CANDIDATE PROFILE
POSITION TITLE
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
CREATED FOR REMOTE PRIMARY LOCATION
SSP INTERNATIONAL
about SSP International, Inc.
SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress.
To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a global network of over 3,700 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.
SSP International will have 30 full-time year-round staff for FY 2025, with an additional 136 seasonal summer faculty and staff. The organization plans to run 17 programs across 14 campus locations in the summer of 2025, supported by a $12.9 million operating budget—an 88% increase from the previous fiscal year. With assets exceeding $200 million, SSP International demonstrates strong financial stability
our values
Challenge:Weengageourselvesandoneanother,buildinganenvironment ofconstantdiscovery.
Collaboration:Weembraceimmersiveexperiences,fosteringteamwork, trust,enthusiasmandinnovation
Community:Webuildlifelongcommunitythatthrivesonintegrityand collectivegrowth.Wedevelopalifelongsenseoftogethernessand collectivesupport.
Inclusion:Wecultivateaninclusiveenvironmentwherediversityfuels curiosityandtransformation.
Our Mission
SSPI provides students with immersive, transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. We envision a world in which science inspires and informs humanity.
our vision
We envision a world in which science inspires and informs humanity.
what we do & WHO WE SERVE
What is THE summer science program?
Aresidentialenrichmentprogramdesignedtochallengeand inspiretalentedandmotivatedhighschoolstudents(rising seniors)fromaroundtheworld.
Oneofthelongest-running(since1959)pre-college programs
Immersionintohands-onresearch
TheSummerScienceProgramisnota“camp.”Itisaunique immersionexperiencewithastrongculturethathasevolvedover morethanhalfacentury.Itistalentedyoungpeoplediscovering theirlimits,thenovercomingthemthroughcollaboration.Itisthe shockofnotbeingthesmartestpersonintheroom,followedby thejoyofrealizingthat’snotaproblem,it’sanopportunity.
Inhighschool,teenagerslearnaboutscience.AttheSummer ScienceProgram,theydoscience.That’sdifferent!(Andwhywe refertothemas“participants,”not“students.”)
TheSummerScienceProgramisresearch,notcoursework.
Participantscollaborateinteamsofthree.Everyonelearnsfrom–andteaches–everyoneelse.ThereisaCodeofHonor,butno testsorgrades.Theimpactonparticipantsisremarkably consistentacrossdifferentprojects,locations,andyears.
Onlineorin-person,ateachprogram36participantsand7facultyforma diversecommunityoflearning.Togethertheytackleadifficultresearch project.
In2024thosewere:
TheSummerSciencePrograminAstrophysics(Fiveprograms)
TheSummerSciencePrograminBiochemistry(Threeprograms)
TheSummerSciencePrograminGenomics(Threeprograms)
TheSummerSciencePrograminSyntheticChemistry(Oneprogram)
Classroomandlabsessionsarescheduledsixdaysaweek,interspersed withguestlecturesandotherspecialevents.Classroomtimeisfor developinganunderstandingofexperimentalscienceingeneralandthe researchtopicinparticular.Problemsetsreinforcethematerial.Eachteam studiesitsowntarget,performingtheresearchfromstarttofinish:acquiring andanalyzingexperimentaldataandreportingtheresults.
Position Overview
UnderthedirectionoftheChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO),theChiefProgramOfficer(CPO)willberesponsibleforthestrategic development,implementation,andevaluationofSSPI’sscienceeducationprograms,includingtheSummerScienceProgram.Asakey leadershipteammember,theCPOwilloverseeprogramoperations,fosterstrategicpartnerships,andensureprogrammaticalignment withSSPI’smissionandgoals.TheidealcandidatewillbringadeepunderstandingofSTEMeducation,apassionforequityinlearning, andstrongleadershipskillstoscaleandenhanceourimpact,bothnationallyandinternationally.
Withtherecentreceiptofatransformationalestategiftbyanearlyalumnus,SSPIhascompletedanewstrategicplanandnowhasthe financialresourcestobroadenourimpactinSTEMeducation.The10-yearvisionofourplanistoreach10,000studentseachyearina varietyofSTEMprograms,withatleast50%comingfromhistoricallyunderservedcommunities,withchallenging,engaging,and transformativescienceexperiences.
Scale and Expand Reach
Scale SSPI's operations to reach 10,000 students annually, with at least 50% from historically underserved communities, while expanding access to diverse STEM programs.
Diversify Programs and Participants
Lead initiatives to diversify both SSPI's program offerings and participant demographics, aligning with the organization's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in STEM education.
Build Partnerships and Collaborations
Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to enhance the programmatic impact and create lasting change in science education.
Enhance Brand Awareness and Funding Diversity
Elevate SSPI's profile in STEM education through external engagement while diversifying funding sources to support organizational growth and sustainability.
Drive Programmatic Impact and Community Transformation
Oversee the continuous improvement of SSPI's programs to ensure they remain rigorous and impactful, fostering a strong sense of community that extends beyond summer and beyond science.
program development
executive leadership
Oversee the operational aspects of SSPI's academic programs, including managing and allocating financial and non-financial resources to meet program objectives.
Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and collaborate in developing and implementing strategies that align with SSPI's Mission and Strategic Framework.
Directly supervise the VP of Academic Affairs, the VP of Program Operations, and the VP of Research and Evaluation, and indirectly supervise their respective teams.
Lead program innovation and continuous improvement efforts based on research, data, and community feedback.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact within the program team and cross-departmentally.
Play a key role in fundraising efforts and external relationshipbuilding to support SSPI’s mission and programs.
Provide high-level advice and support to the CEO on a range of strategic issues and initiatives.
Serve on relevant Board committees as needed.
Provide advice, context, and action plans to the CEO for expanding the Summer Science Program without loss in academic or cultural quality or fidelity.
Participate in evaluating ideas for new SSPI programs and initiatives.
Conduct research and analysis to support SSPI's strategic decision-making and identify new growth opportunities. Develop strategies and new curricula development for addressing target student populations.
Direct the VP of Program Operations, the VP of Academic Affairs, and other staff members to identify and secure laboratory space, dormitory space, office space, equipment, and technical facilities for the Summer Science Program on each site as needed. Prepare ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect efforts and advancements during the current period.
staff development & management
Direct and manage the VP of Academic Affairs and VP of Program Operations in recruiting, evaluating, hiring, and supervising faculty/staff candidates and guest lecturers. Ensure the effectiveness of the Summer Science Program faculty/staff training by managing training criteria, guiding the preparation of training materials, and reviewing the materials prepared by key SSPI staff.
roles & responsibilities
external engagements & advocacy
Represent SSPI to external stakeholders, such as educational institutions, government agencies, and community partners, including at national and international conferences, media interviews, workshops, and seminars.
Establish partnerships with external organizations and academic institutions to secure new program locations, opportunities, and resources. Identify and evaluate new sites for SSPI programs, reviewing site suitability in terms of scientific facilities, equipment, and partnership potential.
Develop and review memoranda of understanding (MOU) with host campuses. Create and cultivate relationships with university administration and faculty in relevant departments at host universities.
Identify new opportunities for SSPI to partner with and/or seek funding from foundations, corporations, consortia, and universities. Participate in the pursuit of government and foundation grant proposals (e.g., NSF, NASA, and NIH grants).
Organize outreach opportunities to raise SSPI's profile in STEM education. Consult and participate with the public relations team on initiatives to increase public awareness of SSPI through traditional and social media.
program performance
& risk management
Oversee the annual review of the Summer Science Program's research projects, in collaboration with the Academic Affairs team, to ensure that each project is academically rigorous and consistent with SSPI's standard program design and culture.
Offer strategic guidance based on annual evaluation outcomes and make recommendations on appropriate changes as needed.
Review the operations of all academic programs against SSPI's goals and key performance indicators and prepare reports for presentation to SSPI's Board of Directors.
Serve as adjudicating reviewer on complex cases, sign off on all admissions decisions, and manage the creation of new admissions policies consistent with partnerships and recruitment initiatives.
Review operational policies and procedures to ensure proper documentation and compliance and identify unmitigated risks.
qualifications
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience within nonprofit organizations or foundation with a minimum five (5) years executive management experience.
Proven track record managing personnel, complex logistics, and program portfolios.
Expertise in strategic planning, program development, evaluation, and operational team managem
Experience in grant funding, budget development and oversight, and resource allocation.
Proven success in initiating, developing and managing external partnerships and Board relations.
Understanding of STEM education principles, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
Knowledge of educational research methodologies and best practices in PK-12 science educatio
Familiarity with access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in STEM fie
Exceptional leadership abilities to oversee academic programs and manage staff, particularly in remote environments.
Ability to develop and facilitate presentations and communicate complex ideas effectively.
Capability to create and implement strategic plans for expanding and enhancing academic progr
Experience planning, developing, and implementing processes and protocols
Ability to build and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations
Willingness to travel for meetings and staff gatherings (approximately 10-15% nationwide travel, roughly cumulative to 5-6 weeks per year at defined intervals)
compensation & benefits
The Chief Program Officer role offers a competitive base salary of up to $180,000 - $200,000 plus a discretionary bonus and an excellent benefits package. This includes a remote work-from-home schedule and moderate travel requirements (approximately 10-15% nation-wide travel, roughly cumulative to 5-6 weeks per year at defined intervals).
the ideal candidate
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a broad perspective, capable of aligning programs and operations with SSPI’s mission and long-term goals. They should have experience in program development and operational management to ensure efficiency and effectiveness across initiatives.
Strong communication skills are essential for representing SSPI to stakeholders and presenting complex ideas effectively. The ideal candidate should be innovative, data-driven, and committed to continuous improvement, with a deep understanding of access and equity issues in STEM fields.
They might have experience in education for underrepresented youth, with the ability to drive growth and expansion through innovative and impactful programming. Emphasizing strategic leadership and operational excellence, this leader must also have the ability to build and manage programming budgets effectively.
CAREER TRACK leading to chief program officer
SSP International is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
ThelikelycareerexperiencefortheChiefProgramOfficerof SSPInternationalinvolvesablendofprogrammanagement, strategicleadership,andsector-specificexperienceinSTEM education,nonprofitmanagement,and/oryouthdevelopment.
Thisindividualwouldhaveaproventrackrecordinscaling educationalprograms,fosteringdiversityandinclusion initiatives,andbuildingstrategicpartnershipsinthescience educationsector.Experienceinmanagingtransformational growthandimplementinginnovativeSTEMcurriculawouldbe highlyvaluableforthisrole.
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Professionals we may look for:
Executive Director
Chief Program Officer
Chief Operating Officer
VP of Programs/Program
Operations
Senior Program Director
Deputy Director
Senior Manager of Educational Partnerships
Director of STEM Education and Student Engagement
Envision Consulting has been retained by SSP International to search for their incoming Chief Program Officer. We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential.
After two stages of interviews with Envision, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition with a oneyear guarantee. To ensure candidate success, we offer ten (10) hours of executive coaching for the new hire.
SSP International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
search team for SUMMER SCIENCE PROGRAM, international
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions With offices in Denver, New York, and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most. Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
AMANADA MITCHELL SEARCH & STRATEGY CONSULTANT
ABIGAIL MARSTERS SENIOR CONSULTANT
ALLISON FULLER CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER
