NEON Chief of Education and Outreach THE ORGANIZATION
NEON, Inc. (http://www.neoninc.org <http://www.neoninc.org/> ) has an immediate opening for a full-time Education and Outreach Director based in Boulder, CO. NEON, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide the scientific and business infrastructure for the National Ecological Observatory Network a Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) project developed for the National Science Foundation (NSF). The continental scale Observatory will gather data on the nation's most compelling ecological challenges with the goal of educating new generations of scientists, helping all citizens better understand these challenges and helping the nation better use ecological information in decision making. The Observatory is organized to integrate education and science and provide access to the project's technological infrastructure and resources, as described in the Integrated Science and Education Plan (http://www.neoninc.org/milestones/2006/isep.html). JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief of Education (COE) assumes a leadership role in NEON Inc. The COE will lead the development of a national education, outreach and decision support facility for a wide audience (K-16 and graduate students, the public, ecologists, education researchers, local, regional and national decision-makers); supervise the education coordinators at the Observatory's 20 sites, and coordinate regional education and outreach programs. Education and research should be seamlessly integrated within NEON, with each contributing to and supporting the other. Within NEON Inc., the COE will work closely with a range of staff including scientists, system engineers, cyber-infrastructure specialists, and other technical experts and will have supervisory responsibilities. Duties include: 1. As a creative and effective leader, develop the NEON Education, Outreach and Decision support facilities 2. Develop and focus NEON Education & Outreach (E&O) goals in coordination with NEON, Inc. advisory boards, committees, and domains; communicate these goals within NEON and broadly to the education and user community 3. Facilitate, coordinate, and lead education and outreach efforts at the national level within NEON Inc. and between domains; this involves developing partnerships with a wide range of communities, leaders, and programs 4. Help NEON science effectively contribute to NEON E&O goals by identifying opportunities for data products, observations, and deployments that support E&O as well as research, support research via citizen science programs 5. Leading education research efforts at both national and regional levels, ensuring that assessment plans are effectively carried out and that findings shape further NEON E&O 6. Facilitate funding of NEON E&O at the national and regional levels by identifying funding sources, assisting NEON staff in development of grant proposals nationally and regionally. 7. Provide leadership regarding best educational practices, both to assist overall NEON education objectives and to serve as a national model for science education by showcasing best practices (e.g. achieving the National Science Education Standards, applying assessment techniques, and advancing research on learning). 8. Promote NEON science and education to the education community at national and regional meetings (e.g. NSTA, NAEE, ESA), and to federal agencies and institutions. QUALIFICATIONS: 1 Creative leadership ability, demonstrated ability to development new facilities and activities. Candidate must have demonstrated track record of experience with successful program development and implementation and strong leadership skills 2 Advanced training in science, science education or related fields.. Preferred qualification: MS or Ph.D. in Ecology or directly related field, or in Science Education (in fields related to NEON) and evidence of extensive knowledge/experience in both fields; experience commensurate with that of a university professor, leadership in a Science or Nature Center/Museum/or other informal science institution, or equivalent rank from K-12 educational systems, professional associations, government or industry or similar credentials in a decision support/outreach oriented organization. 3 Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills to effectively coordinate and represent the diverse components of NEON E&O. 4 Demonstrated ability to interact with a broad range of partners including scientists, science educators, science administrators, government and congressional personnel, etc. 5 Knowledge of and direct experience with: research on teaching/learning and science education reform; the design, funding, and execution of large-scale K-12, undergraduate, graduate and/or informal/public environmental science education or decision support/outreach programs; and collaboration with national and regional leaders and professional organizations in these fields. 6 Demonstrated experience managing staff and complex projects; facilitation, public speaking and interpersonal skills; creativity; and ability to work effectively with diverse audiences. TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, CV/resume, salary history, and salary requirements to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with "Chief of Ed. and Outreach" in the subject line. This position is open until filled. NEON is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. -- Dan Johnson Public Information Representative The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) 1444 Eye St. NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 +1 202-628-1500 x215 +1 703-615-7626 Mobile +1 202-628-1509 Fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.neoninc.org
