Virtual Training Program Manager

Do you believe the STEM community brings a valuable perspective to challenges faced by cities, counties, and states? Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally seeks to inspire, encourage, and empower people in STEM to be active civic participants. We are a dedicated group of volunteers working to help our fellow members of the STEM community more effectively engage with their local communities and governments. And we would be thrilled to have you join our team.

About ESAL

For the past seven years, ESAL has been a volunteer-led organization with engaged founders and leaders focused on the long-term vision and strategy. In July 2024, Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally launched its first organizational Strategic Plan, 2024-2027, setting strategic priorities to:

• deepen network engagement to connect more people with STEM backgrounds;
• build organizational capacity to support ESAL’s growth in mission-based work; and 
• raise awareness about ESAL and local civic engagement among STEM groups. 

Learn more about our mission, vision, core beliefs, and goals. 

About the Role

To realize our strategic priorities, ESAL seeks a part-time Virtual Training Program Manager. ESAL is creating a virtual training program to complement ESAL’s in-person, local civic engagement workshop program. To support this effort, in collaboration with ESAL volunteers, the Manager will:

Virtual Civic Engagement Training Program - 90%

• Conduct content, platform, and audience research to inform program development
• Work with a contractor to ensure video modules match the needs of ESAL audiences
• Conduct outreach and manage relationships with video module featurees
• Develop and implement a marketing strategy to launch the series and increase users
• Develop metrics to measure, monitor, and evaluate engagement with the series

Other Programs & Administrative Support - 10%

ESAL’s work is made possible by 40+ talented volunteers. The Manager is expected to support their work by:

• Supporting the content strategy and research for events, workshops, content, and communications tasks as requested
• Onboarding new volunteers and leaders
• Fostering a sense of community among ESAL volunteers by upholding the collaborative, communicative, and transparent culture of the organization
• Completing other duties, such as managing files, assembling reports, and researching programmatic or operational needs, as assigned

ESAL is a fully remote organization, and the Virtual Training Program Manager will be provided with appropriate tools to complete their work from home. Volunteers and staff have the option to travel to represent ESAL at conferences and events that further our mission, but this is not a requirement of this role. The expected hourly rate for this part-time position is $25-$30 for 15-25 hours/week, commensurate with experience.

Characteristics of a Strong Candidate

Role requirements:

• Ability to project manage a video series production process
• Ability to effectively work independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment
• Availability to work 15-25 hours per week during regular business hours in Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, or Alaskan Time Zones
• Computer literacy and willingness to learn platforms
• Willingness to engage people through email, over the phone, and at events

Preferred skills and experience:

• Demonstrated experience creating and marketing educational content, particularly independent, self-paced module courses
• Demonstrated experience with video content development and production
• Demonstrated experience overseeing projects and contractors
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Experience in state or local policy and community engagement

ESAL is committed to employee professional development, and we encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet all criteria. ESAL is committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), and alignment to our JEDI policy will be a factor in our hiring decision.

How to Apply

If you are interested in helping us change how engineers and scientists think about policy engagement and local civic participation, please email us at info@esal.us with an application that includes a resume or CV and cover letter detailing:

• Your educational background and professional experience
• Evidence of your familiarity with ESAL’s mission and a commitment to furthering it
• Examples of your experience in the specific areas of responsibility
• Anything else you would like us to know about you and your interest in or ability to succeed in this role

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. To ensure full consideration of your candidacy, please submit your resume or CV and cover letter by December 2, 2024.