Professional Learning Services Manager
About OpenSciEd
OpenSciEd is on a mission to transform K-12 science education. We bring together state science leaders, expert learning scientists, curriculum developers, national science education leaders, and classroom teachers to develop, distribute, and support a complete set of robust, research-based, freely available, openly licensed science instructional materials and professional learning resources. Our organization is breaking down barriers and championing the meaningful alignment of science instruction to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By creating and distributing high-quality, affordable instructional materials, we empower schools and districts to invest in the professional learning teachers need to implement the NGSS effectively.
OpenSciEd's professional learning content plays a pivotal role in driving the widespread adoption of our curriculum and fundamentally transforming science education. OpenSciEd has cultivated a robust network of partners dedicated to advancing science education through material distribution and professional learning facilitation. This network enables us to maintain a small, agile internal team while achieving a significant impact on the field.
One classroom at a time, OpenSciEd is proving that when given the opportunity to experience high-quality curriculum facilitated by teachers who have had the professional learning they deserve, all students can excel in science.
Position Summary
OpenSciEd provides professional learning to schools worldwide by utilizing two professional communities - a network of consultants working as facilitators for OpenSciEd and a network of organizations certified to provide OpenSciEd professional learning. This position will report to a Senior Director and be responsible for the health and success of both communities and all the logistical facets of their services. For services provided by our team of consultants, the
September 2024
person in this position is responsible for managing the full life cycle of professional learning services, from client intake and contract negotiation to event staffing and coordination. They also play a crucial role in staffing, managing, and developing the facilitator team and coordinating regional events. The Professional Learning Services Manager is also responsible for overseeing and managing our network of certified professional learning providers. The person in this role will be an external face of the organization's professional learning services, representing the work with schools, districts, and other education communities. Additionally, they will be a collaborative member of the OpenSciEd team, helping the organization in its broader work supporting science education.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Facilitator Team Management:
● Coordinate the recruitment, hiring, training, and performance feedback loops for the consultants who make up our facilitator team to ensure quality delivery of professional learning.
● Facilitate ongoing learning opportunities for the facilitators, including the process of promoting facilitators as they gain experience.
● Foster a collaborative and supportive environment among OpenSciEd team members who share responsibilities for professional learning services.
● Analyze the health of the community and make adjustments based on this analysis.
Certified Professional Learning Provider (CPLP) Network Management:
● Conduct intake of new CPLPs, including contracts, marketing efforts, placement on the website and general onboarding into the community.
● Work with the Marketing Manager to announce new CPLPs and promote their services.
● Ensure quality control of PL events put on by the CPLPs by establishing a data collection process with intentional reflection and feedback cycles and a system for improvement when needed.
● Coordinate ongoing learning and growth opportunities for CPLPs and their members, including building an online community, shared resource library, and other forms of support.
September 2024
● Analyze the health of the community and make adjustments based on this analysis.
Client Management:
● Actively support sales by identifying potential clients, presenting proposals, and closing deals for professional learning services.
● Conduct intake of professional learning services clients, understanding their needs and goals.
● Create and distribute contracts for professional learning engagements.
● Collaborate across staff and consultants to ensure smooth client communication and service delivery.
Event Management:
● Coordinate the work of the Events Manager Consultant as they manage the staffing and logistics of events.
● Plan and host regional professional learning events, including biannual participation in NSTA conferences.
● Attend to urgent needs as they arise to ensure successful events.
● Analyze and improve internal event management processes to ensure continued success
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate is highly motivated, and organized, has experience building and nurturing communities, and is passionate about science education. They have a proven track record in managing relationships with clients, processes, and people. They are a strategic thinker, able to identify and pursue new business opportunities, and a collaborative team player, able to build strong relationships with colleagues and partners.
More specifically, the ideal candidate will have:
● 3+ years of experience in professional learning, community building, or a related field.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Strong project management and organizational skills. September
● Proficiency with various technology tools and platforms and a willingness to learn additional skills.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Experience in contract negotiation and client management.
● Experience in community building and online engagement.
● Teaching experience is highly preferred.
● Proven sales skills with the ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
● Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
● Aptitude for interpersonal rapport building and working collaboratively with others, including ability to collaborate positively, constructively, and succinctly.
● Comfort in working remotely with colleagues and partners in multiple time zones.
● Experience working with state education agencies and/or school districts.
● Experience with fiscal management, budgeting, contract development, and oversight.
● Ability to thrive in a collaborative and diverse environment.
Compensation ranges from $120,000-$125,000, with competitive benefits and generous paid time off and paid holidays. OpenSciEd is a virtual organization, and this position can be based anywhere. Work is conducted in your home office or an offsite location.
OpenSciEd celebrates, supports, and thrives on difference and diversity for the benefit of our team members, our partnerships, and our community. We are an equal opportunity employer and hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
Interested candidates should submit an application using our website www.openscied.org/careers.