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Careers at Drexel

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Community Science Specialist

Apply now Job no: 501869
Work type: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement
Categories: Academy of Natural Sciences

About the Academy 

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences".  Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.   

Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 - is changing with it.  Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians. 

Job Summary 

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s Community Learning Department (CLD) is expanding their Community Science (CS) efforts. CS will mobilize volunteers to work alongside ANS and Drexel scientists to co-develop and answer questions about the natural world; then co-create solutions to environmental challenges through high-impact, self-funded programs. CS works closely with CLD’s Volunteer and Civic Engagement Department (VCE), Drexel’s Environmental Collaboratory, community-based organizations (CBOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Alongside vital data gathering, it also provides experiential education opportunities as well as career development through certification where appropriate.

A project of CS is the Science Shop for Community Resilience (SS4CR). SS4CR will introduce a model for participatory science education to Philadelphia communities impacted by environmental justice issues. This project aims to use participatory methods to collaboratively frame and understand climate challenges and resilience needs at the neighborhood level; enhance environmental literacy and co-produce knowledge; and build pathways to community resilience to local climate hazards in ways that contribute to health, social cohesion, and socio-economic equity. 

Essential Functions 

  • Oversee the project management, community outreach, and long term outcomes of the Science Shop initiative.
  • Support the Science Shop PIs in the conception, planning, and implementation of the Science Shop workplan and will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of the project including coordinating community outreach and interfacing with community-based organizations.
  • Drafting workplans, schedules and project budgets.
  • Mapping deliverables.
  • Performing active research
  • Stakeholder outreach includes community members, donors, and leadership.
  • Ensuring projects remain on schedule and in line with grant delivery deadlines.
  • Support other active projects as needed in the Community Learning and Patrick Center for Environmental Research divisions. Presently, these projects include the Resilient Communities Stormwater Initiative and the Delaware River Watershed Initiative.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

  • Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in env. science, public health, environmental studies or Equivalent
  • Minimum of 1-3 years of experience
  • Competence with scientific methodology. Familiarity with community based participatory research is a plus but is not mandatory.
  • Ability to engage with numerous projects and grants programs.
  • Skilled in community organizing and facilitation.
  • Adept at connecting research to policy change.
  • Familiarity with Philadelphia, local neighborhoods, and community based organizations.
  • Comfortable interfacing with multiple communities and types of expertise.
  • Able to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and anti-racist principles.
  • Able to link community problems with scientific solutions and/or technical support to expertise housed at Academy of Natural Sciences/Drexel University.
  • Able to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with community partners.
  • Highly collaborative: Able to work with CBOs, Academy of Natural Sciences divisions, The Environmental Collaboratory, Drexel University researchers.
  • Experience with geographic information systems and spatial analysis a plus.

Physical Demands 

Typically sitting at a desk/table.

Location 

Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangements.

Additional Information 

This position is classified as Exempt with a grade of J, $ 47,490.00- $ 71,230.00. The offered salary is dependent upon internal equity and the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. 

For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies, please visit the Compensation and Salaries website.   

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings. 

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. 

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified. 

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

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Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that welcomes individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our Policies page to view all University policies related to Human Resources and News and Announcements for workplace postings.

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