Are you passionate about making a difference in the education and lives of Canadian youth?
Do you thrive on meeting new people, building relationships, and working towards shared goals? Are you excited about working with a mission-driven, high-performing team and having the flexibility to work primarily from home? If so, this exciting opportunity to contribute to raising young people’s confidence and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) is for you!
About You
You are excited about building Scientists in School’s mission impact in Ontario and beyond, helping us step ever closer to our vision of reaching all children and youth in Canada with high-quality, hands-on STEM workshops. As a true “people person,” you have superior communication and organizational skills, and are customer-service oriented, with an ability to see situations from stakeholders’ viewpoints. You’re self-motivated and set strategic priorities, working collaboratively with your colleagues in the Outreach Team. You thrive in a results-oriented environment. With your prior experience building and stewarding stakeholder relations, you are just as comfortable in face-to-face meetings as you are sending an email. A background or interest in education and/or STEM is an asset and will enhance your ability to connect with our mission and community.
Who We Are and What We Can Achieve Together
Scientists in School is a dynamic national charity dedicated to inspiring a love of STEM and environmental awareness in children and youth. Since 1989, we have been a crucial partner in elementary STEM education, delivering investigative in-person workshops that spark curiosity and foster youth interest, confidence, and STEM skills. We're focused on developing the bright minds and innovators needed for Canada's economic and social prosperity, and we do this through high-quality, fun, hands-on workshops, led by passionate and skilled STEM role models. In 2021, Scientists in School introduced richly investigative online workshops with topic-curated materials sent ahead for each student. This propelled national expansion from our longtime roots in Alberta and Ontario, and allow us to inclusively serve all elementary students in Canada. Last year, our visiting scientists engaged over 310,000 children and youth in more than 13,500 workshops across Canada, with a strong focus on amplifying participation of marginalized youth. Over 37 years, over 11 million children and youth have experienced our hands-on workshops. Visit www.scientistsinschool.ca to learn more.
The Opportunity
At Scientists in School, we deeply value our team and are driven by the knowledge that our investigative workshops for classrooms and community organizations make a meaningful, lasting impact on young lives. You will join an existing team member focused on stewarding customer relationships with GTA school board staff including principals and teachers, while supporting our mission of igniting lasting scientific curiosity and confidence in children during their formative elementary school years. As the primary contact for customers in selected regions, you will quickly build both internal and external relationships, by using data-driven strategies to identify strategic priorities and leverage donor-funded experiences to deepen our relationships with school boards and community partners. In addition, you will build our customer base for our community workshops, stewarding existing partnerships with libraries and youth centres, while also investigating new avenues to bring STEM programming to youth. Although the focus of this role is enhancing awareness of our on-site and online programs in Ontario, you will also support developing new relationships with potential school board partners across Canada. Reporting to the Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations, you'll collaborate with our Outreach team, Fund Development and Communications team, and Program team to coordinate and implement awareness-building strategies and build lasting relationships with key stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
· Collaborate with the Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations to develop outreach strategies and growth initiatives that increase the number of participating schools and classes to optimize student STEM interest and confidence.
· Work together with our existing Outreach and Community Engagement Specialist working within the GTA to ensure success and growth within both of your portfolios.
· Build and maintain strong relationships with school boards and schools, including independent schools, ensuring excellent customer service.
· Visit school board offices and schools in-person to meet with key stakeholders and understand their needs and priorities for STEM enrichment programming.
· Represent Scientists in School at public events to increase awareness and promote our programs (including occasional evenings and weekend events).
· Understand the needs of underserved communities, including low-income, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
· Coordinate and plan placement of donor-sponsored workshops within schools, ensuring equitable and inclusive opportunities.
· Identify and reach out to potential new customers for both classroom and community workshop streams.
· Conduct regular outreach via phone and in-person visits to promote our programs.
· Collaborate with multiple teams to set measurable objectives and evaluate outreach effectiveness.
· Stay informed on STEM education trends and maintain a strong understanding of our programming.
· Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
· Take on additional responsibilities as needed, including attending relevant events which may include teacher conferences, education conferences, Principal meetings, and donor visits including cheque presentations.
Desired Competencies:
· Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
· Strong relationship builder with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
· Knowledge of STEM education and the ability to promote our programs enthusiastically.
· Demonstrated initiative, innovative thinking, and sound judgment.
· Strong project management skills with the ability to manage timelines and expectations.
· Capacity to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Education:
A post-secondary degree in education, science, business, or marketing is preferred, or a combination of relevant education and experience.
Additional Assets:
· Experience in the nonprofit sector, elementary education, or science education.
· Strong presentation skills for marketing booths and public events.
· Enjoy building and growing a project and its impact.
· Experience promoting a program or product successfully.
· Data-driven problem solver with experience working with databases.
Additional Requirements:
· Satisfactory Police Records Check for the vulnerable sector.
· Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed.
Benefits:
We’re proud to offer a fast-paced and fun culture in a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being and flexibility of the staff on our team! Our vacation policy provides three weeks of vacation after one year of service and scales up from there. As well, we close for the school Winter break period (typically from Christmas Day to New Years’ Day).
Scientists in School offers a modest benefits package, including health care benefits, parental leave, life insurance, disability coverage, and matched RRSP contributions. This role is primarily remote, but you will be visiting schools and customers frequently. In addition, you will have ample opportunity to engage socially with your team! We have lunch socials online once a week, online engagement before our Town Halls, and special staff gatherings and team meetings at our Pickering office. You may also collaborate with colleagues or prepare for events at our Morriston office.
How to Apply:
Please submit a single PDF document that includes your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Outreach and Community Engagement Specialist. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is selected. Interviews may begin prior to October 2; candidates are encouraged to submit early. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Scientists in School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to accessible employment practices. If you require accommodation for any part of the selection process, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We invite you to visit our website scientistsinschool.ca to learn more about our organization.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $44,000.00-$47,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Wellness program
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Greater Toronto Area, ON
