MESA Program Specialist

Description

Do you want to craft the future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education?

Are you passionate about STEM? Do you like contributing to the development and preparedness of the nation’s youth for STEM majors and careers?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

APL’s STEM Program Management Office is a dedicated team of people with a shared mission to develop the nation’s STEM talent through programs including MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement), STEM Academy, ASPIRE, and Pathways. We strive to deliver impactful programs that empower children from across the state of Maryland to succeed in STEM majors and careers.

We are seeking an organized and detailed project manager with excellent communication skills to run operations for APL’s MESA program. Maryland MESA is a member of MESA USA, a national organization that works with school districts and community partners to prepare students for STEM majors and careers. Maryland MESA is operated by APL and facilitated by teacher and parent coaches. This out‑of‑school time program provides training for teachers and coaches on how to deliver MESA to students in grades 3 to 12 using the MESA model.

As the MESA Program Specialist, your primary responsibility will be to collaborate with APL volunteers to develop resources, hands‑on prototypes, and materials that enable teachers and students to design STEM‑focused projects. You will also be responsible for providing in‑person and virtual support to representatives from Maryland school districts to help them facilitate each district's MESA program and competition. This also includes serving as head judge for regional competitions and planning and executing the state competition.

Other duties include recruiting technical volunteers and training them to conduct virtual and in‑person professional development training, facilitating virtual career talks between students and STEM professionals, specifying and supplying materials to participating school districts (including assembling MESA kits), and working collaboratively on grant projects and special events. Since Maryland is a member of MESA USA, you will also serve as Maryland’s representative on the National Engineering Design Competition Rules Committee and other relevant committees.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS or BA in education, STEM major, or other related fields
• Have 3+ years of experience implementing project‑based curriculum and providing teachers with instructional support
• Are skilled in project management related to the administration of educational programs for students
• Are proficient in Microsoft Office products
• Are highly organized, detailed, and can create effective deliverables within designated time frames
• Are a strong writer, presenter, and communicator in educational, professional, and community‑based settings
• Are willing to travel to all counties in Maryland and able to work evenings and weekends as needed throughout the year
• Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have experience crafting and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers
• Are proficient in computer programming languages
• Have experience teaching students in grades K-12
• Are excited to learn about new and emerging STEM technologies and are able to translate them into project‑based learning experiences for students and teachers
• Have experience running a learning management system
• Have experience working on grant‑related programs
• Have experience planning and managing large events

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and…