Managing Director – Summer Science Program

Managing Director – Summer Science Program

Department
: SSPI Program Operations
Reporting to
:
Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Schedule
:
Full-time, exempt
Location
:
Remote
Travel required
: 25-30 days per year
Salary
: $150,000 annually

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery.

Guided by our mission, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a global network of over 4,300 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found .org.

Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer, the Managing Director of Summer Science Program will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of SSPI’s Summer Science Program. As a key leadership team member, the Managing Director will oversee program operations, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure programmatic alignment with SSPI’s mission and goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of STEM education, a passion for equity in learning, and strong leadership skills to scale and enhance our impact.

• Consistent delivery of efficient operations with successful student outcomes across all Summer Science Program departments.
• Sustained and continued growth of strategic partnerships with host campuses and external organizations.
• Advancing initiatives that grow access for first generation students while preserving cultural and academic fidelity.
• Continuous improvement of Summer Science program leveraging data informed evaluation and research to inform program design.
• Responsible stewardship of program budgets, grants, and resources through careful oversight and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Timely preparation of accurate and insightful reporting to the Board of Directors.

• Oversee the operational aspects of SSPI’s Summer Science Program, including managing and allocating financial and non-financial resources to meet program objectives.
• Directly supervise the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Student Success, and indirectly supervise their respective teams.
• Lead program innovation and continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, and community feedback.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact within the program team and cross-departmentally.
• Play a key role in fundraising efforts and external relationship-building to support SSPI’s mission and programs.
• Oversee the professional development and mentorship of Directors and staff on the Summer Science Program team.
• Represent SSPI and the Summer Science Program at national conferences, board meetings, and in the media.

• Provide advice, context, and action plans to the Executive Leadership team for expanding the Summer Science Program without loss in academic or cultural quality or fidelity.
• Develop strategies for addressing target student populations (first generation and historically underrepresented students in STEM).
• Direct the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, and other staff members to identify and secure laboratory space, dormitory space, office space, equipment, and technical facilities for the Summer Science Program on each site as needed.
• Prepare ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect efforts and advancements during the current period.

• Oversee the annual review of the Summer Science Program’s research projects, in collaboration…