SSPI Chief Program Officer

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

ABOUT SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress.

To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a global network of over 3,700 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Program Officer (CPO) will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of SSPI’s science education programs, including the Summer Science Program. As a key leadership team member, the CPO will oversee program operations, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure programmatic alignment with SSPI’s mission and goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of STEM education, a passion for equity in learning, and strong leadership skills to scale and enhance our impact, both nationally and internationally.

With the recent receipt of a transformational estate gift by an early alum, SSPI has completed a new strategic plan and now has the financial resources to broaden our impact in STEM education. The 10-year vision of our plan is to reach 10,000 students each year in a variety of STEM programs, with at least 50% coming from historically underserved communities, with challenging, engaging, and transformative science experiences.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership

• Oversee the operational aspects of SSPI's academic programs, including managing and allocating financial and non-financial resources to meet program objectives.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and collaborate in developing and implementing strategies that align with SSPI's Mission and Strategic Framework.
• Directly supervise the VP of Academic Affairs, the VP of Program Operations, and the VP of Research and Evaluation, and indirectly supervise their respective teams.
• Lead program innovation and continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, and community feedback.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact within the program team and cross-departmentally.
• Play a key role in fundraising efforts and external relationship-building to support SSPI’s mission and programs.
• Provide high-level advice and support to the CEO on a range of strategic issues and initiatives.
• Serve on relevant Board committees as needed.

Program Development

• Provide advice, context, and action plans to the CEO for expanding the Summer Science Program without loss in academic or cultural quality or fidelity.
• Participate in evaluating ideas for new SSPI programs and initiatives.
• Conduct research and analysis to support SSPI's strategic decision-making and identify new growth opportunities.
• Develop strategies and new curricula development for addressing target student populations.
• Direct the VP of Program Operations, the VP of Academic Affairs, and other staff members to identify and secure laboratory space, dormitory space, office space, equipment, and technical facilities for the Summer Science Program on each site as needed.
• Prepare ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect efforts and advancements during the current period.

Program Performance & Risk Management

• Oversee the annual review of the Summer Science Program's research projects, in collaboration with the Academic Affairs team, to ensure that each project is academically rigorous and consistent with SSPI's standard program design and culture.
• Offer strategic guidance based on annual evaluation outcomes and make recommendations on appropriate changes as needed.
• Review the operations of all academic programs against SSPI's goals and key performance indicators and prepare reports for presentation to SSPI's Board of Directors.
• Serve as adjudicating reviewer on complex cases, sign off on all admissions decisions, and manage the creation of new admissions policies consistent with partnerships and recruitment initiatives.
• Review operational policies and procedures to ensure proper documentation and compliance and identify unmitigated risks.

External Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent SSPI to external stakeholders, such as educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners, including at national and international conferences, media interviews, workshops, and seminars.
• Establish partnerships with external organizations and academic institutions to secure new program locations, opportunities, and resources. Identify and evaluate new sites for SSPI programs, reviewing site suitability in terms of scientific facilities, equipment, and partnership potential.
• Develop and review memoranda of understanding (MOU) with host campuses. Create and cultivate relationships with university administration and faculty in relevant departments at host universities.
• Identify new opportunities for SSPI to partner with and/or seek funding from foundations, corporations, consortia, and universities. Participate in the pursuit of government and foundation grant proposals (e.g., NSF, NASA, and NIH grants).
• Organize outreach opportunities to raise SSPI's profile in STEM education. Consult and participate with the public relations team on initiatives to increase public awareness of SSPI through traditional and social media.

Staff Development & Management

• Direct and manage the VP of Academic Affairs and VP of Program Operations in recruiting, evaluating, hiring, and supervising faculty/staff candidates and guest lecturers.
• Ensure the effectiveness of the Summer Science Program faculty/staff training by managing training criteria, guiding the preparation of training materials, and reviewing the materials prepared by key SSPI staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience within nonprofit organizations or foundations with a minimum five (5) years executive management experience.
• Proven track record managing personnel, complex logistics, and program portfolios.
• Expertise in strategic planning, program development, evaluation, and operational team management.
• Experience in grant funding, budget development and oversight, and resource allocation.
• Proven success in initiating, developing and managing external partnerships and Board relations.
• Understanding of STEM education principles, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of educational research methodologies and best practices in PK-12 science education.
• Familiarity with access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
• Exceptional leadership abilities to oversee academic programs and manage staff, particularly in remote environments.
• Ability to develop and facilitate presentations and communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Capability to create and implement strategic plans for expanding and enhancing academic programs.
• Experience planning, developing, and implementing processes and protocols.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Willingness to travel for meetings and staff gatherings (approximately 10-15% nation-wide travel, roughly cumulative to 5-6 weeks per year at defined intervals)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Chief Program Officer role offers a competitive base salary of up to $180,000 - $200,000 plus a discretionary bonus and an excellent benefits package. This includes a remote work-from-home schedule and moderate travel requirements.

The Summer Science Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, experience. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and/or as first-generation college graduates.

Envision Consulting was retained by The Summer Science Program to search for their incoming Chief Program Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.