Managing Director – Summer Science Program

SSP International, Inc.•Wilmington, DE

1d•Remote

About The Position

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Guided by our mission, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a global network of over 4,300 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.ssp.org. Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer, the Managing Director of Summer Science Program will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of SSPI’s Summer Science Program. As a key leadership team member, the Managing Director will oversee program operations, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure programmatic alignment with SSPI’s mission and goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of STEM education, a passion for equity in learning, and strong leadership skills to scale and enhance our impact.

Requirements

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience within nonprofit organizations or foundations with a minimum five (5) years education program management experience at a senior leadership level (e.g., Managing Director, Executive Director, VP, COO).
Proven track record managing personnel, complex logistics, and program portfolios.
Experience leading teams of at least 10 full-time professional staff and driving outcomes impacting 700+ students
Expertise in strategic planning, program development, and operational team management.
Experience in grant funding, budget development and oversight, and resource allocation.
Understanding of STEM education principles, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
Familiarity with access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
Exceptional leadership abilities to oversee academic programs and manage staff, particularly in remote environments.
Capability to create and implement strategic plans for expanding and enhancing academic programs.
Experience planning, developing, and implementing processes and protocols.
Ability to build and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies and community organizations.
Willingness to travel for meetings and staff gatherings (approximately 10-15% nation-wide travel, roughly cumulative to 5-6 weeks per year at defined intervals)
Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote environment, effectively managing time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines while staying responsive and communicative.
Demonstrates commitment to SSPI’s Mission and Values in their daily work and interactions.
Authorization to work in the United States
Background clearance

Nice To Haves

Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Oversee the operational aspects of SSPI’s Summer Science Program, including managing and allocating financial and non-financial resources to meet program objectives.
Directly supervise the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Student Success and indirectly supervise their respective teams.
Lead program innovation and continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, and community feedback.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact within the program team and cross-departmentally.
Play a key role in fundraising efforts and external relationship-building to support SSPI’s mission and programs.
Oversee the professional development and mentorship of Directors and staff on the Summer Science Program team.
Represent SSPI and the Summer Science Program at national conferences, board meetings, and in the media.
Provide advice, context, and action plans to the Executive Leadership team for expanding the Summer Science Program without loss in academic or cultural quality or fidelity.
Develop strategies for addressing target student populations (first generation and historically underrepresented students in STEM).
Direct the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, and other staff members to identify and secure laboratory space, dormitory space, office space, equipment, and technical facilities for the Summer Science Program on each site as needed.
Prepare ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect efforts and advancements during the current period.
Oversee the annual review of the Summer Science Program’s research projects, in collaboration with the Academic Affairs team, to ensure that each project is academically rigorous and consistent with SSPI’s standard program design and culture.
Offer strategic guidance based on annual evaluation outcomes and make recommendations on appropriate changes as needed.
Review the operations of all academic programs against SSPI’s goals and key performance indicators and prepare reports for presentation to SSPI’s Board of Directors.
Serve as adjudicating reviewer on complex cases, sign off on all admissions decisions, and manage the creation of new admissions policies consistent with partnerships and recruitment initiatives.
Review site evaluations in terms of scientific facilities & equipment, university policies, and partnership potential.
Establish partnerships with external organizations and academic institutions to secure new program locations, opportunities, and resources.
Identify and evaluate new sites for SSPI programs, reviewing site suitability in terms of scientific facilities, equipment, and partnership potential.
Develop and review memoranda of understanding (MOU) with host campuses.
Create and cultivate relationships with university administration and faculty in relevant departments at host universities.
Direct and manage the Summer Science Program team in recruiting, evaluating, hiring, and supervising faculty/staff candidates and guest lecturers.
Ensure the effectiveness of the Summer Science Program faculty/staff training by managing training criteria, guiding the preparation of training materials, and reviewing the materials prepared by key SSPI staff.