Gloucester Life Sciences Academy (GLSA)

Education Director

Job Description and Requirements

A recent addition to Gloucester’s harbor of ocean-centered enterprises, the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) was launched in late 2013 to become a world-class marine biotech research facility. Building on the rich history of Gloucester’s fishing industry, GMGI will leverage this heritage to create a unique fisheries/marine biotechnology ecosystem that will spur an economic rejuvenation.

The Gloucester Life Sciences Academy (GLSA) will be organized within GMGI’s non-profit infrastructure. GLSA will offer an intensive laboratory-training program to prepare graduates for entry-level research and manufacturing technician positions in the local biotechnology industries. The curriculum will focus on the hands-on application of modern biological methods as used in the biotechnological sciences, an industry well established in Massachusetts and one with a strong future. The Academy will offer a one year certificate program for 15-20 students, recruited primarily from Cape Ann area high schools.

The Education Director will be responsible for development, launch and ongoing overall management of this innovative education program that combines academic coursework with apprenticeships. The Director will report to GMGI’s Executive Director.

OVERVIEW:

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute is seeking an entrepreneurial Education Director who has the passion and experience required to launch a new school with an innovative curriculum designed to train biotechnology technicians, through a one year fulltime program. The successful candidate will be someone who can excite high school graduates to discover and pursue the rewarding career paths within the biotechnology industry. The Education Director will develop a network of local companies, to partner with the academy and offer qualified students internships and jobs. The director will oversee and monitor the graduates’ experience in the workplace, using corporate feedback to continuously improve the academy’s curriculum and training. S/he will be responsible for managing the school budget and finances, and will help identify and pursue grant opportunities. The success of the Academy will require strong ties with the community, industry and Cape Ann school systems, and the director will play a pivotal role in representing the Academy across these entities.

Responsibilities include:

1. Develop and validate academic curriculum, with an emphasis on practical biotechnology and marine science skills, as well as foundational science knowledge.

2. Select and implement academic systems for management of matriculation, student evaluations, and transcripts. Develop criteria for evaluating program effectiveness and success of graduates.

3. Develop and implement student recruiting and enrollment, working with the Cape Ann school network. Monitor recruiting effectiveness to assess pre-requisites for enrollment.

4. Build and maintain corporate liaisons in the biotechnology industry for apprenticeships and internships. Develop feedback and review criteria with corporate partnerships, and monitor students’ successful transition into workplaces.

5. To deliver the curriculum, identify and recruit the necessary teaching staff, who may be part time, or hired for specialized courses. The Director will also have some teaching responsibilities.

6. Develop assessment and evaluation tools for the continuous improvement of the training program.

7. Working closely with the GLSA Education Advisory Council, create community outreach to establish the academy as a known option for the area’s youth.

8. Assist with development of funding sources and grant writing, drawn from variety of resources such as work force development, private donations, and corporate foundations.

9. Develop a career support center, corporate recruiting, job placement and career coaching.

Requirements:

1. 2+ years of experience supervising an educational or training program, either public or private sector organization, with practical knowledge of infrastructure and admin requirements.

2. Degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or related science discipline.

3. Commitment to the mission and development of novel education program, and the building of an energized, committed education department.

4. Self-starter, action-oriented, entrepreneurial approach to work.

5. Capable of initiating and managing corporate partnerships, for student placements as well as help in development of the school curriculum.

6. Excellent interpersonal, written, oral, and computer skills.

7. Teaching experience, with biotechnology lab instruction a plus.

8. Employment in the biotechnology industry is highly desired.

9. Experience with nonprofits and grant writing a plus.

Benefits: Not specified

Salary: commensurate with experience

Posting Expiration Date: 4.08.2015

How to Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to: chris.munkholm@gmgi.org