Job description
Chicago Innovation is looking for an enthusiastic, driven, and entrepreneurial self-starter who is passionate about innovation and education to join our team as Program Manager of the Chicago Student Invention Convention.

Organization description
Now in its 17^th year, Chicago Innovation operates a year-round series of events and programs to educate, connect and celebrate innovators in the Chicago region.  The organization’s youth-focused program, the Chicago Student Invention Convention, is an invention curriculum and competition for K-8^th grade students to inspire creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving in our region’s youth.  3,500 students participated in 2019.

Primary job duties would include the following:

Program planning and implementation:

• Recruit teachers and educators to implement the program
• Write and present professional development seminars for teachers who have adopted the program
• Communicate with teachers throughout the course of the program
• Recruit mentors and pair them with classrooms
• Oversee data collection and measurement of program outcomes

Partner relationship-building and management

• Aid in the identification and solicitation of sponsors, funders and strategic partners
• Write grants to support the financial growth and sustainability of the program
• Manage relationships with existing sponsors and key partners (i.e. Chicago Public Schools, etc.)

Event planning and execution

• Plan and lead the Chicago Student Invention Convention event, attended by 1,000+ people every April
• Communicate with teachers and parents leading up to the event to manage RSVPs and answer questions
• Create detailed agenda, floor plans and on-stage scripts for the event; and act as event emcee
• Acquire prizes for students, make certificates and recruit “Imagination Station” partners
• Oversee volunteer and judge recruitment, training and on-site management

Represent the Chicago Student Invention Convention to the National Invention Convention Coalition

• Act as lead representative in Illinois to a national organization that implements invention education
• Attend annual summit and monthly virtual meetings with national group and other state affiliates

Desirable traits:

• Passion for education and enjoys working with teachers, students and parents
• Good communication, writing and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem solver, efficient work-flow manager, and strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a highly organized manner
• Strong team-working and consensus-building skills; effective in group decision-making
• Positive attitude, entrepreneurial and a passion for building Chicago’s innovation community