Managing Director – Summer Science Program

Department: SSPI Program Operations
Reporting to: Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Schedule: Full-time, exempt
Location: Remote
Travel required: 25-30 days per year
Salary: $150,000 annually

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Guided by our mission, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a global network of over 4,300 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.ssp.org.

Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer, the Managing Director of Summer Science Program will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of SSPI’s Summer Science Program. As a key leadership team member, the Managing Director will oversee program operations, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure programmatic alignment with SSPI’s mission and goals. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of STEM education, a passion for equity in learning, and strong leadership skills to scale and enhance our impact.

Success in the Managing Director position looks like:

Consistent delivery of efficient operations with successful student outcomes across all Summer Science Program departments.
Sustained and continued growth of strategic partnerships with host campuses and external organizations
Advancing initiatives that grow access for first generation students while preserving cultural and academic fidelity.
Continuous improvement of Summer Science program leveraging data informed evaluation and research to inform program design.
Responsible stewardship of program budgets, grants, and resources through careful oversight and alignment with organizational priorities.
Timely preparation of accurate and insightful reporting to the Board of Directors.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Operation Leadership

Oversee the operational aspects of SSPI’s Summer Science Program, including managing and allocating financial and non-financial resources to meet program objectives.
Directly supervise the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Student Success and indirectly supervise their respective teams.
Lead program innovation and continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, and community feedback.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact within the program team and cross-departmentally.
Play a key role in fundraising efforts and external relationship-building to support SSPI’s mission and programs.
Oversee the professional development and mentorship of Directors and staff on the Summer Science Program team.
Represent SSPI and the Summer Science Program at national conferences, board meetings, and in the media.

Program Development

Provide advice, context, and action plans to the Executive Leadership team for expanding the Summer Science Program without loss in academic or cultural quality or fidelity.
Develop strategies for addressing target student populations (first generation and historically underrepresented students in STEM).
Direct the Senior Director of Program Operations, the Senior Director of Academic Affairs, and other staff members to identify and secure laboratory space, dormitory space, office space, equipment, and technical facilities for the Summer Science Program on each site as needed.
Prepare ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect efforts and advancements during the current period.

Program Performance & Risk Management

Oversee the annual review of the Summer Science Program’s research projects, in collaboration with the Academic Affairs team, to ensure that each project is academically rigorous and consistent with SSPI’s standard program design and culture.
Offer strategic guidance based on annual evaluation outcomes and make recommendations on appropriate changes as needed.
Review the operations of all academic programs against SSPI’s goals and key performance indicators and prepare reports for presentation to SSPI’s Board of Directors.
Serve as adjudicating reviewer on complex cases, sign off on all admissions decisions, and manage the creation of new admissions policies consistent with partnerships and recruitment initiatives.
Review site evaluations in terms of scientific facilities & equipment, university policies, and partnership potential.

Partnership Development

Establish partnerships with external organizations and academic institutions to secure new program locations, opportunities, and resources. Identify and evaluate new sites for SSPI programs, reviewing site suitability in terms of scientific facilities, equipment, and partnership potential.
Develop and review memoranda of understanding (MOU) with host campuses. Create and cultivate relationships with university administration and faculty in relevant departments at host universities.

Staff Development & Management

Direct and manage the Summer Science Program team in recruiting, evaluating, hiring, and supervising faculty/staff candidates and guest lecturers.
Ensure the effectiveness of the Summer Science Program faculty/staff training by managing training criteria, guiding the preparation of training materials, and reviewing the materials prepared by key SSPI staff.

Qualifications

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience within nonprofit organizations or foundations with a minimum five (5) years education program management experience.
Proven track record managing personnel, complex logistics, and program portfolios.
Expertise in strategic planning, program development, and operational team management.
Experience in grant funding, budget development and oversight, and resource allocation.
Understanding of STEM education principles, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
Familiarity with access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in STEM fields.
Exceptional leadership abilities to oversee academic programs and manage staff, particularly in remote environments.
Capability to create and implement strategic plans for expanding and enhancing academic programs.
Experience planning, developing, and implementing processes and protocols.
Ability to build and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies and community organizations.
Willingness to travel for meetings and staff gatherings (approximately 10-15% nation-wide travel, roughly cumulative to 5-6 weeks per year at defined intervals)
Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote environment, effectively managing time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines while staying responsive and communicative.
Demonstrates commitment to SSPI’s Mission and Values in their daily work and interactions. Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Constantly operates a computer.
The ability to observe details at a close range and the ability to adjust focus.
The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Travel to in-person meetings on an as-needed basis, estimated to be 5-6 weeks of traveling per year.

Clearance Requirements

Authorization to work in the United States
Background clearance

At the heart of SSP International is a culture of intellectual curiosity and collaborative discovery that has thrived since 1959. More than just a summer camp, the Summer Science Program (SSP) is an immersive 'living and learning community' where exceptional high school students from around the world gather to tackle college-level research in astrophysics, biochemistry, and genomics. The organization is driven by a mission to accelerate learning, doing, and belonging in science, fostering an environment where bright young minds are challenged to push their boundaries without the pressure of grades or exams. Instead, the focus is on cooperation, critical thinking, and the shared joy of scientific inquiry.

The SSP experience is defined by its rigorous, hands-on approach. Participants work in small teams to conduct original research—whether it's calculating the orbit of a near-earth asteroid, modeling the structure of a fungal enzyme, or studying antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This 'learning by doing' philosophy is supported by a dedicated faculty of experienced scientists and educators who mentor students not just in technical skills, but in the professional and ethical standards of the scientific community. Beyond the lab, the program cultivates a lifelong network of alumni who share a unique bond, having navigated the same intense and transformative journey. This enduring sense of community is a testament to SSP's impact, empowering generations of scientists, leaders, and innovators to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Managing Director – Summer Science Program