Director for the Community STEM Learning Center

Columbia Basin College•Wa 99301, WA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director for the Community STEM Learning Center provides strategic, operational, and business leadership to advance access to STEM education, workforce readiness in STEM fields, and community engagement in the Tri-Cities. The Director develops and implements the Center’s strategic vision, ensures effective operations and financial sustainability, and cultivates partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, industry, and community organizations. The role combines a commitment to expanding access to STEM learning with business management, resource development, and accountability for the Center’s long-term success. The position reports directly to the Vice President for Marketing & External Engagement. This is a full-time, overtime-exempt administrative staff position. Typical hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; hours may vary with work demands, and some evening and weekend work may be required. The salary range is $79,505–$87,882. The position operates in office and other appropriate settings, in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment with frequent interactions and competing priorities. Occasional travel may be required. Physical demands include frequently sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, communicating, reaching, manipulating objects, moving materials, traveling between campus buildings, and operating standard office equipment. Columbia Basin College emphasizes equity, culturally responsive service, and effective communication across cultures. The College values experience serving Hispanic students and intercultural knowledge and skills. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Employment is subject to work-authorization and education verification, disclosure requirements concerning sexual misconduct findings or investigations, and a criminal background check. The College maintains an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university in business, STEM, education, public or community engagement, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience leading programs, operations, or initiatives involving planning, resource management, and measurable outcomes.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing partnerships with educational institutions, businesses and industry, community organizations, or other external stakeholders.
Experience with budget or resource management and grants, sponsorships, resource development, or other funding activities.
Strong communication, project management, and organizational leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, STEM education, organizational leadership, or a related field from an institutionally accredited college or university.
Experience leading or managing a community-facing center, educational initiative, nonprofit program, or similar operation.
Experience securing and managing grants, sponsorships, or other external funding.
Knowledge of STEM education, workforce needs, emerging technologies, or informal STEM learning environments.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Experience serving Hispanic students and advanced intercultural knowledge and skills are valued by the College.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the vision, strategic direction, and priorities for the STEM Learning Center, including hands-on STEM programs and experiences that advance equitable access, community engagement, educational opportunities, and workforce readiness.
Develop and manage a sustainable operating model, including the budget, resources, facility utilization, staffing, and short- and long-term operational planning.
Develop and execute strategies to secure and diversify Center resources through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and other funding opportunities.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with faculty and staff, K–12 and higher education partners, businesses and industry, community organizations, funders, and other stakeholders.
Lead the development and evaluation of STEM programs, activities, and events that provide hands-on learning opportunities and respond to community and workforce needs.
Establish and monitor performance and impact measures, including participation, partnerships, program outcomes, facility utilization, and financial performance, and use results to guide priorities and continuous improvement.
Supervise and direct STEM Learning Center staff, volunteers, and student interns by setting priorities, delegating responsibilities, and supporting effective performance.
Lead and engage the STEM Learning Center Advisory Committee to inform strategic direction, programming, partnerships, and community engagement.
Represent and advocate for the STEM Learning Center, collaborating with Marketing and other College areas to build awareness, engagement, partnerships, and support.
Perform other related duties as assigned.