Student Engagement Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION TITLE: Community Engagement, Associate 

WHO WE ARE: As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact. We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

SUMMARY: AIP is seeking a highly organized and relationship-focused Community Engagement Associate to serve as the critical link between the Society of Physics Students (SPS), Sigma Pi Sigma, external stakeholders, and cross-functional teams throughout AIP and the volunteer community. This highly visible position requires exceptional project management, event planning, communication, and relationship-building skills to successfully deliver programs that advance undergraduate physics education and engagement. 

The Community Engagement Associate partners closely with the SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma Director and Associate Director to plan, execute, evaluate, and continuously improve a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives. The role manages multiple complex projects simultaneously, contributes to strategic planning efforts, develops and promotes student and alumni engagement initiatives, oversees program communications and content development, and utilizes data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future decision-making. 

In partnership with the SPS leadership team, this position plays a central role in planning and executing the biennial SPS Congress, the Society's premier national event that brings together approximately 1,300 undergraduate students, faculty, alumni, and science professionals. Responsibilities include comprehensive project planning, vendor and stakeholder coordination, logistics management, volunteer leadership, budget oversight, communications, content development, onsite event management, and post-event assessment to ensure an exceptional participant experience.

The Community Engagement Associate translates strategic priorities into actionable project plans, establishes timelines and milestones, coordinates cross-functional stakeholders, proactively manages risks, and ensures successful execution of multiple concurrent initiatives. Serving as a trusted representative of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma, this individual builds strong relationships with volunteers, faculty, students, member societies, industry partners, and external organizations while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service.

This hands-on program management position collaborates extensively with department colleagues, AIP staff, volunteer leaders, member societies, higher education institutions, industry partners, and public-sector organizations to design, deliver, and continuously enhance programs that strengthen undergraduate physics education, expand student and alumni engagement, foster professional development, and support the future physical sciences workforce.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Program Management

Undergraduate Physics Outreach

Membership Management

Chapter & Conference Leadership

Communications & Content Development

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 
 

COMPENSATION:  $66,660.00 - $73,326.00

WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

ABOUT AIP: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!