STEM OUTREACH & EDUCATION SPECIALIST

About this Job

Northwestern State University is seeking a motivated and organized STEM Outreach and Education Specialist to support the Region 6 LaSTEM Center.
This position assists with coordinating STEM programs, student engagement activities, workforce initiatives, community outreach, and special events across the seven-parish service area.
The ideal candidate will have an associate degree or equivalent related work experience, strong organizational and communication skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and the ability to manage multiple projects while working collaboratively with students, educators, industry partners, and community organizations.
Travel throughout the Region 6 service area is required.

To apply: Please submit a letter of application, resume, transcripts, and complete contact information for three professional references to Mr. Jason Parks, Executive Director, at parksj@nsula.edu.

Northwestern State University is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

(Full Disclosure)

Northwestern State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Title IX Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 306 of the Friedman Student Union or email tix@nsula.edu.

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and noticed that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in Room 128 Caspari Hall or email andersonje@nsula.edu. For student academic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Crissey Smith (318-357-5460) located in Room 111 Watson Memorial Library or email smithcr@nsula.edu. For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Education, STEM, Business, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience in customer service, education, workforce development, event coordination, outreach, office administration, or a related field preferred.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel throughout the Region 6 service area.
  

• Bachelors degree Education, STEM, Business, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with students, schools, or community organizations.
• Experience coordinating events, programs, or outreach activities.
• Familiarity with STEM education, workforce development, or higher education is a plus but not required.
• Experience working with grant-funded programs is helpful but not required.

Job Specification

The STEM Outreach & Education Specialist works under the direction of the Regional STEM Center Director and provides programmatic, operational, and outreach support in the implementation of Region 6 LaSTEM Center initiatives. This position assists with the coordination and delivery of STEM programs, student engagement activities, workforce-aligned training opportunities, community outreach efforts, communications, and data tracking across the seven-parish service area. The Specialist supports the Director in coordinating partnerships, implementing programs, and fulfilling reporting requirements while helping advance regional STEM education, workforce development, and economic growth goals.

Job Duties and Other Information

Program Implementation and Delivery

• Coordinate and implement STEM programs across all seven parishes, including student enrichment programs, workforce-aligned camps, credentialing opportunities, and educator workshops aligned with regional and statewide priorities.
• Support the delivery of student-facing programs and community STEM events by managing logistics, scheduling, materials, site coordination, and on-site facilitation to ensure high-quality execution.
• Support collaboration with partners to ensure programs reflect workforce needs and align with regional workforce priorities.
• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to rural and underserved populations, including adapting delivery models to meet geographic and resource constraints.

• Support recruitment of prospective STEM students through outreach activities, including school visits, college fairs, community events, and digital engagement strategies.
• Serve as a point of contact for STEM students by providing information and referrals related to academic pathways, certifications, workforce opportunities, and career exploration resources.
• Assist with onboarding, engagement, and retention initiatives by connecting students to academic resources, support services, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of student-centered programming that enhances persistence, belonging, and career readiness within STEM disciplines.
  

• Support the development and delivery of career-connected STEM experiences, including industry tours, guest speakers, job shadowing, and work-based learning opportunities.
• Support engagement with schools, community organizations, and regional partners through outreach, communication, event coordination, and follow-up activities.
• Represent the Center at public events, school engagements, and community meetings, as assigned, to promote STEM programs and strengthen regional visibility.
• Assist in implementing targeted outreach strategies to expand STEM pathways.

• Assist in maintaining partnerships across education, workforce, industry, and community sectors to support program delivery and regional coordination.
• Support coordination of the Regional STEM Advisory Committee, including scheduling, communication, meeting materials, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain and update regional partner databases, contact lists, and engagement tracking systems.
• Assist with cross-sector collaboration meetings and regional convenings that support alignment of STEM initiatives.

• Collect, track, and maintain accurate data related to program participation, credentials earned, workforce engagement, and geographic reach.
• Maintain program documentation, attendance records, and outreach tracking systems in alignment with reporting requirements.
• Assist in preparation of quarterly performance reports, annual reports, and required LaSTEM submissions.
• Support evaluation efforts by compiling participant feedback, tracking outcomes, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts aligned with LaSTEM performance benchmarks and regional goals.

• Assist in implementing regional communication strategies to promote STEM programs through social media, newsletters, websites, and community outreach.
• Assist in developing and maintaining content that highlights student success, workforce outcomes, and regional impact stories.
• Collaborate with NSU Marketing and regional partners to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Engage stakeholders through targeted communication efforts that increase visibility and participation.

• Coordinate facility reservations, participant communications, registration management, and event support activities.
• Support purchasing, travel coordination, and documentation in compliance with university and grant guidelines.
• Assist with budget tracking and financial documentation related to STEM programs and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, LaSTEM requirements, and grant reporting standards.
• Maintain program calendars, registration records, and event documentation.

Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.