Job Opportunities

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) challenges academically talented students from across the state with a comprehensive curriculum including highly specialized courses in science, technology, engineering/computer science, and mathematics. NCSSM opened in 1980 as something of an academic experiment: Would something excellent happen if we gathered together a highly motivated and diverse student body with a critical mass of equally motivated, accomplished, credentialed, and diverse faculty within a space dedicated to the power of the scientific method? Nearly four decades later, NCSSM has built a firmly rooted reputation as an academic powerhouse, educating intellectually gifted students from every corner of the state, representing rural and urban communities, and all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Eleven states and several countries worldwide have since used NCSSM as the model for their own programs.

Today, as in 1980, the mission of NCSSM, an intellectually stimulating, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community, is to:

• educate and nurture academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders,

• increase access to high quality public education in North Carolina, and

• cultivate engaged citizens who will work for the betterment of the world, through challenging programs, with an emphasis on STEM, driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation. 

Altogether, nearly 1,500 North Carolina students from all 13 congressional districts and nearly all 100 counties are enrolled in one of our three signature programs: our residential diploma program, our online certificate program or our interactive video conferencing (IVC) program. Our open enrollment courses expand local offerings to include enrichments and advanced coursework otherwise unavailable in students’ home communities. NCSSM instructors teach live to classrooms statewide daily, broadcasting more synchronous video than any other public provider in the state. 

By 2022, NCSSM will expand to an additional campus in Morganton, NC. Funded primarily by the Connect NC Bond, the campus will initially accommodate 300 additional residential diploma program students as well as increased distance education enrollment.

NCSSM has more than 10,000 graduates, nearly all of whom attended colleges and universities (a great majority within our own top NC public universities) and nearly half of whom have earned a graduate degree. Between 2000-2014, the latest period for which statistics are available, 68 percent of NCSSM graduates earned undergraduate degrees in a STEM field -- approximately 3 times the national average for the general population. During that same period, 61.1 percent of NCSSM’s underrepresented (URM) graduates earned an undergraduate degree in a STEM field -- more than 5 times the national average for URM populations. A 2009 economic impact study found that about 60% of our alumni continue to live and work in North Carolina, adding more than $500 million annually to the state’s economy. Many of our graduates, the oldest of whom are in their mid-50s, refer to their time at NCSSM as “life-changing” and continue to support their alma mater with charitable gifts, volunteerism, and other purposeful engagement.

Our school functions as a full constituent of the University of North Carolina System and is governed and supported by the UNC Board of Governors, NCSSM Board of Trustees, NCSSM Foundation, NCSSM Alumni Association, NCSSM Parent Association, NCSSM Faculty Senate, NCSSM Staff Council, and NCSSM Student Government Association. Notably, a representative from each of our Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and Student Government Association serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of our Board of Trustees.

Though a UNC constituent, NCSSM operates as a free public school open to qualified NC students, regardless of financial means. We generate nearly 10 percent of our institutional budget from private sources, a ratio that will likely increase during our next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Consistent with our founding and governance, the institution is guided by a standing strategic plan. Though goals may shift from time to time, our core beliefs have remained fundamentally unchanged since our establishment:

• Our greatest resource is the capability and creative capacity of the human mind.

• Everyone is unique and has intrinsic value.

• Diversity and inclusion enrich and strengthen lives and communities.

• Embracing challenge inspires growth and the pursuit of excellence. 

• Individuals are responsible for their choices and actions.

• With opportunity, support, and effort all people can realize their full potential.

• A nurturing community develops the well-being of the whole person.

• Service to others builds and strengthens our community.

• Environmental stewardship and resource sustainability are a shared responsibility.

• A passion for learning throughout life leads to success and fulfillment.

• Collaboration fosters learning, ignites innovation, and cultivates community.

• Adhering to high ethical standards is essential for a community to function and flourish.

• Access to high quality public education is essential to a free, democratic society.

We invite and welcome all applications for employment within our institution. NCSSM is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at (919) 416-2635.  

NCSSM is an EEO/eVerify/VEVRAA Employer.

POSTING DATE: April 6, 2023

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled (priority consideration to applications prior to May 8, 2023; application will remain open until filled)

POSITION TYPE: Temporary, 2-Month contract (June/July)

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $138 per day (flat rate, no overtime) plus room and board during programs (housing not provided during the week of July 4)

Description of Duties:

Reports to Director of Mentorship and Research, Durham. 

Residential Life Leaders assists in managing summer Program Assistants, oversees programming and dorm life, communicates with families, and handles emergencies. Responsibilities include support of students, general hall operations, planning and leading programs, office management, building supervision, creating weekly schedules, daily on-call duties, administering medicine/first aid outside of clinic hours, and discipline.  Also serve as a front-line responder in emergency situations and take on the responsibility of “in loco parentis” by supervising student activities and their whereabouts.

As time permits may contribute to Mentorship team goals and other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Mentorship and Research office:

• build community that advances diversity, equity and inclusion in research and innovation 

• cultivate growth and development of thinkers/makers/doers to identify as leaders and engaged citizens

• facilitate safety and efficient systems to ensure long term success for our community and beyond. 

The position will require full responsibilities from June 5-July 22 (with a one week break the week of July 3-7).  According to the program needs and the employee’s availability, the option may be available to begin earlier.

To apply, complete the following Google Form Application (application will remain open until filled).  Please note that submission requires a link to your resume and cover email.  If you have questions about this position, please contact the Director of Mentorship and Research in Durham (Sarah Shoemaker, shoemaker@ncssm.edu). 

Strong candidates demonstrate leadership, excellent communication, ability to work independently and in a team, superior organizational skills, and excellent judgment.

Job requirements and pay rates:

• Residential Life Leaders are required to live on campus and are provided a furnished dorm room. Three meals a day and internet access.

• Complete staff training prior to the start of programs.

• Work can begin in May, and preference will be given to those who can work at least one week prior to the start of programs.

• Residential Life Leaders must be able to work variable schedules including days, nights, and weekends, with most work occurring in the daytime hours.

Minimum qualifications:

• 2 years of undergraduate coursework or work experience 

• Experience working in residence life, education, recreational programming, and/or youth development in a leadership role

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

• Willingness to drive students in 7- to 15-passenger vans (or larger vehicle with CDL license) to and from off-campus activities

Preferred qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher 

• Current first aid and CPR certification

• Familiarity with Google applications 

• At least one summer working with NCSSM Summer Programs or similar summer programs

• At least two years of experience working with youth ages 10-18

• Highly responsible, thoughtful, mature, and creative with excellent problem-solving skills

• Proven leadership and supervisory experience

• Excellent communication skills