Manager of the Illinois Student Invention Convention

Position: Program Manager of the Illinois Student Invention Convention

Job description

Chicago Innovation is looking for an enthusiastic, driven, and entrepreneurial self-starter who is passionate about innovation and education to join our team as another leading representative of Chicago Innovation in the role of Program Manager of the Illinois Student Invention Convention.

Chicago Innovation and Illinois Student Invention Convention overview

Now in its 23rd year, Chicago Innovation operates a year-round series of events and programs to educate, connect and celebrate innovators in the Chicago region. Our vision is to ensure that innovation is for everyone by energizing a community that makes an impact.

The organization’s fast-growing youth-focused program, the Illinois Student Invention Convention, is an invention curriculum and competition for K-8th grade students to inspire creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving in our state’s youth. 29,000 students have participated to date. The Illinois Student Invention Convention is transforming public school education by providing educators with a comprehensive and flexible invention curriculum that is supported by real-world industry mentors and unique opportunities for students, including the opportunity to receive patents, professionally-made prototypes and more. The program culminates in escalating awards competitions at the local, national and now global level.

Primary job duties would include the following:

Program planning and implementation:

• Recruit teachers and educators to implement the program
• Write and present professional development seminars for teachers who have adopted the program
• Provide continuous support and communicate with teachers throughout the course of the program
• Recruit mentors and pair them with classrooms
• Oversee data collection and measurement of program outcomes

Partner relationship-building and management

• Aid in the identification and solicitation of sponsors, funders and strategic partners
• Write grants to support the financial growth and sustainability of the program
• Manage relationships with existing sponsors and key partners (i.e. Chicago Public Schools, Peoria Public Schools, YMCA, etc.)

Event planning and execution

• Plan and lead the Illinois Student Invention Convention judging event and awards ceremony
• Communicate with teachers and parents leading up to the event to manage RSVPs and answer questions
• Create detailed agenda, plans and on-stage scripts for the event; and act as event emcee
• Acquire prizes for students, make certificates and recruit “Imagination Station” partners
• Oversee volunteer and judge recruitment, training and on-site management

Represent the Illinois Student Invention Convention to Invention Convention U.S. Nationals

• Act as lead representative in Illinois to a national organization that implements invention education
• Attend annual summit and monthly virtual meetings with national group and other state affiliates

Desirable traits:

• Passion for education and enjoys working with teachers, students and parents
• Good communication, writing and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem solver, efficient work-flow manager, and strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a highly organized manner
• Strong teamworking and consensus-building skills; effective in group decision-making
• Positive attitude, entrepreneurial and a passion for making a difference

Experience level and how to apply

Seeking candidates with 2-5 years of relevant work experience. Learn more at https://inventionconvention.chicagoinnovation.com/. If interested, please submit resume and cover letter to Luke Tanen at Luke@chicagoinnovation.com.