Central Illinois Hub Manager

Hours/Shift/Work Schedule:  As an exempt employee, the incumbent is expected to work the necessary schedule to successfully complete the requirements of the position; typically, M - F 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M, with some evening and up to 15 Saturdays per year..

The overall goal of the IMSA Innovation Hub is to provide a regionally-based community hub of engagement to expand the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's (IMSA’s) reach and impact across the state of Illinois. This position is responsible for providing leadership, direction, coordination, management, and supervision to IMSA's Central Illinois Innovation Hub and respective offsite IMSA programs in this general geographic location. This individual will help the Outreach Office and the greater IMSA community meet objectives, achieve growth, and maintain best practice. Office space is being provided by one of the universities in the area.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual is responsible for but not limited to:

• →In conjunction with the Director of Downstate Programs, develop growth strategies, set goals, and secure partners to expand IMSA's impact. 
• →In collaboration with the IMSA Admissions Office, serve as the primary regional liaison to recruit prospective students for IMSA's residential campus in Aurora through targeted school visits, presentations, and engagement with middle school counselors and administrators. 
• →Organize and host regional information sessions, prospective family events, and application guidance workshops, leveraging Hub outreach programs as strategic pathways to cultivate a diverse applicant pool for the Aurora campus.
• →Assess the needs of local educational agencies to identify potential outreach programs.
• →Promote other IMSA programs online, partner programs, and residential programs throughout the state as potential enrichment opportunities to IMSA scholars in the region.
• →Organize and deliver professional development workshops on STEM content and pedagogy to teachers in Central Illinois.
• →Lead the efforts in expanding “IMSA off-campus” programs ensuring all students have the opportunity to participate and have opportunities that meet the diverse interests of the student body and reflect the resources and partnerships available at the Hub.
• →Provide a valuable exchange network of ideas and resources for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and network partners to serve the STEM needs of the region.
• →Identify, build, and maintain relationships with key communities across the region with special attention and sensitivity to historically underrepresented, at risk, and marginalized populations.
• →Collaborate with team members to develop regional outreach strategies, promotional materials, and schedules to educate the community about IMSA’s mission, Hub programs, and residential Academy opportunities. 
• →Conduct outreach activities at community events, resource fairs, education, and training workshops.
• →Actively participate in regional events, meetings, and conferences to represent the organization and promote awareness.
• →Manage substantial aspects of offsite program operations, including scheduling, facilities and equipment, and preparation of any necessary materials, certificates or evaluations.
• →Assist with administrative tasks related to outreach and recruitment efforts, such as participant tracking and report generation.
• →Manage customer relations and address requests for information, program support and program modifications in a timely, respectful manner.
• →Promote equitable access for all students to pursue learning opportunities at the Hub and apply for residential enrollment at the Aurora campus.
• →Other duties as assigned.

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Master’s degree and experience in an educational environment required.
• Five (5) or more years of related experience.
• Experience developing and coordinating educational programs.
• Demonstrated experience in relationship building.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with, and sensitivity to the needs of, historically underrepresented populations.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to provide efficient, quality service to both internal and external partners.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and active listening skills.
• Strong time management skills along with problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, establish workload priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Solid interpersonal skills along with the ability and willingness to respect and value the differences and perceptions of diverse groups/individuals.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. While this is generally sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: mobility, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, speaking, hearing, and visual acuity, The job also requires the ability to move and transport program materials weighing up to 50 pounds. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.