Manager of Programs and Internships

Manager of Programs and Internships

Location: Hybrid (Chicago-based), Headquartered at the Illinois Institute of Technology

Organization: Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST)

C2ST is a non-profit organization with a small, dedicated staff with the mission of raising awareness of the importance of science and technology in our society. We provide around 30 free and low-cost educational programs and other content items (blogs, videos) for the general public per year. We’re seeking a passionate and organized Manager of Programs and Internships to lead program development, manage partnerships, and oversee our Science Communication Internship Program.

Key Responsibilities:

The Manager of Programs and Internships oversees the planning and execution of C2ST’s programming and community outreach, as well as organizational support, partnerships, and strategic input. This position is responsible for advancing C2ST’s mission: to inspire and engage all segments of our society about science and technology and their impact.

Program Development & Execution (50%)

• Research topics, recruit speakers, and develop program content
• Develop comprehensive event plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and maximizing impact.
• Collaborate with the marketing team on event promotion strategies, including website content, social media, email campaigns, and sponsorship opportunities
• Manage all logistical aspects, to execute 30+ science-focused programs annually, including venue selection and negotiation, vendor management (catering, AV, volunteers, etc.), registration, and on-site event flow, to create a seamless and professional experience.
• Create program materials and run-of-show documents
• Oversee event set up, execution and facilitation of activities, and teardown, ensuring a quality experience for C2ST staff, volunteers, partners, and attendees
• Analyze survey data and report program impact to identify areas for improvement and inform future event strategies.
• Maintain program calendar and contribute to grant proposals and strategic planning

Collaboration & Outreach (30%)

• Build and maintain partnerships with academic, nonprofit, and industry stakeholders
• Identify and recruit speakers from the private and public sectors of the scientific community
• Recruit and communicate with program volunteers
• Represent C2ST at networking and STEM events, to expand audience reach
• Write and distribute C2ST’s weekly newsletters
• Work with staff and board committees on program planning, fundraising, and strategic development
• Lead the Program Planning committee on identifying program topics, speaker suggestions, and to discuss and implement ideas for the upcoming year

Internship Program Management (20%)

• Recruit, onboard, train, and mentor science communication interns (undergrad to PhD)
• Liaise with universities and research institutions, while maintaining partnerships to support and expand the program
• Lead and maintain a curriculum to develop science-related blog posts
• Reporting and record keeping for the program

Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience in programming, education, science communication, or nonprofit work
• Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills
• Experience managing teams or interns
• Passion for equity in STEM and community outreach
• Comfortable facilitating events and hands-on science activities
• Familiarity with tools like Google Suite, Excel, Canva, Asana, MailerLite, or R is a plus

The Ideal Candidate will possess experience in:

• Master’s degree or higher in a scientific field
• Curriculum development/teaching experience
• Comfortable communicating with audiences ranging from directors, to CEOs, to professors, to the public
• Have a working knowledge of the nonprofit landscape and experience working with underserved communities in Chicago is preferred.

Additional Info:

• The candidate should be willing to work on weekends and evenings as needed.
• The candidate should have access to reliable transportation to and from events around the Greater Chicago Area region, including outside of Cook County.
• Reports to Executive Director
• Non-Exempt position

Benefits:

• 4 day work from home/1 day in-office schedule
• 2 weeks paid vacation, 2 personal days
• 2 weeks sick time
• 9 days holiday
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

C2ST values diversity and inclusion. Research shows that women, BIPOC candidates, candidates with disabilities, and candidates from historically excluded identities tend to only apply for a position if they meet 100% of the criteria. However, C2ST recognizes that experiences do not have to neatly exist within a resume to be valid, applicable, or integral to a candidate’s ability to fill this role. If you are unsure that you’ve checked every box in these descriptions, we still encourage you to apply!

Applications should include a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references sent to info@c2st.org

Fluent in English