Position:  Cultivating Genius Project Director

Program Description:

The World Science Foundation’s Cultivating Genius (CG) initiative focuses on identifying and

selecting a small group of students worldwide who have demonstrated extraordinary mathematical talent, and providing

them with a unique opportunity to: (1) vastly expand their perspective by exploring new arenas in which to apply their

abilities, guided by renowned scientists and thinkers, (2) deepen their knowledge by grappling with challenging

mathematical ideas in new and unfamiliar contexts, and (3) open new pathways along which their talent can flourish,

facilitating their potential to spark revolutionary breakthroughs.

A primary goal of the CG initiative is to enrich the perspective of profoundly gifted young math students, introducing

them to a wealth of areas not typically considered mathematical. Through CG’s curriculum and faculty, students will be

introduced to the powerful impact that mathematical prowess can have in solving complex challenges in a wide range of

disciplines, including physics, biology, genetics, computer science, neuroscience, robotics, artificial intelligence,

economics, security, agriculture, and finance, among others.

The CG initiative will foster and sustain a vibrant community of young mathematical geniuses, dedicated teaching

fellows, vital mentors, and renowned professors from around the world, all of whom are primarily connected through a

state-of-the-art, flexible, and robust digital platform, designed to offer a visually rich online learning experience,

providing in-depth, multi-layered experiences for the individual student.

Job Description: The Cultivating Genius Project Director will lead the development and implementation of all aspects of

the CG initiative, from the design, launch and management of an initial three-year pilot program through the development

of a long-term strategic plan for sustaining and scaling the CG initiative to optimal size and effectiveness, becoming a

major component of WSF’s ongoing educational activities, and an engine for the creation of state-of the art digital

learning content. This position reports to the Director of Education.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the CG strategic planning activities, including goal setting, detailed planning and budgeting, and identifying

resource needs and opportunities.

• Oversee hiring and contracting of all necessary personnel including the Lead Education Specialist, Teaching Fellows,

producers and other staff and contractors working on the CG initiative.

• Build and oversee the critical relationships with CG faculty, fellows and academic partners, and assure the formation

of a robust communication and networking structure for identifying and supporting the student participants.

• Ensure quality control and consistency throughout all components of the CG program to meet the requirements and

expectations of the grantor agreement.

• Provide direction and oversight to the vendors and consultants building the digital platform for the online coursework

and other interactive demonstrations.

• Coordinate CG developments and web design with existing WSF digital properties, most notably the World Science U

platform.

• Oversee the development of educational curricula in conjunction with faculty and media producers, and manage the

launch and maintenance of online coursework and discussion platforms.

• Act as a liaison to external partners and program evaluators in order to ensure a steady and progressive execution of

the CG program.

• Collaborate with WSF Development team by contributing to proposals; tracking progress against goals and outcomes;

providing narratives and data for grant reports; and participating in funder outreach and cultivation activities.

• Supervise internal and third-party evaluation and assessment process and reporting.

• Coordinate activities of program committees and conduct regular review of the CG program.

Qualifications and Special Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in education or closely related field required, Master's degree in education/administration preferred.

• 7-10 years of experience with progressive professional responsibility for management and administration of education programs, including curriculum development and demonstrated advanced knowledge of related educational field.

• Experience in logistical administration of digital/online education programs.

• Knowledge of the latest research and trends in formal and informal STEM/STEAM education, particularly digital learning.

• Ability to work with diverse constituencies, partner organizations, and stakeholders, both locally and nationally.

• Familiarity with the broader education and non-profit landscape, both in New York City and nationally.

• Exceptional verbal, written, social and organizational skills.

About The World Science Festival:

The World Science Foundation (the “Foundation”) produces original live and digital content that brings scientific discovery, insight and perspective to a broad general audience. 

Our flagship live event, The World Science Festival, is an unprecedented annual tribute to imagination, ingenuity and inventiveness. Through programming that spans a broad range—from vibrant discussions and debates to works of theatre and film—world-class scientists, leading thinkers, and renowned artists take science out of the laboratory and into the streets, theaters, museums, and public halls of New York City, making the esoteric understandable and the familiar fascinating. The week-long New York Festival has drawn more than a million and a half visitors since its launch in 2008, with millions more viewing the programs online.

The Foundation’s live events and theatrical productions tour nationally and internationally. In March 2016, the Foundation launched the World Science Festival Brisbane, bringing its distinctive programming to new audiences and establishing the first annual Festival outside of New York.

World Science U is the Foundation’s online education initiative, where students and lifelong learners can dive more deeply through artfully produced digital education content presented by world-renowned scientists.

The World Science Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in New York City.