MESA Program Specialist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an organized and detailed project manager with excellent communication skills to run operations for APL’s MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program. Maryland MESA is a member of MESA USA, a national organization that works with school districts and community partners to prepare students for STEM majors and careers. Maryland MESA is operated by APL and facilitated by teacher and parent coaches. This out-of-school time program provides training for teachers and coaches on how to deliver MESA to students in grades 3 to 12 using the MESA model. The MESA Program Specialist will collaborate with APL volunteers to develop resources, hands-on prototypes, and materials that enable teachers and students to design STEM-focused projects. They will also provide in-person and virtual support to representatives from Maryland school districts to help them facilitate each district's MESA program and competition, serve as head judge for regional competitions, and plan and execute the state competition. Other duties include recruiting technical volunteers and training them to conduct virtual and in-person professional development training, facilitating virtual career talks between students and STEM professionals, specifying and supplying materials to participating school districts (including assembling MESA kits), and working collaboratively on grant projects and special events. The role also involves serving as Maryland’s representative on the National Engineering Design Competition Rules Committee and other relevant committees.

Requirements

BS or BA in education, STEM major, or other related fields
3+ years of experience implementing project-based curriculum and providing teachers with instructional support
Skilled in project management related to the administration of educational programs for students
Proficient in Microsoft Office products
Highly organized, detailed, and able to create effective deliverables within designated time frames
Strong writer, presenter, and communicator in educational, professional, and community-based settings
Willing to travel to all counties in Maryland
Able to work evenings and weekends as needed throughout the year
Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status

Nice To Haves

Experience crafting and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers
Proficient in computer programming languages
Experience teaching students in grades K-12
Excited to learn about new and emerging STEM technologies and able to translate them into project-based learning experiences for students and teachers
Experience running a learning management system
Experience working on grant-related programs
Experience planning and managing large events

Responsibilities

Collaborate with APL volunteers to develop resources, hands-on prototypes, and materials for STEM-focused projects.
Provide in-person and virtual support to Maryland school districts for their MESA programs and competitions.
Serve as head judge for regional MESA competitions.
Plan and execute the state MESA competition.
Recruit and train technical volunteers for professional development training.
Facilitate virtual career talks between students and STEM professionals.
Specify and supply materials to participating school districts, including assembling MESA kits.
Work collaboratively on grant projects and special events.
Serve as Maryland’s representative on the National Engineering Design Competition Rules Committee and other relevant committees.