Manager, Network Engagement

As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L.

Manager, Network Engagement

As the Manager, Network Engagement, you will be a member of the Center Relations Team, which leads the organization’s engagement and support of Challenger Learning Centers. You will serve as the primary day-to-day contact for Centers, ensuring each Center stays connected to the Headquarters team, has access to the information and support needed to succeed, and understands the mission of the overall organization. Additionally, you will ensure each Challenger Learning Center understands the value and benefits of the partnership.

In collaboration with the Vice President, Center Relations, you will develop and implement a strategy that builds and continually strengthens the partnership with all Challenger Learning Centers and fosters strong relationships with each local team. You will also create and execute plans that increase engagement with and between Challenger Learning Centers, sharing resources and best practices, and coordinating collaboration across the Centers.

To be successful, you should have:

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in relationship/partner management, associations, and networks and/or communications.
• Ability to travel 25% of the time
• Experience with nonprofits, membership organizations or affiliates a plus
• Strong relationship-building skills with exceptional service-oriented attitude
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and speaking/presenting
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects/activities.
• Event planning experience.
• Strong program management skills leading to execution of concurrent projects
• Experience with creating and managing project budgets

Your key responsibilities as the Manager, Network Engagement will include:

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for all Challenger Learning Centers, providing proactive strategic outreach and timely, supportive responses to requests.
• Understand the needs of each Center, evolving outreach and resources to address those needs.
• Lead execution of proactive communications plan, including email newsletters, conference calls, webinars, in-person visits, and website updates.
• Plan and execute annual multi-day meeting, including site selection, registration management, session and speaker development, and on-site logistics.
• Support onboarding of new Challenger Learning Centers and new staff at existing Centers.
• Work across teams on Challenger Learning Center-specific initiatives such as program distribution, consulting services, partnerships, grants, special events, etc.
• Ensure the collection of program impact data and organize and analyze annual reports.
• Manage outside contractors/vendor relationships.
• Play a substantial role in developing the annual department plan and budget.

Administrative

• Keep abreast of relevant industry trends and best practices in STEM education, education technology, nonprofits, etc., and share knowledge with others.
• Identify and share funding and partnership opportunities and assist with proposals as needed.
• Attend staff meetings, assist with office support, and participate in professional networking and team-building activities. Support other administrative duties as needed.
• Track and maintain database of interactions and engagement with Centers.

Benefits:

We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive compensation and extensive benefits package for all full-time employees. Plus, we work to maintain the best possible environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.