The Organization
MSEF supports middle and high school students engaged in independent science and engineering research. These STEM learning projects help students think independently and critically as well as innovate around local and global challenges. Students experience the excitement of pursuing their interests & passions and the pride of showcasing their work. Through the science fair program, students experience the professional practices of working scientists and engineers.
Connecting students to the STEM ecosystem is core to this work. This includes the work that we do with individuals, corporate sponsors, and academic partners.
The Opportunity
MSEF engages 500+ volunteers each year. While most of the volunteer participation is through judging one of the science fairs, other volunteers serve as student coaches, support at events, or serve as Scientific Review Committee members reviewing student projects.
Volunteers serve as key role models for MSEF participants. Facilitating their engagement with a student-focused lens is critical. The Volunteer Coordinator, in partnership with Program and Development staff, will support this ecosystem of volunteer engagement including, but not limited to, communications, volunteer coordination, and (general) event support (webinars, to site visits, to Fairs).
As a small organization that operates a remote-only office, all members of the team work collaboratively - both supporting and learning from each other. This position will provide skill building opportunities in educational programming and non-profit management.
Here’s What You Will Be Doing
Recruitment & Engagement
- Collaborate with Program and Development staff to recruit volunteers from higher education, industry partners, and MSEF alumni to serve as science fair judges at State and Regional fairs, as well as for mentorship and coaching roles (1:1 coaching, webinars, ‘help desk’ support, and events)
- Manage logistics of volunteer engagement
- Maintain relationships with volunteers and alumni to promote continued engagement
Training and preparation
- Coordinate scheduling and onboarding of volunteers
- Support delivery of training sessions to ensure volunteers are confident and prepared
- Refine and update existing training materials; develop new resources as needed
- Provide oversight and onboarding for the Scientific Review Committee, including training on rules and systems
Participation Management
- Manage logistics related to volunteer roles and responsibilities at events
- Collect and analyze feedback from volunteers to improve future experiences
Communications
- Develop and maintain a volunteer toolkit of guides, templates, and critical communications
- Coordinate with teachers, students, and corporate partners who engage or connect volunteers
- Assist with volunteer-focused content for social media, email campaigns, and outreach — both to recognize contributions and recruit new participants
This position will also assist with other MSEF programs as per volunteer needs, including but not limited to:
- Scholarship review committee
- International Science & Engineering Fair student support and chaperoning
- Student symposium speakers and day-of support.
Are you a good fit?
- You enjoy making connections that will benefit young STEM enthusiasts
- You believe that anyone can find a place for themselves in STEM
- You don’t mind working alone, but get excited when you can work with a team
- You’re a dot-connector
- You love a good plan and list action items and you’re comfortable creating systems to keep things organized
- You’re comfortable with experimentation and being flexible
What’s needed to succeed
- Experience supporting volunteers, managing student groups, or school-related programming
- Experience with event and program management
- Familiarity with science and/or engineering
- Excellent listening skills and strong writing skills
- Experience working with students historically underrepresented in STEM
- Driver’s license and clean driving record
- Willingness to travel in-State
- Ability to work remotely as part of a team
- Willingness to assist with assorted tasks that inevitably arise with a small organization
- Facility with Microsoft Office software, Google, and other digital tools and experience with databases and organizational systems
We realize that one candidate may not have all the skills listed here, so please apply if you believe your experience and skills fit most of the job requirements.
MSEF is a small non-profit with a rich history and strong links to education, industry and academia. This position will be one of 5 staff. MSEF does not have an office and operates as a remote organization. All candidates must be amenable to working remotely. Given local events, meetings, and relationship building, candidates must be based in Massachusetts.
MSEF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. We encourage applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply.
