Employment

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Director of Innovative STEM Teaching

Position Overview

The Innovation Manager develops innovative, hands-on learning opportunities in SCI’s onsite maker space, Innovation Lab, and mobile Spark Lab, as well as delivers STEM-based presentations to a variety of audiences. The Innovation Lab and mobile SPARK Lab are spaces providing visitors opportunities to engage in the making experience to foster creativity, innovation and problem solving. This position manages the development and facilitation of making experiences; manages staff and volunteers, oversees the purchase and maintenance of materials in the Innovation Lab and delivers presentations and workshops to public and private groups both onsite and offsite. SCI is committed to equity & access. As such, SCI strives to ensure spaces and experiences are welcoming and accessible.

Responsibilities

• Manage and facilitates learning experiences in the Innovation Lab including open hours, workshops and school labs as well as outreach mobile Spark Lab experiences
• Manage and maintain all equipment and supply inventory for Innovation Lab and Spark Lab
• Prepare and write curriculum outlines and activities for onsite and offsite innovation experiences
• Manage and collaborate with Innovation staff , volunteers and SCI departments to facilitate innovation programming and programmatic needs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab space; observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and work spaces
• Develop creative ideas to broaden the impact of innovation programs
• Present a varied and changing repertoire of live programs, workshops and demonstrations, ranging from small to large format presentations
• Participate in new program development, specifically in areas focused to target new audiences
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in performing duties and responsibilities
• Support and plan agendas for events like Girls in Science, Des Moines Mini Maker Faire and Mixology
• Represent the Science Center of Iowa and the Maker Movement in a positive manner with enthusiasm
• Stay current in industry best practices and evaluation
• Additional duties as assigned

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Previous management and experience educating youth and adults
• Motivated self-starter that is organized; ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills: engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker with ability to communicate complex concepts easily
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative

• Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking, flexible, creative and timely
• Demonstrates excellent proactive planning and problem-solving skills
• Engages students and staff in a fun yet mature and professional manner

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Engineering, Design, Arts or related fields.
• Previous experience in curriculum development, implementation and evaluation

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The role is active and requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. This position will also have periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Generally, no overnight travel will be required.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Development Manager
Department: Development Department

Position Purpose

The Database and Development Specialist coordinates activities associated with the customer relations management (CRM) computer systems and supports fundraising research and data entry. This position is responsible for the management, maintenance, troubleshooting and reporting activities for the CRM, prospect research and fundraising database entry.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Assist in building the structure and design of the database and electronic records system. 
• Work closely with the VP of Community Engagement and VP of Science Learning to develop and implement strategies and plans for the management of the CRM system. 
• Coordinates and works with the Grant Writer and Research Coordinator on prospect research for individuals, foundations, and corporations with specific emphasis on the funding needed to support annual, capital and endowment funds at the Science Center of Iowa. 
• Assist in solving organization challenges by helping to translate the meaning of data, impact of that data, and be able to effectively communicate the story that the deliverable tells or the problem that the deliverable solves. 
• Build prototypes for presentations and illustration purposes for peer groups, constituents, or senior leaders 
• Translate, initiate and communicate data mining needs to CRM developer for database development and continuous improvement with Senior Leadership 
• Support peers and stakeholders as a CRM subject matter expert through troubleshooting, analysis of results, production support, and identification of opportunities in order to solve system challenges. 
• Look for opportunities to improve current processes or find efficiencies by applying industry best practices 
• Manage data exporting and importing across organization divisions. 
• Prepare and maintain documentation of database procedures and guidelines in accordance with SCI’s document storage and retention policies 
• Assist in optimizing the database for operational and performance efficiency.
• Provide comprehensive analysis of data related to sales, general admission, membership, and fundraising on a monthly or as needed basis. 
• Implement data security measures to maintain data security and integrity including, but not limited to, maintaining the system and creating data backups.
• Participate in the training of new employees on the CRM system
• Assist in the implementation and analysis of organizational research including visitor, donor, and member surveys.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field. Extensive database management experience and appropriate skill may offset the lack of degree
• Ability to develop reports, dashboards, and queries using database reporting tools and languages
• Experience with Blackbaud Altru preferred
• Must be well-organized and able to work independently 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the success the Science Center of Iowa
• Must be trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information 
• Must be proficient with computer software with preference to Word, Excel, Power Point and customer relations management database

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer but is occasionally active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. A Monday - Friday schedule is typical, with standard hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Programs Manager
Department: Science Learning

Position Overview

The Program Presenter is responsible for delivering presentations of SCI programs for public and group participants. This may include both onsite and offsite delivery, throughout the week, weekend, holidays and evenings.   

Responsibilities

• Deliver a varied and changing repertoire of live programs and personal table top demonstrations, ranging from small to large format presentations
• Report consistent program attendance records and monitor their impact in supporting SCI’s mission and existing exhibits
• Function as a direct representative from the science learning team to the public.
• Support exhibit staff; including but not limited to opening and closing of the experience platforms
• Program Department daily operational support including, but not limited to conducting live programs and labs, orientations for visiting schools/groups including Outreach presentations
• Provide support with other SCI staff on program and project development
• Maintain individual training log on program presentations and demonstrations
• Coordinate with the Programs Manager to keep schedules up-to-date
• On-floor supervision of program supplies in experience platforms and work alongside volunteers
• Responsible for daily programs operation trouble shooting
• Support Visitor Services operations as needed
• Additional duties as assigned

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Awareness and sensitivity in interacting with diverse populations
• High School Diploma with an interest in the sciences, education, or theater
• Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun and interesting fashion
• Motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
• Excellent communication skills; engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative
• Proactive; able to identify and improve product quality and development
• Service oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Willing to travel if necessary for Outreach presentations

Preferred

• Experience in program presentation to small and large groups
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and hear or talk. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stop, kneel or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Working Hours

This is a part-time position, not to exceed 29 hours per week. Hours will vary based on business needs and personal schedules. Work hours may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood

Position Overview

The Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program and other SCI early childhood programs. 

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Greet all customers in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones drop in visits and directing inquiries
• Assist with maintaining SCI’s NAEYC accreditation standards including uploading digital files into the accreditation system
• Teach and direct classroom activities when assigned
• Prepare, clean and maintain classrooms and office space for daily use
• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies and timely placement of orders
• Basic office duties such as data entry and organize, file and maintain documents or records
• Attend and assist with parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Manage and organize supplies and teaching materials
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Assist with oversight of children to ensure they are safe and engaged in the programming
• Actively participate on various internal and/or cross-functional teams as needed in furtherance of SCI’s goals and objectives
• Plan and carry out other EC programs and activities with in SCI as assigned
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

Preferred

• Clerical and office experience
• Para associate I and II or CDA or AA in Early Childhood

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will require prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the program space. The employee will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily Monday through Friday schedule. Typically, no travel will be required.

Compensation

This position will be eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus after the first 60 days.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Preschool Director

Position Overview

This position is responsible for assisting the development and implementation of the Science Center of Iowa preschool program.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Assist with classroom activities
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use
• Meet with classroom teacher to devise daily plans and prepare materials for daily use
• Communicate daily with parents
• Meet with preschool staff once a month for planning and activities of the ensuing month
• Attend and assist with all parent/ preschooler special events during the school year
• Create and design classroom games and materials

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Pass a physical examination and TB every two years
• Excellent teaching and communication skills
• Love of children
• A desire to work with and teach preschoolers
• Inexhaustible patience
• Must enjoy working as part of the Science Center of Iowa team
• Must be able to pass background checks and DCI fingerprinting

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on class schedules. Typically, Monday through Friday 3:00-5:30 PM.

To Apply

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.