CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION

Organizational Overview

The Citizen Science Lab (TCSL) is a non-profit, hands-on laboratory where inquisitive minds and Science enthusiasts can explore the Life Sciences. The CSL serves the Pittsburgh region with extracurricular enrichment support via homeschool and weekend workshops, after school programs, summer camps, lab memberships, birthday parties, and other events. The organization wants everyone to observe and analyze through discovery-based STEM enrichment. The CSL seeks a visionary who is extremely dedicated to bringing science to diverse and marginalized communities by creating phenomenally, life-changing laboratory experiences for youth and adults.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) collaborates with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision, operations strategy, and hiring levels. The candidate will need strong leadership skills and the ability to approach business with a creative point of view. The COO will lead the team of high-performing staff to be efficient, productive, and effective. The ideal candidate has extensive experience within the Science field, as well as having managerial experience. The COO, in collaboration with the CEO, will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operations activities in the organization, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the organization. The COO must understand the disparities of Black, Indigenous and people of color in STEM and what is needed to overcome the obstacles impeding success.

Type: Full Time

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pay: Based on relevant experience

FLSA: Exempt

Essential Functions:

• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet company goals.

• Ability to assist the CEO in developing the organization into a national model.

• Assists in the expansion of the organization in the Allegheny County and surrounding areas

• Establishes, implements, and communicates the strategic direction of the organization.

• Manages day-to-day operations, to include recruitment, purchasing, implement/ enforce safety measures and adherence to approved budget.

• Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, finances, and facilities are in line with the organization's business plan and vision.

Supervises:

• Grants and Communications Manager, Alumni Coordinator, Office Manager, part time STEM Enrichment Technicians and high school volunteers.

Program Coordination:

• Maintains and continues to develop scientifically accurate, age appropriate, comprehensive curriculum in STEM education for learners of all ages

• Designs/develops weeklong STEM -related summer science camps

• Plans and implements experiments and activities for CSL events (field trips, birthday parties, off-site visits)

Program Management:

• Assists in the employee recruitment process

• Proactively recruits participants to the program and manage participant application process

• Maintains clear and effective communication with parents, participants, and technicians

• Assesses student learning and evaluate the programs success to monitor program effectiveness

• Develops ongoing training and professional development opportunities for STEM program instructors and high school interns

• Develops, creates, purchases, and maintains program materials

Program Instruction:

• Designs and prepares inquiry based and engaging STEM related lessons and learning units.

• Aligns activities with students interests and allow for flexibility.

• Teaches homeschool and afterschool curriculum weekly

• Supports independent lab participants, such as the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, (any Science-related Field)

• 4-5 years’ experience in managing lab is required

• 4 year’s teaching experience in science, math or technology preferred

• Experimental & Curriculum design/development experience is preferred

• Experience running biotech start up is a plus

• Experience with non-profit organization(s) preferred

• Proficient in following and troubleshooting laboratory protocols

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge of inquiry -based learning

• Maintains a current knowledge of the evolving field of science and STEM education theory and trends, hands on inquiry-based education, and other pertinent educational philosophy

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Valid PA driver's license and reliable access to a car is strongly preferred for traveling to and from sites

• Ability to obtain current PA Act 33/34 Clearances and FBI Fingerprint Background Check

• Ability to foster positive youth-adult relationships

• Reliable when working independently and collaboratively

• Experience serving diverse groups of students, teachers, and community stakeholders

• Must be able to multitask and complete numerous projects simultaneously with frequent interruption

• Adaptable to flexible work hours and environment with evolving program priorities

• Outgoing personality

• Ability to problem solve

• Takes initiative

• Flexibility

• Creativity

Certification / Licenses:

• N/A

Position Reports to:

• Chief Executive Officer

Physical / Mental Characteristics:

• Ability to lift 5-40 lbs., stand, carry, climb, sit for long periods using accepted ergonomic principles, work in confined space etc.

• Ability to perform fine motor skills

• Ability to use a computer for entering or retrieving data

• Excellent hand-eye coordination

• If you require an accommodation, please inform the CEO or Office Manager

NOTE: The above description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

The Citizen Science Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The CSL expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Dev. 3/24

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person