Congress designated the U.S. orbital segment of the International Space Station as the nation’s national laboratory to optimize its use for improving the quality of life on Earth,
promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
This unique orbiting laboratory is available for use by non-NASA U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Since 2011, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) has managed the ISS National Lab, under agreement with NASA,
facilitating access to the permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit,
and the extreme and varied conditions of space. Learn more about the ISS National Lab
Position Summary
The “STEM”—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—Specialist will develop, create, and manage partnership programs that utilize the International Space Station National Lab (ISSNL) as a platform to educate and promote STEM activities to students and educators from Kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) working with both formal and informal education organizations.
The position reports to the Director of Strategic Engagement and STEM Programs.
Role Responsibilities (not all-inclusive)
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In collaboration with the departmental and organizational strategies, coordinate and project manage STEM education outreach projects and partnerships
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Support the implementation of K-12 and citizen science education projects of varying scales from project definition through project delivery and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure continued improvement
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Serve as the primary point of contact for ISS National Lab STEM partners, including the ISS National Lab Ambassadors and Space Station Explorers partners
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Organize, lead, and participate in educational conferences, workshops, and special events. Support of these activities will require travel and flexibility with scheduling, may require local or out of state travel, and may occur on a weekend. Participation and travel are planned in advance and not expected to be more than 20% of the time.
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Manage a diverse portfolio of education initiatives that target students throughout the K-12 spectrum, including those in traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities and in both formal and informal education settings
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Assist with the evaluation of ISS National Laboratory STEM education research proposals
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Evaluate and contribute to the development of education grant proposals to external funding organizations
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Exercise of discretion and independent judgment for matters of significance
Desired Knowledge, Experience, and Skills
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Bachelor’s degree in education, Science, Technology, Mathematics, Engineering, or Communications or a relevant combination of education with experience
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Proven experience with formal and informal STEM education projects and outreach or program development
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Knowledge of effective strategies to better engage and influence groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields
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Experience with creating STEM content for social media platforms
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Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with multiple internal and external stakeholders and employees
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A mindset for innovation and creative solutions
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Ability to coordinate multiple activities at one time and an energetic willingness to learn
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Adaptable/flexible and ability to handle multiple tasks
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Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and a variety of virtual meeting platforms, business software, and customer relationship management software (i.e.,Salesforce)