Education and Outreach Coordinator

Department
 

PME Rowan Lab

About the Department
 

The University of Chicago MRSEC is an NSF-funded research Center that facilitates innovation by tackling some of the most profound intellectual challenges of materials research through interdisciplinary, collaborative efforts among multiple research groups, spanning three academic divisions (PSD, PME, and BSD) on campus and includes external collaborators. We make a dedicated effort to foster a research environment that promotes creativity and rigor and where students, postdocs and faculty alike benefit from interactions with those with different technical backgrounds and research interests. This effort includes a solid commitment to education and outreach, including outreach to our inner-city neighborhoods and the general public. Central to our mission is nurturing the next generation of materials science researchers and improving its diversity through the successful training of students at all levels (undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows) in our research labs. We operate Shared Facilities that enable state-of-the-art materials preparation and measurement, requiring resources beyond what can be attained by an individual research lab. Coupling these complementary aspects of our program strengthens the entire scientific enterprise. It provides a vibrant resource to the University of Chicago, the broader materials science community, our neighborhood and the general public.

Job Summary
 

In this role, you will bring your creativity, enthusiasm, dedication, and collaborative skills to bear each day as you develop content for the UChicago Materials Research Center (an NSF MRSEC) and the Pritzker Molecular Engineering’s outreach and education programs. Our faculty are creating solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, and we get to share that work with the world. We’re looking for someone willing to jump in and help us amplify content that engages different communities in new and creative ways. The position involves working with the MRSEC Director, MRSEC Education and Outreach Managers/Administrators, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering Assistant Dean of Education and Outreach, and other staff in setting policy and procedures for MRSEC Outreach.

Responsibilities

• Helps develop and implement high-quality, NGSS-aligned K-12 lessons and outreach engagements for materials science and engineering.
• Leads outreach engagements for middle and high school students.
• Revises curricular materials using data and feedback from students and teachers.
• Draft content for MRSEC’s social media channels.
• Manages event communications and outreach.
• Works with other members of the MRSEC staff to provide excellent customer service to all parts of the center requiring assistance.
• Potential opportunity for writing assignments if other work is successful and skill is shown.
• Supports the re-design and maintenance of the MRSEC’s outreach. 
• Supports data collection around outreach initiatives for MRSEC annual reports.
• Assists with activities related to identifying and establishing collaborative partnerships with national, state or local organizations and University divisions, departments, and schools.
• May create and coordinate dissemination of communications materials.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with photography and photo editing software.
• Knowledge of Adobe and Microsoft Office suite.
• Familiarity with content management systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent writing, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with content management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and prioritize appropriately.
• Ability to produce quality work, on deadline, responding quickly and well to edits.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Academic Affairs

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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