Senior Manager of Education and Programs

The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee (CLC) is the K–12 outreach facility of the Florida A&M University–Florida State University College of Engineering. Our mission is to provide students and their families with high-quality educational experiences through our IMAX® Theatre, Fogg Planetarium, Space Mission Simulator, and hands-on educational activities.

See what makes The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee unique and learn more about what we do.

The Sr. Manager, Education & Programs provides leadership and oversight for the Challenger Learning Center’s educational programs, initiatives, and education personnel, with a focus on K–12 outreach, space science, and STEM education. The position serves as a member of the Center’s senior management team and serves as the Director in their absence.

• Provides leadership and oversight for the Challenger Learning Center's education programs, personnel, and departmental operations. Develops, implements, and evaluates K–12 STEM programs, workshops, outreach initiatives, camps, and teacher professional development. Supervises education personnel and oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance management, and staff development.
• Plans and coordinates educational programs, camps, events, staffing, materials, equipment, and logistics. Manages departmental budgets, purchasing, inventory, and educational resources and maintains simulator and instructional equipment and materials.
• Builds and maintains relationships with schools, educators, community partners, and other external organizations. Serves as a member of the Center's senior management team, participates in Center-wide planning and operational coordination, and serves as the Director's designee during the Director's absence.

Master’s degree in education or a STEM-related field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) and two years of instructional experience; a bachelor’s degree and and four years' experience or a high school diploma or equivalent and experience equal to eight years.

A valid Florida or Georgia class E driver’s license or the ability to obtain one.

• Experience managing K–12 STEM education programs, informal education programs, museums, science centers, or camps
• Background in developing and delivering teacher professional development, workshops, or other educational programming.
• Familiarity with managing educational program budgets, purchasing, grant applications, and resource allocation.
• Ability to use data to evaluate and improve educational programs.
• Knowledge of state educational standards and current practices in STEM education.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with schools, educators, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and supervise employees while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication, public speaking, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of program and project planning, training, budgeting, data analysis, and program evaluation.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable policies and procedures and use computer, multimedia, and instructional technology.
• Ability to support and coordinate the maintenance and troubleshooting of instructional and related equipment.

For questions about the position, please contact JJ Hitzel, CLC HR Manager, at [email protected]

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses. 

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.