Program and Operations Coordinator

Title: P​rogram and Operations Coordinator
FLSA Status: ​Full-time, exempt
Location: R​emote (Home office setup recommended)

Position: ​Seeking a highly independent, organized, and detail-oriented individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment to lead the day-to-day operations and program coordination for a young and quickly growing nonprofit organization that serves early career scientists and engineers.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The mission of the National Science Policy Network is to catalyze the engagement of early career scientists and engineers in policy-making by fostering community, training the next generation of leaders, and empowering advocates for the role of science in society.

NSPN started out as an idea among a few passionate graduate students in 2018 and despite a nearly all-volunteer effort has rapidly emerged as a vibrant and engaged national network of talented young scientists and engineers. In just two years, we have:

●  Cultivated a national network of 1000+ scientists and engineers from nearly 40 U.S. states and territories, and 45 active Chapters on university campuses;

●  Created the first-ever ​National Science Policy Symposium for early career scientists and engineers, with over 250 attendees and in-depth workshops on grassroots advocacy, mentorship, effective policy writing and communication, and career opportunities in science policy;

●  Partnered with the Journal of Science Policy and Governance to create new platforms for early career scientists and engineers to publish op eds, white papers, and science policy research;

●  Trained more than ​20 NSPN members as Wiki Scientists in partnership with Wikipedia Education, where they have made 700+ total edits to 100 unique articles, including the creation of several brand new articles on Wikipedia that address science and technology policy issues critical to the 2020 election cycle and COVID-19 pandemic;

●  Hosted an Annual International ​Policy Memo Competition in collaboration with the ​Journal of Science Policy and Governance ​that resulted in 49 memo submissions from 33 different student groups in 2020; and

●  Provided more than $50,000 in ​Microgrants and scholarship funds to support science policy, advocacy, communication, and professional development activities amongst early career scientists and engineers across the country.

The National Science Policy Network is an independent operating project of the nonprofit umbrella organization, ​Multiplier,​ a nationally recognized nonprofit with a growing portfolio of innovative initiatives that conserve and protect a sustainable and resilient world.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The National Science Policy Network is looking for an up-and-coming leader to play a critical role in ​building a movement of scientists who are trained and passionate about communicating the impact of science and technology in society to the public and policy makers.​ The Program and Operations Coordinator will play an integral role in supporting a team of four part-time NSPN Directors in executing day-to-day operations of the organization and in critical program development and execution. This is an opportunity to play a central role in the development and growth of a fast-paced, innovative nonprofit and the mobilization of a national network of members and local science policy groups.

The primary responsibilities of the Program and Operations Coordinator will be to provide operations execution and support the Directors to accelerate the growth of the organization. They will attend meetings with the Directors, provide detailed documentation of activities, work with the Directors to determine next steps and priorities, and initiate the execution of programs. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work across all areas of a dynamic, startup organization, learn and apply program and policy development strategies, and employ essential leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. The Program and Operations Manager will play a critical role in ensuring NSPN achieves its ambitious vision.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

●  Coordinate national meetings schedule, agenda setting, and maintain clear and organized documentation

●  Work with an internal communications team to publish a monthly newsletter, curate social media content, and support the solicitation and curation of online publications from members

●  Manage and update website, event registration, and communication platforms (e.g. WordPress, Eventbrite, Slack, Twitter, LinkedIn) in collaboration with the Director of Communication

●  Lead preparation, coordination, and execution of an annual leadership development retreat in collaboration with the Director of Membership

●  Support tracking of NSPN Chapter and member activities, outputs, and impact

●  Support onboarding for new members and Chapters, including updating welcome emails, tracking new and renewed registrations, and distributing supplies to Chapters

●  Make purchases and submit reimbursements as needed for NSPN committees and members of the leadership team

●  Provide support and coordination on the production of reports, approval processes for expense reimbursement and staff travel, and other internal operations functions in collaboration with the Director of Finance

QUALIFICATIONS:

We recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences, and background to this position, lending his/her/their flair to the trajectory of NSPN. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives in our applicant pool, and will be looking for candidates who possess many, but not necessarily all, of the following qualifications and experience:

●  First and foremost, a passion for NSPN’s mission and vision.

●  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

●  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

●  Ability to work independently and highly motivated to tackle projects with minimal direction.

●  Ability to effectively prioritize time and tasks and navigate challenges and obstacles as they arise.

●  Willingness to go above and beyond to be a team player in a fast-paced, lean startup environment.

●  Thoughtful, clear, and concise communication skills when conveying information across different staff members and constituents.

●  Adaptability within a dynamic, evolving environment and organizational structure.

●  Some educational experience or work experience related to STEM fields, preferred.

●  Some experience working with interdisciplinary teams of undergraduate and/or graduate students in STEM fields, preferred.

●  Successful candidates have a high level of familiarity and comfort with Google apps, Slack, Zoom and other online collaboration and communication platforms.

●  Some experience or passion for graphic design and communications highly desirable, but not required. Specific experience with Canva and Constant Contact or Mailchimp desirable.

●  Some experience with social media management is highly desirable, but not required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

If you enjoy organizing your closets, making elaborate to-do lists, and are always the one in charge of game night, then this might be the position for you! (A sense of humor will also be helpful). The basic requirement for this position is someone that is detail-oriented, can juggle and prioritize multiple tasks, and thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment. The ideal candidate will also bring their own ideas and creativity to contribute to the development and execution of new programs. You are passionate about community building, supporting early career professionals, and the critical role of science in powering a sustainable and equitable society. You can transition between high and low level tasks easily. You have the ability to think about the big picture, but can also execute low level administrative tasks thoughtfully and with attention to detail. You have humility and are comfortable working with and taking direction from leaders in early stages of their career, but are also willing to give candid and thoughtful feedback about the organization. The ideal candidate has some experience in event organizing and a passion for communication, graphic design, and social media outreach. You have a reputation for honesty, fairness, and high ethical standards in all aspects of professional work. The idyllic candidate will be a person of high integrity, humor, creativity, enthusiasm, and optimism.

COMPENSATION:

●  Position is full time with a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary, excellent medical and dental benefits, retirement savings, and generous vacation and sick leave policy.

●  Salary range $55,000 – $60,000 depending on individual qualifications TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

● This position is remote and some travel for events and meetings will be expected (<10%)

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First screening will occur on June 1st. Send us your résumé/CV and cover letter to ​apply@scipolnetwork.org with “NSPN Program and Operations Coordinator” in the subject line explaining why you are interested in this position. Please describe your relevant experience, qualifications, and include your salary requirements. We respectfully request no follow-up calls or emails.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Multiplier and the National Science Policy Network celebrate diversity and are committed to building teams and partnerships that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Multiplier and NSPN are also committed to providing an environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. Multiplier and NSPN prohibit discrimination in its governance, programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from public assistance, or for any other non-merit based factor.

apply@scipolnetwork.org​ ​| ​scipolnetwork.org​ | @​ scipolnetwork