Space Education Specialist
4 days ago
Colorado Springs
Job Description DEPARTMENT: Space Foundation Discovery Center REPORTS TO: Education Manager POSITION SUMMARY/OJBECTIVE: The Space Education Specialist is responsible for delivering high-quality, hands-on educational experiences that inspire curiosity and learning at the Space Foundation Discovery Center (SFDC). This position focuses on space-themed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through the development, implementation, and facilitation of engaging field trips, labs, and interactive programs. The Specialist supports both on-site and select off-site educational activities, working directly with students, teachers, and visitors to create meaningful and memorable learning experiences that align with the Discovery Center’s mission and educational goals. POSITION FOCUS: The Space Education Specialist (Offsite) develops and delivers engaging STEM education programs that extend the Space Foundation’s mission beyond the Discovery Center and into the community. This role designs and refines curriculum for initiatives such as Space in the Community (SiTC), teacher professional development, and other outreach programs, ensuring content is rigorous, interactive, and impactful. The specialist facilitates these programs for diverse audiences—from elementary students to adult educators—providing hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity about space and support effective STEM instruction. The position balances curriculum development and program delivery, including refining SiTC curriculum (15%), developing and enhancing teacher professional development and SEPS curriculum (20%), and delivering SiTC programs (20%), SEP programs (20%), and teacher professional development experiences (20%) for community and educator audiences. This role also includes active teaching and periodic travel (up to once per month) to support offsite program delivery. RESPONSIBILITIES: The following briefly describes representative responsibilities of this job, but it is not intended to be a complete or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this position: • Deliver engaging, hands-on educational experiences through field trips, labs, camps, and public programs that align with the Discovery Center’s space and STEM education mission., • Support both on-site and off-site programming, including teacher professional development, outreach events, and community STEM initiatives., • Collaborate with the education team to plan, evaluate, and continuously improve program content and delivery., • Maintain and organize lab spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure safe, high-quality learning environments., • Provide exceptional guest engagement by fostering curiosity, enthusiasm, and understanding of space exploration and STEM concepts., • Develop, implement, and refine curriculum and lesson plans that integrate space science concepts and interactive learning for diverse audiences., • Assist with scheduling, setup, teardown, and other program logistics to ensure seamless delivery., • Collect and report program data to evaluate impact and support grants and funding requirements., • Demonstrated ability to effectively teach and facilitate learning in informal educational settings, using engaging, inquiry-based approaches to inspire curiosity, adapt to diverse learning styles, and connect complex space-related concepts to real-world experiences for varied audiences., • Strong time management skills, with a proven ability to organize and manage multiple priorities effectively., • Capable of adapting to a dynamic environment while maintaining a solution-focused approach to meet the demands of a space-inspired curriculum., • Comfortable conducting video conferences and recording sessions for virtual programs., • Innovative thinker who enjoys collaboration and is forward-thinking in educational practices., • Excellent oral and written communication skills, adaptable to various audiences, including management, media, and public groups., • Strong interpersonal skills, with a talent for engaging individuals in a professional setting and building relationships., • A four-year degree in education, science or a related field; STEM preferred. Must be able to explain how you can implement educational programing with your related degree or have a minimum of 1 year of experience implementing educational programming., • 1-3 years of classroom experience teaching grades 6-12 in Science, Math, or Technology preferred., • Experience working with 3-D printing and other technology is preferred., • Familiarity with project-based learning and inquiry-based education methods. This position involves movement, including walking, lifting, or carrying items up to 50 pounds, may be required. Reasonable accommodation will be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This role is primarily based in a public exhibit environment, with access to standard equipment and furnishings. The employee may occasionally be required to participate in offsite meetings or events, including potential travel as needed. The work environment is moderate to loud in noise level. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities. JOB STATUS: • FLSA Classification: This position is exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay., • Full- or Part-Time: This position is full-time in nature. An individual in this position will work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week., • Work Location: This position’s primary work site is at Space Foundation headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. Space Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, • Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage, • Short- and long-term disability insurance, • 401(k) plan with employer contribution, • Paid holidays and generous paid time off Space Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.