NCSE is hiring a Director of Community Organizing and Research.

The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) in Oakland, CA is seeking a full-time Director of Community Organizing and Research. This is a full-time position based in Oakland, reporting directly to the Executive Director.

Background on NCSE

The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is a not-for-profit, membership organization providing information and resources for schools, parents, and concerned citizens working to keep evolution and climate science in public school science education. We educate the press and public about the scientific and educational aspects of controversies surrounding the teaching of evolution and climate change, and supply needed information and advice to defend good science education at local, state, and national levels.

Responsibilities of the Director of Community Organizing and Research

This is a new position that will be responsible for implementing a new NCSE program aimed at facilitating the development of local community groups focused on support of high-quality science education. The position represents a unique opportunity for the right individual to carry out rigorous research while also helping to build a dynamic community-organizing program. NCSE Science Booster Clubs will bring together previously isolated individuals to generate shared vision, knowledge, and projects to improve science education in their community. Science Booster Club members may include parents, local scientists, business people, teachers, and environmental educators, among others. The goal is for Science Booster Clubs to serve as sustained local networks of relationships, ideas, and projects for high-quality science education. The role of the Director of Community Organizing and Research is to facilitate the development of these communities, conduct theory-based research on the Science Booster Club initiative, and scale-up the practices demonstrated to be effective.

The Director will be responsible for:

design, implementation, and analysis of the pilot projects
establishing an advisory committee and appropriate academic collaborators (as needed)
coordinating the work of local organizers in the pilot communities

The Director will also be responsible, after the pilot phase, for using the results of the research on the pilot projects to develop and implement a program to facilitate the organization of local groups nationwide, including securing external funding. The Director will work closely with NCSEs other program directors, as the local community organizing initiative will work in synergy with NCSEs outreach efforts to teachers and scientists, as well as its long-standing efforts to help local citizens facing threats to the integrity of science education.

Qualifications

PhD in science education or PhD in biology, earth or environmental science with formal training in educational research
Diverse experience in theory-driven education research
2+ years of experience in organizing, classroom science teaching, or post-PhD science education research
Demonstrated interest in community organizing
Track record of successful fundraising

The National Center for Science Education is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Salary

Salary will be commensurate with experience. NCSE provides competitive salaries and benefits.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit a résumé or CV, a cover letter, and a list of three references with contact information to holzman@ncse.com. Please place the name of the position in the email subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Link to job description: http://ncse.com/about/jobs