Position: Educator Professional Learning Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a genomic science and applications nonprofit organization located in Huntsville, Alabama. It is a high-volume genomic data producer and a global scientific collaborator valued for genomic data analysis and interpretation to solve questions in cancer, undiagnosed childhood genomic disorders, neuro-psychiatric disorders, immune-mediated disease, agriculture and more. Its unique campus crosses the boundaries between scientists, educators, and commercial business to spark innovation and growth.

DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY

Educational Outreach is an essential component of the HudsonAlpha mission. The education and outreach programs of HudsonAlpha are organized around two guiding principles: preparing the future biotechnology workforce and cultivating an awareness of the influence of genetics and biotechnology on the lives of all citizens. The genetic counseling team at HudsonAlpha resides within the Educational Outreach department and leads the development and implementation of educational programs for clinical audiences as well as supports the clinical and research-based genetic counseling needs across HudsonAlpha.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Educator Professional Learning Specialist is responsible for designing and delivering professional development in small and large-scale settings for HudsonAlpha's Educational Outreach programs. This individual engages in building long-term professional development relationships with a goal of improving efficacy of classroom educators and effectiveness of genetics instruction. This individual also works collaboratively with other EO team members to develop instructional materials, pilot new materials and resources and support field trip opportunities for students. This a full-time (40 hours per week) position.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Biology or another related field
• Valid Alabama teaching certificate, or able to obtain one
• Prior experience as a classroom educator
• Prior experience developing and presenting professional learning for educators at the school, district, state, regional or national level
• Prior experience in developing project budgets and/or grant writing is preferred

Required Skills:

• Proficient with common technology applications and their use
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong presentation skills, both the crafting and presentation of content to large and small audiences of varying types
• Ability to identify gaps in pedagogy and content and construct appropriate supports to address the gap
• Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines and deadlines appropriately
• Experience with agriculture or agriscience education

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

• Design, develop and deliver in-state professional learning opportunities for projects associated with Educational Outreach, such as GREAT, GTAC, and Middle School GPS.
• Identify educator gaps in professional learning and design solutions to address those gaps.
• Design, develop and deliver out-of-state professional learning opportunities for educators for projects associated with Educational Outreach.
• Build long-term professional learning relationships with educators, specifically aimed at increasing the effectiveness of genetics instruction at the classroom level.
• Build and execute in-classroom piloting plans for new educational materials and kits developed by Educational outreach. Participate in the piloting to provide specific feedback about the training requirements of new resources.
• Regularly support laboratory-based field trip experiences for students visiting the Institute.
• Work with multiple teams, both inside Educational Outreach and across other departments at HudsonAlpha.
• Utilize Basecamp, or other project management software to oversee details associated with Educator Professional Development programs.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods,
• Constant moving during hosted events.
• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to maintain computers and audio/visual equipment in the classroom/laboratory.
• Must be able to transport materials required for various experiences. This includes lifting and moving up to 25 pounds of materials (e.g. small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment) between classrooms/laboratories and to and from parking lots and buildings.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Frequently move around a classroom or HudsonAlpha campus to monitor guests of HudsonAlpha.
• Occasional air/car travel for meetings, conferences, or other activities which may require overnight stay(s).
• Frequent communication with guests of HudsonAlpha in an auditorium, atrium, or classroom/laboratory.
• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Workspace is generally an indoor office setting and in other common and education spaces throughout HudsonAlpha with controlled temperature conditions.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor environment during portions of the workday including extreme cold or hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions.
• Prolonged and irregular working hours, which include early morning and/or evening hours, as business dictates.
• Periodic overnight travel and some local travel

Mental Functions

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Convey genomic science information in a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner.
• Use interpersonal skills to foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.