Director of Programs

Company Description STEM Greenhouse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating opportunities in STEM for children in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. The organization builds long-term relationships with students, offering academic support, positive role models, and engaging STEM experiences to foster curiosity, comprehension, and confidence. Guided by its mission to grow STEM proficiency in vulnerable children, STEM Greenhouse focuses on promoting both educational and career success. Its vision is to create a diverse, competitive STEM community in West Michigan by advancing equity in STEM education opportunities for all students.
Role Description The Director of Programs is a full-time, on-site role based in Grand Rapids, MI, responsible for leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of STEM Greenhouse programs. This role oversees day-to-day program operations, including scheduling, curriculum planning, and coordination of staff, volunteers, and community partners. The Director of Programs will supervise and develop program staff, provide coaching and support, and ensure that programming is aligned with organizational mission, goals, and grant requirements. This role will manage program budgets, track key performance metrics, and prepare reports for leadership, funders, and stakeholders. The Director will also cultivate relationships with schools, families, and community organizations to expand program reach, support student success, and maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Qualifications

• Program leadership and management skills, including experience overseeing youth or education programs, supervising staff, and managing day-to-day operations.
• Skills in program design, curriculum development, and continuous improvement, with the ability to align activities to learning outcomes and organizational goals.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills for collaborating with students, families, educators, community partners, funders, and internal teams.
• Data, evaluation, and organizational skills, including tracking program outcomes, preparing reports, managing budgets, and using technology tools for planning and documentation.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices, especially in work with vulnerable or underrepresented youth in STEM.
• Experience in STEM education, youth development, or K–12 education; familiarity with STEM curriculum or enrichment programs is highly beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, nonprofit management, STEM, or a related field; an advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is a plus.
• Ability to work on-site in Grand Rapids, MI, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend programming and events.