GeoFORCE Outreach Program Coordinator

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

1d•$55,000

About The Position

GeoFORCE is a free youth education outreach program for high school students across Texas. The Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas created GeoFORCE to identify and develop the next generation of STEM leadership for discovery, research, and management of energy, minerals, water, the environment, and natural hazards for the benefit of society. Each summer GeoFORCE Texas takes over 400 high school students on awe-inspiring week-long geological field trips (academies) in Texas and throughout the United States. Taught by university faculty, research scientists, and area educators and mentored by professional geologists from our industry partners, the trips engage and empower students by exposing them to something completely different than their home and school environment. GeoFORCE hosts an average of 10 week-long overnight academies each summer. Purpose GeoFORCE coordinators work together to plan, implement, and support the GeoFORCE Texas program and other youth outreach events associated with the Jackson School of Geosciences, conducted on and off campus. The GeoFORCE coordinator is responsible for the safety and well-being of up to 55 students during each summer academy. They must also appropriately represent GeoFORCE, the Jackson School, and The University of Texas at public events and conferences.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree.
3 years experience coordinating or administering a program.
Successful employees assuming the coordinator position for GeoFORCE communicate effectively with a variety of populations, build and maintain strong relationships with program stakeholders, and make responsible decisions under pressure.
Individuals in this role are frequently responsible for the safety and well-being of up to 55 individuals, including minors.
Sound decision making and proactivity are essential qualifications.
Other essential qualifications include responsiveness, and productivity towards established team goals and objectives.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

More than the required qualifications.
Two or more years of experience working with high school students, afterschool programs, summer camps, and/or event planning.
A bachelor’s degree in geoscience, environmental studies, STEM education, or related.
Experience in geoscience education or scientific fieldwork.

Responsibilities

Be responsible for planning, implementation, and logistical support of GeoFORCE outreach programs, conferences, events, and field excursions.
Participate in all GeoFORCE programs, including a minimum of 3 weeks of overnight summer academies, recruitment trips to secondary schools across Texas, and alumni organization events taking place at UT and other institutions over the course of the academic year.
Prioritize student safety and follow all Youth Protection Program guidelines.
Create internal and external communication with program stakeholders and presentations to community members and at professional conferences.
Meet with University faculty, staff, and group sponsors to plan and schedule programs.
Coordinate all program support activities including conference registration, budgeting, audiovisual needs, and related services.
Assist educational teams, counselors, speakers, mentors, and sponsors with concerns and requests.
Coordinate arrangements and schedules for housing and food needs of program participants.
Ensure that equipment is properly utilized, maintained, and inventoried.
Analyze internal data and prepare evaluative reports in accordance with management requirements and stakeholder requests.
Assist in geoscience educational curriculum including field guidebook activities and content pages.
Create social media posts and keep consistent branding and communication.
Write monthly news articles highlighting GeoFORCE success stories.
Recommend new procedures and policies for improvement of support activities.
Other duties as assigned.