STEM Director

Reports To: Chief Learning Officer

Department: Education-STEM 

Status: Full-time

Classification: Exempt

EEO Code: First/Mid-level Officials & Managers

Position Summary

The STEM Director is a leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing all Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning experiences across the museum. This position leads the design, development, and execution of innovative, inquiry-based programming that engages children, families, educators, and the broader community. This role also maintains and supervises our Follow That Food, Move with The River, and Dig Into Nature exhibit galleries and the outdoor landscape, with a focus on STEM, including health, wellness, and sustainable, ecological practices. This position uses the museum's Learning Framework for all program planning and events and requires collaboration with external stakeholders and partners.

The STEM Director accomplishes responsibilities of this role while managing staff, budgets, and gallery operations. Specifically, this position creates engaging, hands-on learning environments that inspire curiosity and foster scientific literacy in visitors of all ages, with particular emphasis on the museum's signature exhibit galleries and outdoor educational spaces. This role blends educational leadership, operational management, and community partnership to create meaningful, accessible, and impactful STEM experiences grounded in best practices, including the Reggio Emilia approach.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy, Design & Implementation

• Lead the vision, development, and execution of comprehensive STEM programming across in-museum, outreach, and community-based platforms 
• Design engaging, hands-on learning experiences including demonstrations, workshops, after-school programs, and large-scale events for children and families 
• Develop and manage a tiered program model (A/B/C) that includes: 
  • A-Level: Signature events and festivals requiring significant planning, funding, and cross-functional coordination 
  • B-Level: Core programs and exhibit-based facilitated experiences 
  • C-Level: Daily learning engagements, including storytelling in exhibit galleries, demonstrations, and guided play 
• Ensure all programming aligns with state and national standards, the museum’s Learning Framework, and community-informed priorities 
• Evaluate program effectiveness using data, documentation, and feedback to drive continuous improvement 

Exhibit & Gallery Management

• Oversee the development, delivery, and ongoing management of STEM exhibit galleries and outdoor learning environments, including specialized spaces such as gardens and interactive classrooms 
• Ensure exhibits are engaging, accessible, safe, and aligned with learning goals 
• Manage exhibit maintenance, updates (capital and otherwise), and enhancements, including hands-on manipulatives and interpretive materials 
• Develop and implement training for staff on exhibit purposes, facilitation techniques, and audience engagement 
• Track and manage exhibit-related budgets and resources 

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise, mentor, coach and evaluate a team of educators, play facilitators and specialists delivering STEM programming in the museum, schools, and community 
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and train staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation 
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities 
• Oversee staff scheduling, program delivery, and quality assurance across all STEM initiatives 
• Lead regular team meetings and maintain clear expectations for performance, communication, and outcomes 

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the annual STEM department budget 
• Monitor expenses, allocate resources effectively, and ensure fiscal responsibility across programs and exhibits 
• Oversee procurement of supplies, materials, and vendor relationships 
• Support grant planning, writing, implementation, and compliance, including tracking deliverables and reporting outcomes 
• Partner with development staff to identify and support funding opportunities 

Events, Outreach & Community Engagement

• Plan and execute a diverse calendar of events, workshops, camps, and community programs 
• Build and sustain partnerships with schools, educators, universities, and community organizations to co-design and deliver programming 
• Represent the museum in community settings, professional networks, and public forums 
• Ensure programming reflects community voice, expands access, and reduces barriers to participation 
• Lead outreach initiatives and educator professional development opportunities 

Cross Departmental Collaboration & Documentation

• Collaborate with internal teams—including Learning, Operations, Marketing & Communications, Visitor Experience, and Development—to ensure alignment and integration 
• Partner with documentation and communications teams to capture and share learning experiences through storytelling, data, and visual media 
• Collect and analyze program data, including attendance, engagement metrics, and qualitative outcomes 
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and long-term program development 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related discipline 
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in STEM education, museum programming, or informal learning environments 
• At least 3 years of supervisory and budget management experience 
• Demonstrated success in program design, event planning, and staff leadership 
• Strong understanding of inquiry-based and experiential learning methodologies 
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills 

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field 
• Experience in museum or informal education settings 
• Knowledge of exhibit design, fabrication, and maintenance 
• Grant writing and fundraising experience 
• Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities 
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia or similar educational frameworks 
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities 

Core Competencies

• Strategic and innovative thinker with a strong vision for STEM education 
• Effective leader who builds, develop, and inspires high-performing teams 
• Skilled in collaboration and relationship-building across diverse stakeholders 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities 
• Commitment to equity, access, and inclusive learning environments 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout exhibit spaces for extended periods 
• Ability to lift and transport materials (up to 20–50 pounds) 
• Capacity to work in indoor and outdoor environments 
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for programs and events

Schedule