Manager, Community Science Connections

About Spark

TELUS Spark Science Centre (Spark), a registered educational charity, exists to entertain and inspire people of all ages through creative encounters with science, engineering, technology, math and art. Spark exists to lift people up with the power of curiosity through creative encounters with science!

Calgary’s science centre is a pioneer in science entertainment and programming, with roots dating back to 1967. Home to one of Western Canada’s largest dome theatre, the Digital Immersion Gallery, VR experiences, and innovative spaces like Steven’s Lab, where interactive experiments unfold before your eyes. From the robot-dog Flint to Canada’s first robot-coa5ter, R05iE, and a 15-acre park surrounding the science of the developing brain, Spark is a hub for creative encounters.

Position Overview

Spark is currently hiring for a full-time permanent Manager, Community Science Connections.TheManager, Community Science Connectionsreports directly to the Director, Science Connections.The Manager, Community Science Connections will be a leader in providing programming with a proven ability to train, inspire and coach others, with strong program development and coordination skills. Using both virtual and in-person programs (including but not limited to camps, sleepovers, birthday parties, and adult education programming), this position seeks to engage new and established audiences both in the building and online.

This position will work closely with the Director, Science Connections and other teams to advance Sparks’ goal to be one of the top science centres in the world when it comes to delivering world class youth programs. This position leads the development and implementation of programs that meet a high bar for quality and creativity. To achieve these outcomes the Manager will directly supervise a team of Specialists and Supervisors while working to ensure that programs are created and staffed accordingly within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of both established and novel community-focused programs that effectively engage youth and adults in science, technology, engineering and math through creative programming on multiple platforms.
• Lead the ongoing development and expansion of programming for youth and adults to embrace and reflect multiple ways of knowing.
• Develop and execute a five-year plan to expand offsite program development, growth, and delivery to meet the needs of southern Alberta and beyond.
• Develop strong relationships with local, regional and national partners and stakeholders for offsite program development and delivery.
• Collaborate across teams internally to plan, budget, resource and deliver the annual suite of community programs.
• Develop mechanisms for collecting quantitative and qualitative feedback on programming to ensure programs are continually upgraded to meet evolving needs.
• Supervise a team of Specialists and Supervisors, fostering their growth to support the multitude of projects and work closely with the Manager, School Science Connections to ensure that programs are staffed adequately with well-trained Science Educators.
• Develop budgets and operating plans for school programs.
• Ensure personal and team activities are aligned with Spark’s Roadmap for the 2020s.
• Model high performance, flexibility and kindness in a rapidly changing growth environment.
• Other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• A minimum of five years of experience or expertise in highly engaging and creative education programming, preferably with a focus on science-related programs for school-aged children and youth.
• A minimum of one year of people leadership.
• Possess a personality and heart that connects youth to science in profound ways.
• A solid understanding of current market and audience needs for entertaining and meaningful educational science communication programs through experience in science or teaching.
• Fluency in Microsoft suite of programs.
• An inspiring and compassionate leader who cultivates a culture of high performance.
• Strong ethics and ability to manage confidential data.
• A proven track record of adding value to an organization’s culture and initiatives.
• A positive attitude!
• Desire to work on a high performing team with a continuous upgrading culture to achieve high impact results. Fluidity and a desire to work hard and grow are essential.
• A high degree of creativity with the ability to leave your ego at the door.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to change.

Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Closing Date: Until the right candidate is found.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of colour, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Spark, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this role please apply! An excitement and passion for science can go a long way here so you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Spark.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00-$85,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Please outline your experience in science communication

Experience:

• Science Communication: 5 years (required)
• Coaching high performing teams: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person