STEM Outreach Events Planner (Center for Educational Outreach)

The Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) within the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University is a distinguished entity dedicated to fostering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education among PK-12 students, specifically focusing on underrepresented groups. CEO’s primary mission is to bridge the gap between Johns Hopkins University faculty, students, and the broader Baltimore City public school system by enabling dynamic STEM outreach programs. By facilitating engagement with JHU’s STEM leaders, the center aims to inspire and prepare the next generation for STEM careers, thereby expanding the pipeline of STEM professionals composed of diverse talents. CEO is regarded as the authoritative resource at Johns Hopkins University for STEM educational outreach initiatives targeted at students and teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools.

The STEM Outreach Events Planner position at CEO holds a vital role in sustaining and expanding this impactful mission. This casual role, with a flexible schedule averaging 5 to 20 hours per week depending on the event calendar, serves as the linchpin for the successful execution of various STEM programs, including Charm City STEM League, Campus Outings, Family Engineering Day, and Tower of Power. Reporting to the CCSL Program Administrator, the planner is entrusted with conceptualizing, managing, and evaluating complex events. The role is tailored for a self-motivated professional capable of overseeing both in-person and virtual events, demonstrating a thorough knowledge of event planning within higher education or comparable settings.

The planner’s responsibilities encompass a broad range of strategic and operational tasks. They collaborate closely with divisional, departmental, and center leadership to design event themes and communication strategies, select suitable venues, coordinate logistics such as catering, rentals, custodial assistance, and technical requirements. They also ensure that all aspects of the event conform to budgetary requirements and maintain meticulous records such as RSVP lists and dietary or accessibility accommodations. A critical function of this role includes managing relationships with vendors and external partners, overseeing contracts, and approving expenditures through Hopkins’ systems.

Beyond logistical coordination, the STEM Outreach Events Planner plays a pivotal role in marketing and promotion, working alongside the Marketing & Communications team to craft compelling invitations, email campaigns, social media content, and other collateral that resonates with target audiences. The planner is tasked with recruiting and preparing speakers, managing guest lists, and supporting event day activities to guarantee seamless execution. This position emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that event experiences cater to diverse needs and comply with participation and safety protocols, particularly when engaging minors.

The planner stays adept in digital event technologies, mastering platforms like Social Tables, InitLive, Formstack, Eventbrite, Cvent, Boomset, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and IBM Player to innovate and streamline event planning and execution. Training colleagues and stakeholders to utilize these digital tools effectively is also a key element of the role, enhancing the overall quality of STEM outreach events.

Internally, the planner prepares briefings, reports, summaries, and presentations to inform and update leadership and partner organizations. Occasional evening or weekend hours and local travel within Baltimore City to schools and off-site venues are required. The position offers a salary range between $20.81 and $36.37 hourly, commensurate with experience, under a casual employment arrangement that provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to STEM education advancement within a world-renowned academic institution.