Position Summary:
The Senior Program Coordinator for Vanderbilt Student Volunteers of Science is responsible for the
community outreach programming for Metro Public Schools. Responsible for hiring student volunteers
who assist in the VSVS lab and also travel to designated Metro Public Schools to help with STEM
focused projects. Manages all logistics for all four VSVS programs (VSVS Local Classroom Program,
VSVS Rural Outreach Program, VSVS Local Outreach Program, and VSVS at Vanderbilt Children’s
Hospital), HHPH (Hip Hop Public Health), and STEM Speaks.
About the Work Unit:
VSVS is a service organization composed of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are
committed to bringing inquiry-based, hands-on science lessons to elementary and middle school
students. VSVS partners a team of 2-5 volunteers with a 5th – 8th grade classroom teacher from the
Metro Nashville Public School System. VSVS offers a STEM outreach program to rural counties for
grades 6-8 sponsored by the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE). VSVS
also pairs with other programs at Vanderbilt and the Monroe Carel Jr. Children’s Hospital that provides
hands-on science lessons and health lesson plans. VSVS has developed middle-school lessons in
accordance with the Tennessee Academic Standards for Science used within Davidson County.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
- Manages all logistics for all four VSVS programs (VSVS Local Classroom Program, VSVS Rural
Outreach Program, VSVS Local Outreach Program, and VSVS at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital),
HHPH, and STEM Speaks. - Maintains relationships with current schools (34) and community partners (30) and develops new
partnerships each year. - Manages all funding sources for VSVS, HHPH, and STEM Speaks organizations including
funding from the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium (TSGC), Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale
Science and Engineering (VINSE), Vanderbilt College of Arts & Sciences, Vanderbilt Department
of Student Organizations and community donations. - Manages all materials purchasing for all VSVS programs, HHPH, and STEM Speaks program.
- Plans and facilitates ~5 VSVS outreach events with public schools and community partners each
year (STEM Nights, Science Fair judging, Service Days, etc.). - Writes grant applications as needed to support new VSVS initiatives.
- Refines and designs lessons for curriculum in all VSVS programs that are aligned to state
standards and supports the development of new content for STEM Speaks programming. - Manages VSVS Local Classroom Program volunteer base of 300-400 students per semester and
STEM Speaks volunteer base of 2-20 students per semester. - Manages VSVS student executive board of 40-55 student volunteers per year and STEM Speaks
student executive board of 2-10 student volunteers per year. - Hires, trains, and manages ~20 part time student lab employees each year.
- Plans and facilitates ~5 annual professional development sessions for teachers in grades 6-8.
- Facilitates all student volunteer transportation needs for VSVS Local Classroom Program and
VSVS Community Outreach Program. - Guides Vanderbilt undergraduate students through special projects via the Vanderbilt Immersion
Program, Nichols Humanitarian Fund, Ingram Scholars Program, and other programs as
requested. - Provides support to local schools seeking STEM designation through the Tennessee Department
of Education. - Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but will serve as a Line Manager to the student
volunteers. This position reports administratively & functionally to the Associate Administrative Officer.
Education and Certifications
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or the equivalent in
experience, is necessary. - A Bachelor’s degree in science, science education, or experience in science engagement is
preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- Microsoft Office skills are necessary.
- Strong administrative support skills are necessary.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills are necessary.
- Excellent written and verbal skills are necessary.
- Outstanding attention to detail is necessary.
- Problem solving skills and ability to be flexible are necessary.
- Lab Management skills is preferred.
- Previous experience with Oracle reporting is preferred.
- Two years of directly related experience is necessary.
