Director for the Community STEM Learning Center

The Director for the Community STEM Learning Center provides strategic, operational, and business leadership to advance access to STEM education, workforce readiness in STEM fields, and community engagement in the Tri-Cities. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing the Center’s strategic vision, ensuring effective operations and financial sustainability, and cultivating partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, industry, and community organizations. This position combines a commitment to expanding access to STEM learning with strong business management, resource development, and accountability for the Center’s long-term success. 

This position reports directly to the Vice President for Marketing & External Engagement.

• Develop and implement the vision, strategic direction, and priorities for the STEM Learning Center, including hands-on STEM programs and experiences that advance equitable access, community engagement, education opportunities, and connections to workforce readiness;
• Develop and manage a sustainable operating model for the STEM Learning Center, including budget and resource management, facility utilization, staffing, and short- and long-term operational planning;
• Develop and execute strategies to secure and diversify resources for the Center through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and other funding opportunities;
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with faculty and staff, K-12 and higher education partners, businesses and industry, community organizations, funders, and other stakeholders to advance the Center’s mission and sustainability;
• Lead the development and evaluation of STEM programs, activities, and events that provide meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and respond to community and workforce needs;
• Establish and monitor measures of Center performance and impact, including participation, partnerships, program outcomes, facility utilization, and financial performance, and use results to guide priorities and continuous improvement;
• Supervise and provide direction to STEM Learning Center staff, volunteers, and student interns, including establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities, and supporting effective performance;
• Lead and engage the STEM Learning Center Advisory Committee to inform the Center’s strategic direction, programming, partnerships, and community engagement;
• Serve as the primary representative and advocate for the STEM Learning Center and collaborate with Marketing and other College areas to build awareness, engagement, partnerships, and support for the Center; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university in business, STEM, education, public or community engagement, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience leading programs, operations, or initiatives involving responsibility for planning, resource management, and measurable outcomes;
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing partnerships with educational institutions, businesses and industry, community organizations, or other external stakeholders;
• Experience with budget or resource management and with grants, sponsorships, resource development, or other funding activities; and
• Strong communication, project management, and organizational leadership skills. 

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, STEM education, organizational leadership, or a related field from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Experience leading or managing a community-facing center, educational initiative, nonprofit program, or similar operation;
• Experience securing and managing grants, sponsorships, or other external funding;
• Knowledge of STEM education, workforce needs, emerging technologies, or informal STEM learning environments; and
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

COMPETENCIES:

Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting. Demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth;

CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors.  Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable;

Strategic Leadership: Ability to establish a clear vision and strategic direction, translate priorities into achievable plans and outcomes, and lead others in responding to evolving College and community needs;

Business & Financial Management: Ability to manage budgets and resources, assess financial and operational performance, evaluate opportunities, and make sound decisions that support effective operations and long-term sustainability;

Partnership & Resource Development: Ability to cultivate productive relationships with educational institutions, businesses and industry, community organizations, funders, and other stakeholders to develop partnerships, secure resources, and advance the Center’s mission;

Operational & Project Management: Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and oversee multiple programs and initiatives while effectively managing resources, timelines, responsibilities, and results; and

Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

This is a full-time, overtime exempt, administrative staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours may vary due to work demands and some evening and weekend work may be required.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at the time of hire. 
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.
  

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment. 

Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate.  The position operates in a fast-paced service-oriented environment with frequent interaction and competing priorities.  The noise level is typical of an office environment with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noise.  Occasional travel may be required.

Salary : $79,505 - $87,882