Competitions Associate Specialist

Society for Science & the Public; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 50,555 - 56,875; Full time

Job summary

Society for Science in Washington, DC, is hiring a Competitions Associate Specialist to help run the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The role supports customer service, administrative tasks, data upkeep, and event logistics for finals week with travel during competition weeks.

The position is full-time with a hybrid work schedule, requiring strong communication, data management, and team collaboration in a STEM nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service and program support.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Interest or experience with supporting student scientists and STEM educators.
• Affinity for the mission and outreach goals of the Society for Science.

Responsibilities

• Provides customer service across programs by responding to email inquiries and communicating with program participants.
• Provides administrative support including document review, editing, scientist recruitment, application processing, rules screenings and payments processes.
• Provides data support such as maintenance of existing application and database systems.
• Supports the organization, planning, and execution of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Finals Week Competition.
• Supports annual marketing and promotional efforts.
• Completes other departmental projects and duties assigned.
• Supports other departmental programs during competition weeks and conferences, including three weeks away from home and travel.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communications, data organization, and teamwork.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Data organization

Team player

Self-starter

Time management

Education

STEM or Education degree

Relational database knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Office

Survey Monkey Apply

RhythmQ

Form Assembly

Email marketing systems

Job description

Founded in 1921, the Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its award-winning magazines, Science News and Science News Explores, the Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, is focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, education, and inspire.

Position Overview

The Competitions Associate Specialist will help ensure that the day-to-day operations of the Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of the Society for Science, run smoothly. Regeneron is committed as the title sponsor of Regeneron STS through 2036.

Since 1942, Regeneron STS is the oldest and most prestigious research competition for high school seniors. Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation’s most promising future leaders in STEM. Each year, around 2,600 students enter Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study and full application for holistic review. $3.1 million in awards are distributed annually.

This is a non-exempt position.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides customer service across programs by responding to email inquiries and communicating with program participants
• Provides administrative support which includes assisting in administrative work, document review and editing, scientist recruitment, application processing, rules screenings and payments processes
• Provides data support such as maintenance of existing application and database systems
• Supports the organization, planning, and execution of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Finals Week Competition
• Supports annual marketing and promotional efforts
• Completes other departmental projects and duties assigned
• Supports other departmental programs during the competition weeks and conferences, which requires at least three weeks of time away from home, including at least one week of travel
• Strong communications skills (written and verbal)
• Data organization and management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with others as a team and to be a self-starter
• Excellent organizational and time management skills needed to track and accomplish multiple, unrelated tasks
• Background or interest in STEM, education, non‑profits or another related field

Required Education and Experience

• Computer and data proficiency including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Interest or experience with supporting student scientists and/or STEM educators
• Affinity for the mission and outreach goals of the Society for Science

Preferred Education and Experience

• A degree in a STEM‑related field or in education
• Relational database knowledge and management
• Experience using application, complex survey forms or data collection platforms, such as, but not limited to: Survey Monkey Apply, RhythmQ, Form Assembly, etc. Training will be provided in required systems.
• Experience with email marketing systems
• Experience with scientific research

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, DC near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full‑time (37.5 hr/wk), non‑exempt position. Normal business hours of the Society are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

The salary range is $50,555 to $56,875

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Society for Science has mandated the COVID‑19 vaccine for employees, as applicable. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Society for Science is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The Society is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.