STEM Education and Innovation Specialist (Durational)

Overall Responsibility:

The STEM Education and Innovation Specialist leads the development and implementation of SPHA’s NASEM-funded STEM education initiative within the SPHA Youth Program. This position represents a key component of SPHA’s broader social services strategy, connecting youth, families, and community partners through hands-on, inquiry based learning that builds scientific literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Recognizing the importance of sustained relationships within under-resourced communities, this full-time position is integrated across SPHA’s social services programming. The Specialist will not only teach and mentor youth but will also serve as a visible, trusted presence within the community, fostering ongoing engagement with families and partners.

Day-to-Day schedule is normally, 7:30am - 5pm M-TH and 8am - 12 noon on Fridays. (May vary based on departmental events at least twice a month)

About the SPHA Youth Program

The SPHA Youth Program is a core initiative of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority's Social Services Department, dedicated to empowering youth and fostering positive development within SPHA communities. The program provides a wide range of academic, arts, recreational, and life-skills services designed to support the well-being and future success of youth. With a recent grant award from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), we are implementing a new STEM program which represents an exciting and strategic expansion of our offerings, aimed at building scientific literacy and preparing youth for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.

Duties and Responsibilities

The statements contained below reflect general details, as necessary, to describe the principal functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all- inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise balance the workload.

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar, related tasks not listed here:

STEM Education & Leadership

• Lead the design, delivery, and assessment of high-quality STEM curriculum aligned with NASEM grant goals and SPHA priorities.
• Provide leadership in developing project and place-based learning experiences that build environmental and technological literacy.
• Oversee instructional quality for all STEM sessions delivered across SPHA sites, schools, and partner locations.
• Mentor youth and assist in connecting them to STEM-related career pathways, internships, and learning opportunities.
• Train and guide program support staff and volunteers assisting in STEM activities.

Program Development & Integration

• Collaborate with SPHA’s Social Services team to embed STEM programming into broader youth, family, and workforce initiatives.
• Support the implementation of the grant’s research component, coordinating with the Director of Social Services, external research partners, and the Youth Program Coordinator.
• Apply 3D and digital technology to community-identified environmental and social challenges in the Tampa Bay area.
• Ensure fidelity to grant objectives, curriculum standards, and program outcomes.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Engage youth, families, and community stakeholders to identify local issues that can be explored through STEM projects.
• Participate in outreach events, showcases, and community programs to promote visibility and impact.
• Work with the Youth Program Coordinator to integrate guest speakers, partner activities, and field experiences into the program.

Supervisory Authority

No supervisory authority

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Deep understanding of STEM education principles and place-based learning.
• Ability to design and adapt curriculum for diverse learners in community settings.
• Skilled in 3D modeling, robotics, coding, or similar emerging technologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and community partners.
• Organizational and analytical skills for program evaluation and reporting.
• Flexibility to work evenings/weekends as required for programming.

Environment:

• Normal office setting.
• Drive to other buildings, attendance of meetings and/or meetings with residents.
• Work in outdoor settings as needed.

Education and Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ in STEM teaching or informal science education.
• Experience with underserved youth or community-based education preferred.
• Familiarity with research-based or grant-funded programming a plus.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which, in the sole discretion of SPHA, constitutes the required knowledge and abilities, will be considered.
• Industry-recognized certifications in 3D technology preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must pass Level II background screening..

Other Requirements

Valid drivers’ license required.

About Us:

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority operates three housing programs: Public Housing, Affordable Housing, and Housing Choice Vouchers. Together, these programs provide quality, sustainable housing opportunities for approximately 4,000 qualifying low-income households including low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region.

The SPHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodations may be made to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000