Community Engagement Specialist

General Statement: 

The Fleet Science Center’s Community Engagement Specialist supports the Fleet’s Mission and Visitor Experience Philosophy by furthering the Fleet’s ongoing presence in four priority neighborhoods/regions: San Ysidro, National City, Barrio Logan/Logan Heights, and the Neighborhoods of Southeastern San Diego, and by providing educational programming designed for public audiences.  

This position will focus on neighborhood engagement projects, scientist engagement initiatives, adult programming, STEM ecosystem support, and coordinating seasonal camps. This position will also work closely with the Assistant Director of Education & Engagement, the Engagement Programs & Partnerships Manager, and the Youth Programs Manager. 

This position requires being in the field 30%-40% of the time to meet with partners and host community events. There are occasional events that occur outside of normal business hours, either in the evening or during the weekend. Hours will be flexible to ensure a healthy work/life balance. 

Compensation for this position includes our generous benefit package - 100% employer paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, and 401k retirement plan. Working for the Fleet also comes with great perks including free access to other Balboa Park museums and the San Diego Zoo, free Fleet Science Center passes to share with friends and family, discounts at the Fleet's Science Store and Element 8 Cafe, and other discounts at vendors around Balboa Park! Come join our team!

Reports to: Engagement Programs & Partnerships Manager 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

  Neighborhood Engagement & STEM Ecosystem 

• Build and strengthen relationships with external organizations by facilitating neighborhood network meetings to align on shared goals and keep records of community feedback to ensure efforts remain responsive and culturally relevant. 
• Expand the Fleet’s presence in the community and represent the Fleet and the central office of the San Diego STEM Ecosystem by hosting informational and activity-based booths to promote Fleet resources and programs. 
• Support the Fleet’s community engagement strategy by building bridges between the Fleet’s internal community and external efforts.  
• Maintain communication with partners through email updates, newsletters, and video calls. 

Scientist Engagement & Adult Programming 

• Assist with program execution of our Scientist Engagement and Adult Programs by securing and coordinating volunteers, facilitating event check-in and ticket collection, and hosting events. 
• Co-teach and facilitate Fleet science communication workshops and assist with the curriculum-building process. 

Seasonal Camp Coordination 

• Assist with Fleet camp operations by supporting the check-in process, coordinating camp materials, prepping the classrooms, and adhering to budget standards. 
• Help train and coordinate volunteers to support day camp program delivery. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and open communication with staff, parents, participants, community agencies, and serve as the primary contact for program participants, parents, and educators. 
• Adhere to all emergency procedures in accordance with guidelines established by emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of all children. 
• Assist and facilitate school workshops and camp classes when needed. 

General Duties  

• Plan, execute, and maintain data collection of our programs to track and evaluate community engagement efforts using spreadsheets and Airtable. 
• Work closely with the Marketing department to ensure that websites and other program information are updated correctly and in a timely manner. 
• Work closely with the Education department and our external partners to help shape new initiatives and pilot new program initiatives based on attendance, feedback, and partner input.  
• Work closely with internal event staff and our Volunteer Manager to assist with various internal and partner events. 

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY THE PERSON ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION.  PRINCIPAL DUTIES ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THOSE FUNCTIONS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS JOB.  AN INCUMBENT MUST BE ABLE TO PERFORM ALL OF THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES OUTLINED ABOVE. 

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT STATE OR IMPLY THAT THE ABOVE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION.  AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ANY OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES AS REQUESTED BY MANAGEMENT.  ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH A DISABILITY. 

Tools and equipment used to perform this position: computer, printer, telephone, copy machine, car, basic classroom equipment, outreach equipment.

Supervision, direction, or guidance provided for this position: Performs duties with supervision of Manager but can function in community settings independently.  

Physical Requirements of this Position: 

Light Work:  Position involves sitting, standing, and/or walking.  Position requires ability to frequently exert up to 10 pounds of force to move objects and occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects.

Qualifications

Experience, education, or skills required of the incumbent in this position: 

• 2+ years’ experience in community organizing, community advocacy, or related experience. 
• Strong personal affinity or curiosity for science, inclusive of STEM or STEAM. 
• Knowledge, familiarity, or experience supporting one or more of the following neighborhoods: San Ysidro, Logan Heights/Barrio Logan, National City, and/or Southeastern San Diego. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the public and community partners, including public speaking. 
• Strong administrative and organizational skills ensuring smooth workflow; ability to multitask. 
• Experience in full cycle planning/coordinating logistics for meetings, program activities, and/or community events. 
• Possess and maintains a current valid California driver’s license and clean driving record to drive a Fleet vehicle.