CSU Spur School Programs Coordinator

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: 4 days ago
Location: Denver, COLORADO
Deadline: 01 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title CSU Spur School Programs Coordinator
Position Location Denver, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202400342AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $52,000 - $60,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ .
  • For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/01/2024
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado State University (CSU) System, along with its partners, has developed a unique and exciting public facility called CSU Spur at the National Western Center in Denver, Colorado. The CSU Spur campus houses three buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, human and animal health, and sustainability. Within the Spur buildings, CSU conducts research and convenes experts from around the globe; students of all ages engage with science and have opportunities for exploratory learning, transforming their thinking about food, water, and health, and the careers available in these fields; and partners join in programming the space and bring evolving content to the year-round campus. The CSU System is made up of CSU in Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, CSU Global, and initiatives like CSU Spur. More information about CSU Spur is available at www.csuspur.org .
Position Summary
CSU Spur is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Education Team as the School Programs Coordinator. This individual will be part of a team designing and executing programs that inspire life-long learners to tackle global problems around food, water, and health, and will play a key role in educational offerings at CSU Spur.
The School Programs Coordinator will support the CSU Spur vision and Education Team by leading and coordinating the daily programmatic logistics necessary for successful educational experiences for PreK-12th grade audiences, including field trips, lessons and activities, and professional learning opportunities for educators. The individual in this position will work with various teams across the CSU Spur campus, such as Education, Events, Facilities, as well as community partners and CSU colleges and departments to develop, plan, and deliver successful educational programming both on-site at CSU Spur and off-site at local schools.
The School Programs Coordinator will develop systems and procedures to support programming on site including researching and implementing a new school programs registration system; tracking, analyzing, and reporting on school group visits and progress toward educational goals; coordinating communication strategies and efforts at the individual school, district, and state level; and program evaluation strategies, delivery, and analysis. The individual in this role will also help train and mentor staff and volunteers on CSU Spur educational programs, as well as support developing and delivering programs for PreK-12th grade audiences.
Below is a summary of interpretive areas on which CSU Spur currently focuses educational programming:
  • Food: In the Terra building, the team interprets partner programs on controlled agriculture, food systems education, urban gardening, nutrition education, and food development processes.
  • Water: In the Hydro building, the team works with partners like Denver Water to provide experiences around water conservation, quality, and water systems. Programming includes usage of an outdoor backyard garden space that connects to the South Platte River for riparian ecosystem programming.
  • Health: In the Vida building, the team interprets live veterinary procedures, equine-assisted services, and equine rehabilitation therapy in partnership with the Dumb Friends League, the Temple Grandin Equine Center, and CSU Equine Sports Medicine, providing opportunities for visitors and school groups to learn about animal and human health through active observation and engagement.


The School Programs Coordinator will work with the Director of Education, Education Manager and other team members to grow CSU Spur’s school programming throughout the Denver metro area and across the state to build educational bridges between rural and urban students and teachers in the areas of food, water, and health. Individuals with flexibility, an openness to learn and try new ideas and experiences, and passion for providing educational experiences for students and teachers are highly encouraged to apply.
This role will have a planned weekly schedule, which may include one weekend day and some evenings. Work will occur on site at CSU Spur in Denver and may include outreach events in the community.
This position is supervised by the CSU Spur Education Manager.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent work experience in nonformal educational programming in a museum or other cultural facility setting, educational programming in a formal PreK-12 grade classroom setting, group reservations, event logistics coordination, or a related field.
  • 2 years of demonstrated experience coordinating nonformal educational programs, including working with educators to design field trip experiences, and working with various stakeholders for program and space prioritization.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • 3 or more years of experience coordinating nonformal educational programs, including working with educators to design field trip experiences, coordinating non-formal programs inside schools and classroom settings, and working with various stakeholders for program and space prioritization.
  • Ability to communicate with program constituents in both Spanish and English.
  • Demonstrated experience with National and Colorado Academic Science Standards.
  • Demonstrated experience leading educational programs for PreK-12 grade audiences around the topics of food, water, and environmental health.
  • Knowledgeable in informal educational interpretative techniques and experiential learning.
  • Certified Interpretive Guide.
  • Demonstrated experience planning professional learning experiences for educators.
  • Demonstrated professional experience collaborating and working with volunteers.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering exceptional customer service to internal and external customers while managing multiple priorities.
  • Demonstrated experience using organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities in order to provide coordination and support for simultaneous events and groups.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities in urban and rural settings.
  • Ability to establish relationships through interpersonal skills and collaboration with program stakeholders (e.g., educators/teachers, volunteers, CSU Spur staff, etc.) to ensure the best visitor experience.
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative by utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify solutions for customer or program challenges.
  • Ability to use exceptional verbal and written communication skills to prepare professional correspondence and present or explain information related to educational programs.
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and composure to adjust, resolve, and overcome event and program challenges.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Program Coordination
Duty/Responsibility
  • Lead the development and implementation of school programs for PreK-12th grade audiences across the CSU Spur campus and in local school outreach engagement.
  • Coordinate and implement communications with school field trip teachers and group leaders.
  • Coordinate school field trip and group reservation processes, including implementing a new school group reservation system for scheduling and program booking in collaboration with the CSU Spur IT team.
  • Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot classroom space reservations throughout the three CSU Spur buildings in collaboration with the Events and Administrative teams.
  • Track, analyze, and report program bookings.
  • Oversee the daily activities and program schedules for on-site field trips and off-site programs in collaboration with the Education team.
  • Plan and support staff and volunteer scheduling, training, and development with regards to school program support in coordination with the Staff and Volunteer Coordinator.
  • Plan, execute and analyze program and participant evaluation in collaboration with the Education team and evaluation consultants.
  • Assist Director of Education and Education Manager in budget tracking and purchasing.
  • Maintain professional contractor recordkeeping, including processing and submitting invoices and payment.
  • Support partnerships and program planning through meeting scheduling, notetaking, task assignment, and follow-up.
  • Support diversity and inclusive practices in program creation and on-site coordination. 
  • Work with the CSU System Communications and Marketing team to promote school program offerings and maintain communications.
  • Maintain program supplies and equipment.
  • Support classroom/area set-up and breakdown for daily offerings.
  • Plan and support school program offerings and coordination during the National Western Stock Show event on campus. 
Percentage Of Time 60
Job Duty Category Program Growth
Duty/Responsibility
  • Collaborate with the Education team, community partners, and CSU colleges and departments to grow PreK-12th grade programs and teacher professional learning offerings, including on-site at CSU Spur and throughout the state.
  • Establish and grow partnerships and opportunities with CSU Spur’s partner and priority schools.
  • Establish and grow partnerships with school districts throughout Colorado.
  • Work with the Director of Education and Education Manager to establish and work toward program goals within CSU Spur’s strategic planning and priorities. 
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Public Program Engagement Support
Duty/Responsibility
  • Lead educational programs for multigenerational audiences, PreK-12 school groups, educators, and events throughout the CSU Spur campus.
  • Support program development and creation in collaboration with the Education team to enhance visitor experiences in each building and around the campus.
  • Support and model high quality visitor engagement and customer service on site in interpretive areas and public spaces for staff and volunteers. 
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Education Team Support
Duty/Responsibility
  • Attend and contribute to team meetings.
  • Participate in staff and volunteer onboarding and trainings, as appropriate.
  • Support daily team operations through staff scheduling and 2nd Saturday staff and volunteer management support (as needed).
  • Support the growth and development of CSU Spur programmatic goals.
  • Represent CSU Spur’s Education Team at promotional events, as needed.
  • Support CSU Spur and CSU System program and event messaging and promotion.
Percentage Of Time 5

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Kathryn Venzor, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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