Project Exploration Program Specialist Chicago, IL · Full time Company website

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Project Exploration is a Chicago-based nonprofit science education and youth development organization launched in 1999 to address inequities in access to high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) opportunities in out-of-school time. With equity at our core, we serve youth from communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields and recruit students who are curious and interested in science but face systemic challenges to accessing high-quality programs, such as academic prerequisites or program fees. Our programs deeply engage students in authentic STEM experiences, alongside mentors and STEM professionals who serve as role models. Through these programs and relationships, youth develop critical social and emotional skills, such as self-confidence, science identity, collaboration, communication, and leadership abilities.

Position Summary: 

The Program Specialist is responsible for the high-quality execution of STEM programming across assigned sites — including a designated STEM Learning Center, Chicago Public Schools locations, and additional partner sites — serving K-12 students through Project Exploration's portfolio of youth science programs.  In this role, the Program Specialist directly supervises a small team of STEM facilitators who lead program sessions and provide administrative support, and coordinates with partners and volunteers who contribute subject-matter expertise, support curriculum development and delivery, and facilitate field trip experiences.  The Program Specialist maintains a regular physical presence at all assigned sites to coach and support facilitators, build meaningful relationships with students, families, and community partners, and conduct ongoing program quality evaluations. Using these observations, the Specialist continuously identifies and implements improvements across areas including facilitator professional development and program instruction.

 

Work Schedule Expectations

The Program Specialist is expected to maintain a standard work schedule but will be required to work evenings and occasional weekends to attend meetings, events, or support program activities. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet program and partner needs.

Responsibilities: 

Leadership Development & External Relations

• Manage and cultivate relationships with school and community partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality programming
• Identify partnership opportunities that strengthen programs, and collaborate with PE leadership to maximize the impact of partners and key stakeholders
• Represent Project Exploration at partner meetings and community events
• Contribute regularly to the organization's blog and website

Program Oversight

• Support the Program Director in planning and facilitating the STEAMbassador and Facilitator Training Series
• Collect supply requests from  Facilitators, STEAMbassadors and communicate needs to the Program Operations Manager in a timely manner; coordinate ordering and delivery of food and beverages in accordance with PE protocol
• Supervise Facilitators, STEAMbassadors, Junior STEAMbassadors, Liaisons and volunteers across all assigned sites, ensuring punctual arrival, structured program delivery, and full youth engagement
• Build positive, trust-based relationships with students and families through regular communication via in-person conversations, phone calls, and written correspondence
• Support Facilitators and STEAMbassadors in establishing program culture — including co-creating codes of conduct, maintaining structure, and applying consistent, fair, and trauma-informed approaches to student behavior management
• Collaborate with Facilitators and STEAMbassadors to plan and lead local field trips and identify and engage STEM volunteers
• Facilitate the distribution and collection of student interest surveys
• Lead special projects, Reflections of Knowledge, and events for program sites
• Ensure program sessions are documented through digital photography, video, social media, and blog posts
• Conduct daily debriefs with Facilitators and STEAMbassadors; oversee accurate documentation and proper handling of incident reports, elevating concerns to PE leadership as appropriate
• Report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect immediately, in accordance with PE policies and Illinois law
• Lead program recruitment efforts and assist in developing and documenting organizational best practices

Program Evaluation

• Partner with the Training and Evaluation team to conduct regular program evaluations using pre/post surveys, the STEM Youth Quality Assessment, ILQPSA, and Dimensions of Success frameworks
• Support the collection and management of student data, including attendance, enrollment demographics, and post-program follow-up
• Conduct weekly site visits to programs.

Strategic Vision & Planning

• Contribute input to the strategic framework and implementation of all programs and the program department's infrastructure and training systems
• Execute recruitment and retention strategies to maximize participation and organizational impact
• Provide program updates to support grant writing and proposal submissions

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the mission of Project Exploration
• Bachelor's degree preferred in science, education, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in youth development and/or out-of-school-time (OST) programming
• Experience teaching science education programs; familiarity with Chicago Public Schools preferred
• Strong STEM content knowledge and science instruction skills
• Proven ability to manage students effectively in non-traditional classroom settings
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Slides)
• Comfort with data management systems for attendance tracking and survey data collection
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with self-motivation and resourcefulness
• Reliable access to a vehicle and ability to travel to designated program sites
• Current CPR/First Aid and AED certification required
• Availability for evening and occasional weekend programming

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects Project Exploration's commitment to equitably valuing the skills and expertise this role requires. A comprehensive benefits package is included.