Monday, April 27, 2009

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) Physical Sciences Program Officer

Start Date: ASAP, Fall 2009 latest

The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF), a rapidly growing multimillion dollar foundation located in Moorestown, New Jersey (just outside Philadelphia) is currently seeking a Physical Sciences Program Officer for planning, coordination, and management of the KSTF Physical Sciences Teaching Fellows Program.  

Established as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization in 2000, KSTF supports three nationwide programs designed to improve the quality of high school science and mathematics teaching: 
* Teaching Fellowships for outstanding beginning high school science and mathematics teachers
* Research Fellowships for early career scholars 
* Conferences on science and mathematics education

The primary responsibility of the Physical Sciences Program Officer will be the management of up to two groups of about 15 KSTF Physical Sciences Teaching Fellows each, which includes: the recruitment and selection of yearly cohorts;  planning, conducting and evaluating a five-year trajectory of professional development and support for teaching fellows; and working with the program staff and institutions outside of KSTF  to enhance the foundation's  capacity to positively impact  the profession of secondary science and mathematics teaching . The Physical Science Program Officer will function as a part of collaborative team of professionals that includes Program Officers for Mathematics , Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences and will report to the Senior Program Officer for Teaching Fellowships. Position is full-time, on-site in NJ.
Some travel required.

The ideal candidate for this position has a combination of the following strengths and abilities:
* High school teaching experience in one of the physical sciences (required)
* Experience working with beginning high school teachers
* Sophisticated understanding of science education, particularly at the secondary level
* Deep and extensive content knowledge in one of the physical sciences (physics, chemistry or Earth/space science)
* Familiarity with the questions, methodology and conclusions of education research
* An advanced degree in a physical science, education or a related field (or anticipating such), doctorate preferred
* Self-motivation and ability to set clear priorities
* Ability to initiate projects and work with a team to follow them through to completion 
* Ability to respond flexibly and creatively to the foundation's needs as they arise
* Strong oral and written communication skills

Salary based on education and experience.  Search will remain open until position is filled.  

Interested applicants should review the KSTF website (www.kstf.org) and send a letter of interest and a resume or vita to: Nicole Gillespie, Senior Program Officer,
 ngillespie@kstf.org or  856-608-0008 (fax).