepare ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect efforts and advancements during the current period.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience within nonprofit organizations or foundations with a minimum five (5) years education program management experience at a senior leadership level (e.g., Managing Director, Executive Director, VP, COO).
• Proven track record managing personnel, complex logistics, and program portfolios.
• Experience leading teams of at least 10 full-time professional staff and driving outcomes impacting 700+ students
• Expertise in strategic planning, program development, and operational team management.
• Experience in grant funding, budget development and oversight, and resource allocation.
• Understanding of STEM education principles, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
• Familiarity with access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
• Exceptional leadership abilities to oversee academic programs and manage staff, particularly in remote environments.
• Capability to create and implement strategic plans for expanding and enhancing academic programs.
• Experience planning, developing, and implementing processes and protocols.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies and community organizations.
• Willingness to travel for meetings and staff gatherings (approximately 10-15% nation-wide travel, roughly cumulative to 5-6 weeks per year at defined intervals)
• Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote environment, effectively managing time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines while staying responsive and communicative.
• Demonstrates commitment to SSPI’s Mission and Values in their daily work and interactions.