Community Programs Lead

California Science Center; California; On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Science Center is seeking a Community Programs Lead to mentor and supervise high school interns and support teens in diverse science experiences at the museum and partner sites.

You will coordinate community programs, build relationships with local organizations, and help develop curricula and events focused on air and space content, while managing logistics, schedules, and budgets to ensure engaging learning opportunities for youth.

Qualifications

• College degree in science, education, or a related field.
• Knowledge of air and space topics preferred.
• Experience supervising youth employees or volunteers preferred.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Experience developing and implementing informal education programs.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, preferably in Los Angeles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor, train, and supervise high school interns.
• Maintain relationships and communication with local community organizations.
• Present programs and represent the museum and Education department at community and on-site events.
• Coordinate youth field trips and experiences that connect students with professional scientists and the local science community.
• Support other Community Programs, including the Young Curators Program and New Village Girls Academy science program.
• Initiate program supply purchases and assist with tracking program budgets.
• Assist in prototyping, developing, revising, and evaluating educational programs and curriculum.
• Participate in regular program staff meetings and ensure timely communication of program information.
• Serve as a driver and custodian of the 15‑passenger van and coordinate routine and critical maintenance.
• Track and report program data and assist with monthly and annual reporting.
• Participate in departmental planning and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with Science Center staff across departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Bilingual

Supervising youth

Informal education

Vehicle operation

Microsoft Office

Community partnerships

Program coordination

Time management

Multitasking

Education

College degree in science education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Community Programs Lead supports the California Science Center’s Community Programs for middle and high school youth, including the Community Teen Intern, Young Curators, New Village Girls Academy science program, and summer internship programs (Dive or Flight Team). The Lead co-leads the Community Teen Intern program, mentoring and supervising high school youth as they engage in authentic science experiences at the museum and off-site. The Lead facilitates experiences that encourage students to explore, interpret, and communicate science concepts featured in the Center’s exhibitions to diverse public audiences. The Lead also supports the training, evaluation, and professional development of high school youth. The Lead supports the Young Curators after-school science program at community-based organizations, working closely with the Community Engagement Coordinator to maintain communication with community partners and deliver programming to middle school students. The Lead also assists with and instructs the New Village Girls Academy science program, a high school science program hosted at the Science Center. During the summer, the Lead mentors, trains, and supervises high school interns while facilitating engaging learning experiences focused on air and space content and related career pathways.

Qualifications

• College degree in science, education, or a related field.
• Knowledge of air and space topics preferred.
• Experience supervising youth employees or volunteers preferred.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Experience developing and implementing informal education programs.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, preferably in Los Angeles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual fluency preferred.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Mentor, train, and supervise high school interns.
• Maintain relationships and communication with local community-based organizations.
• Present programs and represent the museum and Education department at community and on-site events.
• Coordinate youth field trips and experiences (e.g. guest speakers) that connect students with professional scientists and the local science community.
• Support other Community Programs, including the Young Curators Program and New Village Girls Academy science program.
• Initiate program supply purchases and assist with tracking program budgets.
• Assist in prototyping, developing, revising, and evaluating educational programs and curriculum.
• Participate in regular program staff meetings and ensure timely communication of program information.
• Serve as a driver and custodian of the 15‑passenger van and coordinate routine and critical maintenance.
• Track and report program data and assist with monthly and annual reporting.
• Participate in departmental planning and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with Science Center staff across departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation

$25.00 - $27.00 per hour

Application Process

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The California Science Center Foundation is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.