AKA Science Program Specialist I

At Impact NW we are a nonprofit with a mission to prevent homelessness, because we believe in the fundamental right to a beautiful life. That of course means the stability and peace that come with basic human needs being met — a roof overhead, food on the table, and warmth in the winter. More importantly, it also means a life filled with opportunity and community support, especially for Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Immigrant, and Asian people.

What we seek is for you to share your skillset – as a person who is in line with our values, that act as our decision-making code and inform how we show up each day:

• See the beauty in people — We walk alongside our clients and each other to understand each human’s complexities and recognize the beauty of our shared experience.
• Promote peace — To us, that means a sense of justice and fairness that benefits the most people. When we help those that need it most, our community rises together.
• Find a way — Our work is challenging, but the responsibility ultimately lies with us. We are optimistic, resourceful, and tenacious when it comes to making a better future.
• Put people first — Systemic change requires the courage to do something different. We focus on what works, emphasizing the impact on human lives over theoretical pretenses.
   

Job Title: AKA Science Youth Program Specialist I

Job Classification: Part-time, 32 Hours Per Week (.80 FTE)

Compensation: $20/hr + benefits

Location: In-person, various SUN schools across Portland, but based out of Dancing Tree Family Center (10055 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97216).

Description: AKA Science is a fun, hands-on afterschool STEM enrichment program that serves hundreds of under-resourced Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Latino/a/x, Immigrant, and Asian elementary and middle school youth in Portland, OR. AKA Science is powered by a small team of experienced scientists and educators who work together to bring AKA Science to life! We are seeking an enthusiastic team member with a passion for science education to help support our program.

In this role, you will focus on two main tasks: (1) Teaching and (2) Program Logistics:

• Teaching (40%) includes delivering afterschool science classes to middle-school youth using the established AKA Science curriculum along with a complete set of supplies and materials. Classes are composed of up to 15 students and take place across 4 SUN school locations. You would be teaching one 1-2hr class at each site once per week (total of 4 teaching days per week.)
• Program Logistics (60%) includes AKA Science warehouse and supply organization, science activity testing, activity filming & editing, assisting with curriculum development, supply pickups, supporting kit-building events, and quality control.

Requirements:

• Education or experience with teaching elementary or middle school youth, particularly in a classroom setting.
• Ability to read, count, speak, write, and follow written and/or verbal directions in English.
• Must be able to arrive on time and communicate responsively using email, instant messaging, text, and phone.
• Ability to bend, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds, stand, walk, carry, and work in both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled environments.
• Ability to apply skills in organization, attention to detail, and working independently.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills such as typing, data entry, reading spreadsheets, upload/download/print files, access Google Suite, etc.
• Ability to travel efficiently in the Portland area via regular access to a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement or Impact NW company vehicles (this requires a valid driver’s license, insurance coverage, and a history of safe driving).
• Must be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check.

Desired Skills:

• Education, experience, or interest in science, STEM education, curriculum development, or SUN schools is helpful.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or setting up/breaking down volunteer events.
• People with bilingual or bicultural skills and/or people identifying as Indigenous, Black,
• Brown, Melanated, Latino/a/x, Immigrant, and Asian are strongly encouraged to apply!

Schedule:

• Teaching in afternoons, one hour per day (e.g. between 3:30-5:30) plus 30 minutes before and after program, Monday – Thursday
• Program Logistics in mornings (e.g. 9:00-1:00) Monday – Thursday or Tuesday – Friday (to be arranged)

Benefits:

• Employer-paid medical, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life insurance for full time employees.
• Attractive PTO and Vacation Policy, plus Self-Care days.
• 401(K) with employer matching.
• Opportunity to grow through training and professional development.