Director of STEM Outreach

University of Maine System • Portland, ME

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern Maine is seeking an innovative and visionary Director of STEM Outreach to lead dynamic, community-engaged programs that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. This is a unique opportunity to shape impactful STEM experiences across Maine while advancing partnerships, expanding access, and strengthening pathways from early education to the workforce. The Director of STEM Outreach provides strategic leadership for the University of Southern Maine’s STEM outreach initiatives within the College of Science, Technology and Health, while also serving as Director of the Southworth Planetarium. This position is responsible for setting a long-term vision that advances the University’s mission, strengthens connections with K–12 education, and supports statewide workforce development priorities. The Director ensures the sustainability and growth of outreach programs—including summer STEM camps and planetarium operations—by developing funding strategies, fostering innovation, and aligning initiatives with institutional and community needs. The STEM Outreach Program at the University of Southern Maine engages K–12 students, educators, and community partners through innovative, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and build pathways into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Through initiatives such as summer camps, school partnerships, and public programming at the Southworth Planetarium, the program connects learners of all ages to high-quality STEM education. Grounded in collaboration and access, STEM Outreach supports statewide workforce development efforts while fostering a diverse and inclusive pipeline of future innovators.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM, Education, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education outreach, STEM education leadership, or youth program administration.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-site programs.
• Proven success managing budgets and external funding.
• Excellent Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite computer skills and demonstrated skills to acquire new software skills efficiently.
• Excellent written and oral communication including the skill to effectively convey financial information and explain processes to non-specialists.
• Ability to supervise program’s staff and to adhere to University, State, and Federal workplace regulations and policies.
• Must be capable of lifting 30 pounds.
• All USM STEM Outreach positions may need to load and unload equipment for programs and camps.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for the University of Southern Maine’s STEM outreach initiatives within the College of Science, Technology and Health, while also serving as Director of the Southworth Planetarium.
• Sets a long-term vision that advances the University’s mission, strengthens connections with K–12 education, and supports statewide workforce development priorities.
• Ensures the sustainability and growth of outreach programs—including summer STEM camps and planetarium operations—by developing funding strategies, fostering innovation, and aligning initiatives with institutional and community needs.
• Oversees program governance, budgeting, and performance assessment while delegating day-to-day operations to key staff.
• Supervises personnel, manages a significant operating budget, and secures external funding through grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support.
• Builds and maintains relationships with schools, community organizations, industry partners, and state agencies, serving as a key representative of the University in public and professional settings.
• Ensures high-quality, impactful STEM programming that engages diverse audiences and supports educational pathways across Maine.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director