Ocean Discovery Institute uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities of color to transform their lives, their community, and our world as science and conservation leaders. Working in the San Diego community of City Heights, we provide continuous science opportunities paired with mentoring and the tools to overcome challenges so that young people unlock their potential. Our programs are provided at no cost to our students. Our students believe that a scientist is someone they can be. They achieve because of it. They lead by entering high-paying STEM fields and making a difference.

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly

REPORTS TO: In-School Program Manager

WORK LOCATION: Primarily on-site at Ocean Discovery Institute offices, Various School Sites,

Various Field Trip Sites; occasional remote work may be approved at supervisor discretion

WORK HOURS: Schedule follows In-School Program needs; typically Monday through Friday,

8:00am – 5:00pm; occasional evenings and weekends as needed

PAY RANGE: $26.00 - $34.00 per hour (depending on experience)

Position Summary

The In-School Program Coordinator supports the day-to-day delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of in-school programming. This role helps ensure that in-school programs deliver high-quality, culturally responsive learning experiences that strengthen students’ STEM identity and belief that science is something they can do and a scientist is someone they can become. The In-School Program Coordinator provides direct instruction and instructional modeling and coaching, supports curriculum and program development, coordinates logistics, and builds strong relationships with teachers, school sites, partners, and organizational teams.

The In-School Program Coordinator works closely with instructional staff and volunteers, and reports to the In-School Program Manager on program delivery, data, and emerging site-level needs.

Program Implementation & Delivery – 35%

• Implement in-school program activities in accordance with Ocean Discovery’s Education Foundation and program goals and desired outcomes.

• Serve as “Floor Lead” during program delivery, troubleshooting in real time, responding to program changes, and providing additional student support as needed.

• Provide direct instruction as needed throughout the school year, including covering for absent instructors and supporting out-of-school programming such as summer camps.

• Engage Science Leaders, volunteers, and other program support staff in daily program activities.

• Identify and escalate risks to program delivery to the In-School Program Manager and support contingency planning as needed.

• Help ensure compliance with school/partner site requirements and safety standards during program delivery.

• Contribute as needed to audits, site reviews, and compliance monitoring.

Instructional Quality & Staff Support – 20%

• Serve as a Master Teacher and model of instruction, modeling curriculum delivery for instructional staff.

• Lead program training components for instructional staff, in collaboration with the program team.

• Provide instructional coaching and mentorship to instructors through observation, feedback, and modeling.

• Support onboarding of new instructional staff, interns, and volunteers.

• Collaborate with the program team to create, adapt, and refine curriculum, instructional materials, and program design based on implementation needs and evaluation insights.

• Apply shared instructional principles and established quality benchmarks to day-to-day instruction.

Coordination, Logistics, & Data – 30%

• Coordinate program logistics, including transportation, field trip locations, site access, procurement, and supplies.

• Create and maintain the program schedule in coordination with the In-School Program Manager.

• Collect, organize, and maintain accurate student, attendance, evaluation, and compliance data across program sites and sessions.

• Contribute program data, stories, photos, student reflections, and other artifacts to support evaluation, grant reporting, funder visits, and impact narratives.

• Maintain organized, clean, and instruction-ready teaching spaces, including participating in organization-wide deep cleaning efforts.

• Support staffing efforts, including recruitment, interviews, and onboarding of new staff, fellows, and volunteers.

• Utilize and help improve organizational systems to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations.

• Because of the organization’s size and nature, other duties may be required on an ad hoc basis.

Partnerships & Communication – 15%

• Maintain positive, consistent communication and relationships with classroom teachers, school administrators, and partners through email, online portals, meetings, and direct communication.

• Represent the organization at school meetings, community events, and partner convenings as needed.

• Support organizational events such as community festivals, fundraisers, or board engagement activities.

• Act as an ambassador of the organization to students, families, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.

• Contribute to a positive organizational culture by modeling Ocean Discovery values.

• Collaborating across program and organizational teams to troubleshoot challenges and support shared organizational priorities.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience in education, youth development, or STEM programs.

• Experience teaching/instructing in formal K–12 learning environments.

• Lived or learned experience working with young people traditionally excluded from science because of race, income status, and educational opportunity.

• Demonstrated commitment to and passion for advancing equity in education.

• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with diverse audiences (e.g., students, teachers, school administrators, families, volunteers).

• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills; able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated critical thinking and decision-making skills in independent and team settings.

• Ability to work in classroom, community, and outdoor settings.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

• Ability to pass a fingerprinting / background check and complete a Tuberculosis assessment.

• CPR and 1st Aid certified (if not, will need to obtain upon hire).

• Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working in urban, underserved communities.

• Bilingual in language spoken in the City Heights community (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese).

• Knowledge of environmental science, marine science, or related STEM fields.

Educational Qualifications

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in education, science, or a related field.

Preferred: Coursework or experience in an educational, scientific, or environmental field.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in classroom, outdoor, and natural settings, with some time in an office setting. Weekends, evenings, or early mornings may be required for periodic programs and events and/or to coordinate program logistics (e.g., rain cancellation). Work is conducted in indoor and outdoor settings where weather and temperatures vary with the seasons. Ability to remain stationary at a desk and operate computer/electronic equipment for periods of the day; occasionally lift, carry, and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds; move around indoor and outdoor education spaces, including uneven surfaces, for up to 6–8 hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with accommodation needs to perform the essential functions.

About Us

• We do what we say we will do.

• We develop our staff as leaders.

• We build authentic relationships.

• We value learning, leadership, community, justice and imagine possibilities.

• We make an impact on young lives while working in an energetic and highly successful team.