Creative Encounters Coordinator

Department: CEPS-Office of the Dean

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 03/31/2025 to 03/01/2027 

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

Reporting to the Manager of Outreach, the Program Coordinator of Creative Encounters will lead a team of undergraduate student staff in year-round STEM outreach programming, with a primary focus on the two-month summer day camp. Creative Encounters promotes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to youth in Guelph and surrounding communities. It is a Network Member of Actua, Canada’s largest STEM outreach organization, representing over 40 university and college-based programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator must have strong leadership skills to manage a team responsible for STEM outreach, communications, and curriculum development. They will oversee the day-to-day operations of Creative Encounters’ outreach programming and summer camps, requiring expertise in communication, planning, problem-solving, decision-making, project management, budgeting, and leadership.

In their second year, having gained the necessary leadership experience, the incumbent will refine and implement their vision for the program, gaining a sense of ownership while leading the hiring process for the next team of summer instructors.

With support from the Manager of Outreach, the Program Coordinator will ensure the delivery of safe, fun, and engaging summer camp programs for 100+ campers per week. During the fall and winter terms, they will coordinate after-school clubs, classroom visits, teacher resources, and STEM workshops at community events (e.g., Go ENG Girl, Let’s Talk Science, Girl Guide events). They will also develop and execute a detailed plan with a budget for the following summer, including camp themes and schedules, participant registration, marketing, and logistics.

In collaboration with the Manager of Outreach, the Program Coordinator will establish strategies and protocols that align with University of Guelph policies while implementing Actua Network best practices.

Requirements

• College diploma (undergraduate degree preferred) in STEM, Education or Science Communication or a related field, plus related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably with additional training in education or business/management.
• Experience with the development and delivery of STEM-based programs and/or experience with camp programming for youth, is an asset.
• A demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and audiences in a youth education role, is highly valued.
• A proven track record of producing results in high-pressure situations and under tight timelines.
• Strong relationship management and organizational skills and the ability to foster teamwork and collaboration.
• Valid Standard First Aid training.
• Satisfactory criminal records check (‘CPIC’) and vulnerable sectoring screening check are mandatory.
• A valid Province of Ontario Class G driver’s license.

Employee Type: Temporary 

Position Number: 10918298 

Classification: P&M FT- Band 01 

Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 

• Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 03/03/2025 

Closing Date: 03/17/2025 

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