Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. Currently under design is the NEON project - an observatory comprising more than 60 environmental and biological monitoring locations distributed throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska & Puerto Rico. The observatory network will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales over multiple decades.
Summary Supervised by the Chief of Education and Public Engagement , the Education Director (ED) will be responsible for the development, planning and implementation of the NEON web portal including all content and design. The NEON web portal will be used to deliver NEON information to educators, scientists, decision makers, general public and citizen scientists. The ED will also work closely with the NEON Education Department personnel to develop and implement a comprehensive citizen science program that will be facilitated through the NEON web portal. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Manage content development from conceptualization through implementation that will meet NEON core objectives to provide online learning experiences to various interest groups. • Manage the design (i.e., organization, look and feel, functionality) of the NEON web portal and work closely with NEON software developers to implement the design. • Supervise a small team of graphic/multi-media/web designers and science educators to plan, research, develop and implement the NEON web portal. • Engage stakeholders in web portal development process including attending and speaking at conferences, meetings and events related to NEON education efforts • Communicate NEON activities to variety of stakeholders including scientists, educators, students, decision makers, politicians and the general public • Develop a feedback mechanism on the effectiveness of information provided in the web portal. • Coordinate multiple projects concurrently Education • Master’s degree in science field, science education, instructional design, environmental studies or related field Required Experience • 3+ years developing content for web portal • 7 + years developing science education learning resources • 5+ years managing complex projects • Previous experience developing and writing grant proposals • 7+ years experience on science education projects • 2+ years experience managing personnel • Experience using graphic design software Preferred Experience: • Developing science curriculum materials for K-12 audiences • Developing resources for informal science audiences such as citizen scientists • Using web content management systems • Designing web interface for sharing large datasets with scientists • Developing and leading professional development and training courses for educators, decision makers, scientists • Supervising educator and/or web design personnel Skills and Abilities: • Strong computer skills; proficient in MS Office products to include Word and Excel, experience with Adobe Creative Suite software and web site content management systems. • Demonstrated ability to develop web portal content and design • Familiarity with science learning theory • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Proven ability to work cross-functionally to accomplish departmental goals • Ability to work in a team environment as both a leader and team member • Proven ability to manage a complex project from inception through to implementation • Ability to manage multiple tasks and successfully meet deadlines • Ability to solve problems independently while working in a fast paced, energetic environment Physical Abilities: • Ability to travel periodically Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
