Specialist for STEM Competitions

Society for Science has been dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research for more than 100 years. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, our mission promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. We are best known for our award-winning magazine, Science News, our world class science research competitions and our outreach and equity STEM programs making sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist. 

Position Overview

The Society is seeking a Specialist for STEM Competitions to contribute to the Science Education Programs Department. This person will support the execution and promotion of the Society’s three core competitions: The Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). While the primary focus will be on Regeneron ISEF, they will work with all Directors and managers to ensure timely execution of projects and deliverables associated with these competitions.  Additionally, they will liaison with the IT department on competition systems and data. This position reports to the Chief Program Officer while also working in collaboration with the Directors of the Society’s competitions. This is a non-exempt position.

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-collegiate STEM research competition, gathering thousands of high school students from around the world to compete for over $8M in awards and prizes. The Society manages an affiliated fair network of over 400 regional, state and country fairs that send Finalists to Regeneron ISEF and is the feeder system for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge domestically. The Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students.

Behind every aspect of all three STEM competitions are business systems designed to facilitate affiliated fair and participant registration, the submission of application materials and important documents, award payments, and the critical aspects of judging.  While the Society’s IT Department oversees the creation and upkeep of these systems, the Science Education Programs Department is the intermediary between these systems and our audiences. Cross-departmental technical communication and advisement, staff training, documentation of processes, and customer service for the end user are all vital to the effective and efficient functioning of these systems.  

Job Responsibilities

• Supports customer service and communications with affiliated fairs, students, teachers, judges and parents.
• Aids in the processing of online applications and the judging processes for the programs throughout the year.
• Supports the processing of competition payments.
• Liaises with the IT department on technology needs of the competitions including support of user documentation and training, collaboration of all stakeholders and UA testing.
• Manages the Customer Insight email sends for the department.
• Maintains, updates, and creates content for Science Education Programs on the Society website.

Qualifications

• Experience working on mid-sized projects and/or programs, coordinating across entities or departments.
• Experience in customer service and in administrative support.
• Technical proficiency: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and website management required.  Experience in Microsoft 365 Dynamics, Microsoft Sharepoint and/or CRM management is desirable.
• Affinity for the mission of the Society for Science.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI).
• Resourceful problem solving using technological knowledge, finding effective and efficient solutions to complex problems.
• Outstanding and effective interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written.  
• Self-motivated, organized, efficient and process oriented.
• Strong computer proficiency including data management experience and an understanding of and interest in systems and system development.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic environment.  
• Affinity for the educational, scientific and outreach goals of the Society for Science.

Desirable:

• Experience working with volunteers, STEM professionals and/or sponsors.
• Experience communicating business systems needs to IT staff and training others on the use of new technology.
• Experience coordinating application, judging, or payment processes.
• Multilingual and/or having experience working with an international audience.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, D.C. near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule. 

Physical Requirements  

This role’s work involves remaining in a stationary position most of the time in front of a computer, using a keyboard, mouse, and telephone. It also involves regularly operating a computer and other office equipment, occasionally moving about the work site to access file cabinets office equipment and communicating or exchanging information with co-workers and other individuals in person or electronically.   

Salary

$60,000 to $70,000; salary is commensurate with experiences. 

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal hours of the Society. The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

Required Education and Experience

• BA/BS degree in any discipline, minimum of 3 years of work experience 

Desirable:

• Masters’s degree and/or additional years of work experience
• A degree in education or a STEM field

Supervisory Responsibility 

No supervisory responsibility. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications   

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. 

How to Apply

Submit a professional resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Please apply through Applicant Pro: 

EEO Statement 

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Society for Science & the Public is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.