Program Manager for Science and Technology Education
We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven, and ambitious program manager for science and technology education and diversity and inclusion. Someone with a passion for education, talent development, and equal opportunities for all. Someone who is resourceful and capable of driving change and making a real impact. An enterprising and persuasive colleague who naturally spots opportunities and turns them into positive action, but also a connector with a keen eye for the needs and wishes of our members.
The VSC—Association of Science Museums and Science Centers—comprises 45 science centers, science museums, maker spaces, natural history museums, technology museums, and observatories located throughout the Netherlands. In 2023, we welcomed a total of 6 million visitors. The VSC’s mission is to spark curiosity among a broad audience about the role of science and technology in our culture and nature. Through science education and communication, talent development, and the promotion of scientific literacy, the VSC aims to foster an open and curious attitude among the public and to inspire wonder.
The VSC represents its members, initiates and facilitates collaborative projects, knowledge sharing, and networking, and promotes development and innovation both within and outside our sector. The VSC is an active and growing sector organization that receives financial support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
The VSC organizes the annual National Science Communication Day in collaboration with NWO. The VSC is based in Amsterdam and has four full-time staff members. Among other things, the VSC is a member of the international umbrella organization Ecsite. In the 2024/2025 season, the VSC will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
What will you be doing?
You will work on the development and implementation of a science and technology education program for and with VSC members, as a follow-up to “Collaboration on Talent Development in Learning Ecosystems.” The goal is to strengthen inquiry-based and design-based learning focused on science, nature, and technology education both inside and outside of school. This may take place within regional infrastructures, as well as during festivals, events, or at school.
You serve as a connecting link and collaborate with educational partners such as Platform Talent Voor Technologie (PTVT), C3, secondary and higher education networks, VHTO, LKCA, as well as the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, NWO (ExpeditieNext), NEMO (Science Weekend), and others. Together with stakeholders both within and outside the sector, you will work on establishing an alliance for science and technology education—a community for curious minds. In addition, you will coordinate VSC activities related to diversity and inclusion.
What do you bring to the table?
You have an affinity for the science museum and science center sector. You have a good understanding of societal and other developments within our field. Knowledge of science education and communication is important, as is a network within the science and technology education sector, as well as knowledge of the formal and informal education landscape. You have demonstrable experience with and a knack for fundraising. You are a self-starter, skilled at setting priorities, and act with a sense of responsibility. Project management and clear communication are essential skills.
You have at least a college-level education and 3 to 5 years of work experience in a similar role. You are an open and approachable person. It is also important that you work well in a small, dynamic team, where we adapt quickly and work on projects that vary in scope and partners, ranging from local to European.
What do we offer?
We are based at the Lighthouse, one of the most beautiful locations on the Marineterrein Amsterdam.
The VSC offers a pleasant, informal work environment where you’ll help bring our long-term goals to fruition. It’s a versatile role that offers plenty of opportunities for personal growth. The work schedule is flexible and allows for some remote work.
The position is classified in pay grade 10 of the museum collective bargaining agreement. The appointment is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension. The VSC offers excellent benefits, including a pension plan, a year-end bonus, an NS Business Card, and a Museumjaarkaart.
Would you like to join our team?
Please send your cover letter and resume to info@vsc-netwerk.nl by Wednesday, April 3. The VSC places a high value on diversity and inclusion and is actively working to create an industry that is accessible to everyone. It is not your gender, age, cultural background, who you love, or what you believe in that matters for this position, but who you are and what you bring to the table.
We look forward to receiving your application and are eager to learn about your vision, motivation, passion, and talents. The first round of interviews will take place during the week of April 8, and the second round will follow a week later.
Do you have any questions?
Feel free to contact Menno Tummers, director of the VSC: menno@vsc-netwerk.nl
See also the website, and be sure to watch the VSC film “The Wonder Seeker” at https://youtu.be/1EoG7RZ74J8
