Fab Lab Manager

General Description

The Fab Lab Manager, Museum Experience at the Da Vinci Science Center will lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of the various tech specialty areas in the Fab Lab, enhancing the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in museum experiences across workshop/laboratory settings. This role is pivotal to the successful expansion of educational programming in the Science Center, mainly through their leadership in innovative educational programming by ensuring high-quality immersive experiences throughout different makerspaces and labs.

The Fab Lab Manager will ensure that the programs meet educational benchmarks and leverage the educational potential of our dedicated spaces like the Fab Lab, Innovation Studio, Media Production Studio for creative STEAM. Programming includes (but is not limited to) field trips, camps, school workshops, Innovation Studio challenges, floor activations, floor demonstrations, after-school programs/science clubs, scout programs, overnight programs, career programs, lifelong learning programming for all ages, public programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

In addition to program development, the Program Manager oversees the logistics and coordinates operational aspects of the dedicated spaces above mentioned. This involves ensuring smooth execution and strict adherence to budgets and timelines, a crucial factor in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Science Center's offerings. This includes establishing and maintaining a high-energy, professional, and fun work environment, providing leadership to maintain operational standards to ensure a seamless museum experience, and delivering the Science Center's mission to bring science to life and lives to science.

Note - Hiring and starting date after July 1st, 2024.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Management:

• Manage the various tech specialty areas in the Fab Lab in the Da Vinci Science Center;

• Work with the Museum Experience team, overseeing all operations of the Fab Lab including public courses, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, and safety aspects of the facility; 

• Work with the STEAM Team to support the Allentown School District partnership;

• Assist with purchasing, procurement of equipment and supplies, instructor pay, and class/course pricing;

• Ensure delivery and quality of instruction of courses and workshops to the public, train, manage and mentor full-time and part-time lab technicians, educators and lab volunteers;

• Instruct occasional courses and workshops in the facility;

• Maximize use of all the innovative spaces: Fab Lab, Innovation Studio, Media Production Studio.

• Create programs to engage different audience segments: families, members, school groups, scouts, and those traditionally underserved and underrepresented in STEAM areas;

• Advise Fab Lab customers regarding courses, learning and collaboration opportunities;

• Develop other programs as appropriate up to and including local, regional and national lab events;

• Work to establish relationships with other community groups to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the region;

• Meet with community groups, colleges and schools, local and national entrepreneurship organizations to promote and grow programming to extend our reach and enhance our national profile in the Fab Lab arena;

• Actively drive the mission of the science center by being responsible for nurturing a culture of

belonging, positivity, and professionalism by encouraging problem-solving, preventing disruptive

behaviors and miscommunication;

• Optimize cost-effective solutions for scheduling, staffing, and purchasing, including the use of innovative software, efficient procedures, and logic models to enhance operational efficiency and productivity;

• Manage systems for ordering, maintaining, and tracking supplies and equipment for educational programming, and make sure all purchasing complies with Science Center purchasing policies; 

• Develop and execute strategies to increase revenue generation, including enhancing program offerings and refining program pricing, while considering the local competitive market;

• Develop budgets for program areas that support revenue and impact goals;

• Work with the marketing department to maximize earned revenue by assisting with marketing and promotional campaigns to increase awareness and registration for museum experiences;

• Work with the philanthropy department to facilitate proposal development, grant opportunities, metrics, fundraising and sponsorship efforts;

• Evaluate safety and maintain a safe working environment;

• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Evaluation and Assessment:

• Conduct regular program evaluations to assess their effectiveness in achieving learning objectives and Da Vinci Science Center business goals.

• Analyze data and feedback to improve program content, delivery, and marketing strategies continually.

Qualifications

Education: bachelor’s degree in a technical or entrepreneurial field from an accredited college/university.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• comprehensive knowledge of lab safety, appropriate machine use, knowledge of current concepts in the fields of education;

• working knowledge of job skills requirements and assessment practices;

• ability to function effectively as a member of administrative and instructional teams;

• work effectively with diverse populations including students, administrators and community representatives; 

• ability to make decisions which will positively affect the students and customers of the Da Vinci Science Center;

• skills in interpersonal relationships; proficient in office computer skills

• strong verbal communication skills;

• Commitment to DEIAB principles and demonstrated experience incorporating them into educational practices;

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Background and Experience:

• minimum five years’ experience in product development, entrepreneurship or technical education;

• minimum three years’ experience in training.