We seek applicants for a full-time position on the College's Challenger Learning Center (CLC) team to deliver high-impact STEM instruction for middle school and junior high students. The Teaching and Training Specialist leads interactive teaching experiences, including hands-on STEM lessons, interactive field trip programs, and summer STEM activities, while also training and supervising part-time instructional staff under the guidance of the Associate Director. The Specialist ensures consistency and quality in all learning experiences and coordinates operational needs, including IT and Facilities support. This is a unique opportunity to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers in a mission-driven educational setting.

• Manage customer inquiries and scheduling of in-person STEM experiences
• Support educators by ensuring they are well-prepared for their visit, addressing questions about scheduling, curriculum, pre-lessons, student experiences, and field trip logistics
• Oversee logistical aspects of visiting groups: ensure trip details are finalized, prepare materials for both students and staff, address staffing needs, proactively communicate accommodations and IEPs to the team, and coordinate lunch receipt and organization
• Lead simulated space missions and other hands-on STEM experiences in the specialized facilities of the Challenger Learning Center, and in asynchronous, virtual settings
• Maintain a directory of eligible and returning schools by tracking organizational contacts, updating Salesforce records, and ensuring all school information is accurate to enhance outreach and recruitment strategies
• Implement a data-driven enrollment outreach plan by analyzing booking trends and proactively engaging teachers through multiple communication methods
• Coordinate the strategic deployment of marketing materials by identifying priority schools, submitting marketing requests, and collaborating with the Marketing team to develop outreach materials
• Track scholarship usage and experiential feedback from teachers and students, ensuring data is collected, analyzed, and communicated appropriately
• Maintain and update documentation related to operational processes
• Enhance customer satisfaction by engaging with educators, parents, and participants to gather feedback, address concerns, and implement improvements that elevate the program experience across both school-year and summer programming

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Experience leading elementary, middle school, and/or high school students in formal and/or informal learning experiences
3. Ability to master and utilize specialized technology and STEM equipment
4. Excellent written communication, public speaking, and collaboration skills
5. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently, and function professionally under pressure
6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
7. Ability to interact effectively with individuals of diverse ages, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds
8. Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends

1. Master’s degree in Education or STEM-related field
2. Valid Illinois professional educator license
3. Familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and their application to both formal and informal learning experiences
4. Experience with Salesforce applications
   
   

Applications received by November 16, 2025, will receive priority consideration, with review of applications continuing as needed.

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND ABILITY TO BE PRESENT ON-CAMPUS/IN-PERSON IS REQUIRED.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Heartland Community College is an equal opportunity institution.

HCC values equity, diversity and inclusion. We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.

EMPLOYEE LEAVE
Vacation: 20 days (160 hours) per year with a maximum annual carry-over of 40 days (320 hours); Accrual of 6.16 hours will be granted on the last day of each pay period

Sick Leave: 12 days (96 hours) per year with unlimited annual carry-over; 12 days (96 hours) granted on start date; Beginning on the first anniversary, accrual of 3.70 hours will be granted on the last day of each pay period.

Volunteer Leave: 1 day (8 hours) per year with no annual carry-over;
8 hours granted on start date, then annually granted on January 1

Special Leave: Available by approval for bereavement, emergencies, and legal requirements

Parental Leave: 4 weeks for qualifying events, once per 12-month rolling period

Holidays: 12 designated paid holidays, plus 3 paid Floating Holidays (24 hours); Floating Holidays granted on start date, then annually granted on the anniversary date. HCC is closed from Christmas Eve Day through New Year’s Day generally resulting in additional paid days

EMPLOYEE INSURANCE COVERAGES
Eligibility begins the first day of the month following or coinciding with the date of employment.

Medical Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, 2 Plan Options
$3,000 Deductible PPO (Copay Plan): Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%
$4,000 Deductible QHDHP (HSA Plan): Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Dental Insurance: Delta Dental
Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Vision Insurance: VSP
Employee coverage paid 100%; dependent coverage paid 45%

Life Insurance: Sun Life
Term life insurance equal to twice the annual base salary

Optional Insurances: Sun Life
Accident; Critical Illness; Long-term Disability; Voluntary Life

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Retirement System: State Universities Retirement System (SURS) - choice of Traditional, Portable, or Retirement Savings Plan with 8% pre-tax payroll deduction

Retirement Health Insurance Plan: College Insurance Program (CIP) - health insurance for SURS retirees with 0.95% pre-tax payroll deduction

Savings Plan: SURS Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) 457(b) – automatic enrollment with 3% pre-tax payroll deduction. Ability to opt out within 30 days of hire

Tax-sheltered Annuity Plan: 403(b) plan permitting voluntary salary reductions within IRS rules

OTHER BENEFITS
Flexible Spending Plan: Section 125 Plan permitting voluntary salary reductions to pay for eligible healthcare and childcare expenses using tax-free dollars within IRS rules

Tuition Waiver: HCC tuition waiver for employee and dependents and HCC Continuing Education course fee waiver for employee

Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement for employee for up to $3,500 per fiscal year

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and referral service for employee and dependents

Employee Identification Card: Access to HCC Fitness and Recreation Center, HCC Library, and Bloomington- Normal Public Transit System (Connect Transit)

Sick Leave Bank

Long-Term Remote Work: With approval, up to 2 days (16 hours) remote work per week, after a minimum of 5 months in position

Long-Term Alternate Work Schedule: With approval, compressed workweek or flex work schedule, after a minimum of 5 months in position

Flexible Summer Work Schedule: With approval

Benefits listed are subject to change. Specific benefits may be dependent upon employment classification, duration of employment, full-time or part-time work status, etc.