UCAR Center for Science Education - Educational Designer III

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research•Boulder, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

UCAR’s Center for Science Education (SciEd) is hiring an Educational Designer III to lead the educational design function for the Content and Program team. The role leads the design, development, dissemination, and assessment of national-scale STEM education resources and educator professional development that build understanding of atmospheric and related sciences relevant to UCAR research. It oversees the strategic vision for high-quality educational materials, represents UCAR’s preK-12 capabilities in education and scientific communities, leads grant and proposal writing, and participates in SciEd’s Project Leads and Supervisors teams. SciEd serves preK-12 educators, university faculty, students, and the public through educational programs and experiences that complement and amplify the work of NCAR and UCAR member universities. The position may be performed in person or in a hybrid arrangement of approximately three days on-site and two days remote. All work must be performed within the United States, excluding U.S. territories. Domestic travel of up to six times per year is required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as education, educational or instructional design, or a STEM field, plus five years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree and 10 years of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Expert knowledge of inclusive and accessible preK-12 STEM educational-material design, development, and evaluation processes.
Demonstrated experience designing web-based educational materials for diverse preK-12 audiences and advanced knowledge of teacher professional-development best practices.
Advanced knowledge of Earth system science or scientific disciplines relevant to UCAR research.
Demonstrated experience creating educational resources or professional development for early childhood audiences (ages 4–8).
Ability to coordinate team members, track project milestones, and manage project budgets on time and within scope.
Knowledge of staff supervision principles, including setting performance goals and conducting performance evaluations.
Successful track record writing, securing, administering, and closing federal and foundation grant proposals.
Exceptional written, oral, and visual communication skills tailored to educators, students, scientists, and administrators.
Ability to travel domestically up to six times per year.

Nice To Haves

PhD in education or a STEM field.
Experience solving complex design and development problems in educational-material or related professional-development projects.
Experience solving systemic problems affecting program or project procedures.

Responsibilities

Establish the long-range strategy for high-quality preK-12 STEM learning materials and educator professional development.
Lead educational design projects and direct design team members, including supervising an Educational Designer II, to ensure resources meet quality, accessibility, and inclusivity standards.
Determine and oversee production budget requirements for educational design projects within the team budget.
Oversee educator training programs and manage national and international dissemination of SciEd learning materials.
Identify funding opportunities and lead or support collaborative grant proposals to federal agencies and foundations as Principal Investigator or project lead.
Collaborate with universities, scientists, and community partners to develop resource plans supporting UCAR’s strategic goals and sponsor broader-impact requirements.
Administer project grant budgets and communicate regularly with program sponsors throughout the grant lifecycle.
Participate in SciEd’s Project Leads and Supervisors teams, contributing to program management, strategic planning, and hiring decisions.
Represent UCAR’s preK-12 capabilities to sponsors, educational organizations, teachers, and scientists to cultivate future formal education funding.
Author publications, present at national conferences, and contribute to promotional materials, social media, and SciEd’s K-12 e-newsletter.