Director of STEM & Manufacturing Initiatives

ReadyCT•Hartford, CT

61d•$95,000

About The Position

As director of STEM initiatives, you’ll work at the intersection of education, industry, and policy to advance systemic and sustainable change across Connecticut. In this role, you’ll collaborate with employers, education leaders, and community partners to strengthen and expand STEM learning that directly connects students to real-world opportunities. The impact of your work: ensuring that students gain meaningful exposure to how STEM learning translates into real-world, high-demand career opportunities—while enabling employers to build a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline for Connecticut’s innovation economy. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of Connecticut’s workforce and K–12 education landscape and a passion for preparing students for the future of work. You won’t just manage programs—you’ll shape and scale the systems that link classrooms to cutting-edge fields like robotics, technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that students are equipped for success in Connecticut’s most in-demand industries.

Requirements

A passion for education and equity, and a belief in the potential of all students.
Leadership and team-building skills, with experience motivating both direct reports and cross-functional colleagues.
Relationship-building expertise, with the capacity to engage effectively across education, business, and community sectors.
Knowledge of Connecticut’s K–12 STEM, workforce development, and business ecosystems, especially in manufacturing.
Strong organizational and project management abilities, with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
Experience managing grants or funded projects, particularly in workforce development or related fields.
Must be able to travel independently across the state of Connecticut, often driving long distances to schools, worksites, and partner events.
Frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching required during events and program activities.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds of materials or equipment.
Consistent operation of computers, office equipment, and presentation technology (e.g., projector, copy machine, printer).
Moderate to long periods of standing and sitting.
Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

Background with robotics programs (e.g., FIRST or VEX)
Experience in public education or nonprofit environments
Master’s or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise, support, and develop a high-performing team focused on advancing STEM programming and student career readiness.
Develop and strengthen partnerships with district/school leaders, employers, and other stakeholders to align education and workforce priorities.
Collaborate across teams to design and implement initiatives that connect classrooms to real-world learning and career opportunities.
Represent ReadyCT at statewide and regional conferences, workshops, and convenings related to STEM, manufacturing, and workforce development.
Manage grants and related budgets, ensuring progress is tracked, outcomes are measured, and all financial and reporting requirements are met.
Use data to inform decisions, monitor impact, and communicate program success and areas for improvement.
Cultivate and steward existing funder relationships, identifying opportunities to expand resources and partnerships.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, particularly those connected to STEM education and advanced manufacturing.
Perform other related duties to advance ReadyCT’s mission and organizational goals.