MESA Program Specialist

Description Do you want to craft the future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education? Are you passionate about STEM? Do you like contributing to the development and preparedness of the nation’s youth for STEM majors and careers? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. APL’s STEM Program Management Office is a dedicated team of people with a shared mission to develop the nation’s STEM talent through programs including MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement), STEM Academy, ASPIRE, and Pathways. We strive to deliver impactful programs that empower children from across the state of Maryland to succeed in STEM majors and careers. We are seeking an organized and detailed project manager with excellent communication skills to run operations for APL’s MESA program. Maryland MESA is a member of MESA USA, a national organization that works with school districts and community partners to prepare students for STEM majors and careers. Maryland MESA is operated by APL and facilitated by teacher and parent coaches. This out‑of‑school time program provides training for teachers and coaches on how to deliver MESA to students in grades 3 to 12 using the MESA model. As the MESA Program Specialist, your primary responsibility will be to collaborate with APL volunteers to develop resources, hands‑on prototypes, and materials that enable teachers and students to design STEM‑focused projects. You will also be responsible for providing in‑person and virtual support to representatives from Maryland school districts to help them facilitate each district's MESA program and competition. This also includes serving as head judge for regional competitions and planning and executing the state competition. Other duties include recruiting technical volunteers and training them to conduct virtual and in‑person professional development training, facilitating virtual career talks between students and STEM professionals, specifying and supplying materials to participating school districts (including assembling MESA kits), and working collaboratively on grant projects and special events. Since Maryland is a member of MESA USA, you will also serve as Maryland’s representative on the National Engineering Design Competition Rules Committee and other relevant committees. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Possess a BS or BA in education, STEM major, or other related fields Have 3+ years of experience implementing project‑based curriculum and providing teachers with instructional support Are skilled in project management related to the administration of educational programs for students Are proficient in Microsoft Office products Are highly organized, detailed, and can create effective deliverables within designated time frames Are a strong writer, presenter, and communicator in educational, professional, and community‑based settings Are willing to travel to all counties in Maryland and able to work evenings and weekends as needed throughout the year Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... Have experience crafting and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers Are proficient in computer programming languages Have experience teaching students in grades K-12 Are excited to learn about new and emerging STEM technologies and are able to translate them into project‑based learning experiences for students and teachers Have experience running a learning management system Have experience working on grant‑related programs Have experience planning and managing large events About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate: $62,900 Annually Maximum Rate: $180,300 Annually #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab