Director for the Community STEM Learning Center

The Director for the Community STEM Learning Center will develop the Center as a recognizable and highly valuable contributor to STEM education and opportunities in the Tri-Cities. The Director for the Community STEM Learning Center will lead efforts to strengthen STEM educational opportunities and engagement on campus and within the Tri-Cities. This position is responsible for creating a vision and plan for implementing dynamic STEM programming, fostering partnerships with local organizations, higher education partners, school districts, and promoting access to STEM learning opportunities for all students in the Tri-Cities. The Director will serve as a collaborative and visionary leader, advocate, and a resource for STEM initiatives that drive workforce readiness in STEM fields and community engagement.. 

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

• Develop the vision and lead the strategies and operationalize STEM programming and experiences that support community and student engagement;
• Lead the Advisory Committee by setting agendas, facilitating productive collaboration, and ensuring board insights inform program development and community engagement;
• Build relationships with diverse faculty, staff, external stakeholders, local K-12 schools, STEM-related business and industry partners, and community groups to ensure inclusive STEM exhibits, programs, activities, and events;
• Develop a long-term plan to sustain STEM Center operations including pursuing and securing grants and funding opportunities to grow STEM Learning Center initiatives;
• Supervise STEM Learning Center staff, volunteers, and student interns;
• Monitor and assess program effectiveness through impact evidence including attendance, partners, programs, and budget data, through continuous evaluation and identification of areas for growth and strength;
• Partner with Marketing to develop annual plan for promotion of STEM resources and events targeted to key demographic audiences;
• Ensure facilities, equipment, and technology resources are maintained, updated, and inventoried on a regular basis;;
• Represent the STEM Learning Center at conferences, community forums, and professional development events; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience in a STEM field, education, public engagement, or related area;
• Experience designing and delivering educational or outreach programs for diverse audiences this may include paid roles, volunteer work, internships, or leadership in community initiatives;
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with education partners in higher education and K-12, community groups, and industry organizations;
• Strong skills in both oral and written communication, project management, and community engagement; and
• Commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and access in STEM education.

• Master’s degree in STEM education, nonprofit management, or a related field from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Familiarity with community college settings or informal STEM learning environments such as maker spaces or science centers;
• Knowledge of current STEM education trends, workforce needs, and emerging technologies;
• Experience writing and managing grants or funding proposals;
• Bilingual in English and Spanish; and
• Comfort with using data to evaluate impact and improve programming. 

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 provide visionary leadership, set strategic direction, and inspire teams to achieve organizational goals while adapting to the evolving needs of the college and its stakeholders;

Budgeting/Financial Management: Experience in budget development, fiscal planning, and/or financial analysis to optimize resource utilization, maintain fiscal responsibility, and achieve budgetary objectives;

Networking: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with colleagues, industry professionals, community stakeholders, businesses, and organizations to enhance partnerships and support the college's mission and initiatives;

Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in project planning, resource allocation, and oversight to ensure the successful execution of initiatives from conception to completion;

Decision Making: Strong analytical skills and sound judgment to assess complex situations, weigh alternatives, and make strategic decisions that align with the college's mission, values, and priorities while considering diverse perspectives and potential impacts;

Innovation: Proactively seeking and implementing creative solutions to improve effectiveness and adaptability within the college environment. Embracing continuous improvement and fostering a culture of forward-thinking to enhance outcomes; 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