Director of Operations and STEM Programs

Director of Operations and STEM Programs

Organization: Science Mill

Location: Johnson City, Texas (full time, in-person)

The Science Mill is a hands-on science museum, family destination, and educational organization in Johnson City, Texas, dedicated to introducing and exciting all kids to a world of future STEM careers. Our mission is to inspire and give students the confidence, tools and support needed to reach their full potential as skilled members in a 21^st century skilled workforce. A vision where all kids-regardless of economic status, location, gender or race have equitable access to STEM programs.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations and STEM Programs provides strategic, operational and instructional leadership for both museum operations and STEM education programming. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role ensures exceptional visitor experiences, effective day-to-day operations, and the delivery of high-quality educational programs that advance the Science Mill's mission to give all kids the confidence, tools, and support to reach their full potential as a skilled member of the 21st-century STEM workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and inspire a team of STEM educators, program staff, curriculum writers, visitor services and floor staff, volunteers, and facility maintenance personnel to deliver exceptional informal STEM learning and visitor experiences
• Oversee daily museum operations to ensure exhibits, learning environments, and public spaces are maintained and fully functional, providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging visitor experience
• Oversee STEM education programming within the Science Mill, including family visits, school field trips, homeschool days, special events, daily activities, and learning labs
• Guide statewide outreach programs across Texas, including summer STEM camps, after-school STEM clubs, mobile or off-site programs, and professional development for in-service STEM teachers
• Collaborate with staff to develop, review, and improve curriculum, activities, exhibits, and educational resources that connect STEM concepts to real-world applications and STEM careers, ensuring programs are age-appropriate, inquiry-based, hands-on, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of students, families, educators, and community partners
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, staffing plans, safety practices, and performance standards that ensure high-quality programs, exceptional visitor experiences, effective staff training, and consistent museum operations.
• Use data, feedback, and evaluation tools to assess program effectiveness, improve operations, and report outcomes to leadership and stakeholders
• Support partnerships with schools, districts, community organizations, funders, and STEM professionals to expand the Science Mill’s reach and impact
• Budget development and accountability, resource planning, grant reporting, and long-range planning for STEM programs and operations
• Represent the Science Mill professionally with educators, families, donors, partners, and the broader community

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM-related field such as education, museum studies, nonprofit leadership, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a STEM-focused organization, science museum, educational nonprofit, school district, informal learning setting, or comparable environment
• Experience leading museum, visitor services, attraction, or nonprofit operations
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing staff or teams
• Strong understanding of informal STEM education, hands-on learning, inquiry-based instruction, and youth development
• Excellent organizational and operational skills, including the ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, priorities, and stakeholders
• Commitment to expanding access to STEM learning and creating welcoming, inclusive experiences for diverse learners and communities
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed, including occasional evenings, weekends, special events, and travel within Texas

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing curriculum or programs aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or similar education standards
• Experience managing field trips, camps, after-school programs, educator professional development, or statewide outreach initiatives
• Background in nonprofit operations, grant-funded programs, partnership development, or program evaluation
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are a plus

Core Competencies

• Mission-driven leadership and team development
• Visitor experience and operational excellence
• STEM learning, visitor engagement, and educational excellence
• Strategic planning and continuous improvement
• Collaborative communication and cross-functional leadership
• Expanding access to STEM learning and community impact
• Data-informed decision making and resource stewardship
• Sound judgment, adaptability, and attention to detail

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Health, Dental, and Vision benefits
• PTO and paid holidays

About the Role

• This is a leadership role for a collaborative, organized, and mission-driven museum and STEM learning professional who enjoys both strategic planning and hands-on implementation.  Success in this role is measured by visitor satisfaction, program quality, educational impact, staff development, budget management, and growth of statewide STEM engagement.

To Apply:

Send a letter of interest and resume to info@sciencemill.org