Director of Northern Illinois Programs - Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Position responsibilities include: providing the strategic direction for IMSA outreaching programming in the Northern Illinois region. This individual will manage and lead in the planning, development, budgeting, implementation, expansion, and evaluation of regional IMSA outreach programs including programs for K-12 schools, teachers, and student enrichment programs (both online and in-person).

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual is responsible for but not limited to:

• Provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction to innovate and expand IMSA’s oureach efforts in Nothern Illinois
• Manage and lead the planning, development, budgeting, implementation and evaluation of programs
• Collaborate with the IMSA Development team to seek and secure grant funding for educational programs
• Establish positive working relationships and communications with clients, internal and external, staff and consultants
• Lead the development and assessment of curriculum according to state and national science, mathematics, and technology standards
• Lead the design, development and delivery of research-based STEM professional learning experiences to school and district leadership teams, teachers and other constituents
• Understand and use a broad array of instructional technologies, including onine learning, to serve school and community partners
• Hire and supervise program staff
• Prepare program reports for various Center for Teaching and Learning programs/ activities
• Assist with development of marketing strategy and materials (e.g. Web site and program brochures)
• Develop and sustain community/school/organizational relationships that will facilitate offering IMSA programming to all geographic regions of Illinois
• Network with other educational organizations to build capacity of communities to provide STEM enrichment for students
• Contribute to the overall success of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s strategic plan.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Masters in science, engineering, computing, mathematics or STEM education and a minimum of 5 years direct experience in K-12 STEM education (teaching, administration or education policy) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Curriculum development and writing expertise
• Experience developing and implementing STEM-focused student enrichment programs
• Familiarity with state and federal education and research funding agencies
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with budget creation and management
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals and diverse populations
• Knowledge of state and national educational standards
• Working knowledge of program evaluation and educational research
• A valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to travel as needed
• Schedule flexibility with limited evening and/or weekend hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Grant-writing and evaluation expertise, strongly preferred
• Experience in working with university faculty, outreach programs, and multiple locations
• Track record of successfully expanding student programs face to face or virtually
• Management of curriculum development and writing personnel
• Experience building successful sustainable business models for programs
• Design and implement innovative STEM education in formal or informal settings

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities. The job also requires the ability to move and transport program materials. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements. 

COMPENSATION:

This interim position is a full-time, exempt, 12-month, employment-at-will position. Salary range for this position is $91,800 to $111,200 with final salary determined by education, training, and relevant experience. As part of the State University Retirement System, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.  The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes individuals with disabilities and all disabled Vietnam era veterans. IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.