Director of the Challenger Learning Center

Hawkeye Community College•Hawkeye Community College Main Campus, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Hawkeye Community College is hiring a full-time Director to lead its Challenger Learning Center (CLC), a nationally networked center that will offer immersive, space-themed STEM simulations and hands-on learning. Designed primarily for students in grades 5–8, the center will also serve high school and college students, educators, community organizations, business partners, and families. Once open, it will be the only Challenger Learning Center in Iowa. Reporting to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Director serves as liaison to the National Challenger Center and as a community and regional spokesperson for space and science education. The role provides strategic and operational leadership, including working with an Advisory Council, overseeing budgets and staff, securing and supporting grants, maintaining partnerships, and directing public outreach. The Director helps expand hands-on learning, camps, and community programming to strengthen STEM education. The position typically works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with recurring evening and weekend hours depending on events and business needs. Work takes place in an office, classroom, or lab setting, or a combination of these, using technology. Regular on-campus and/or onsite attendance is an essential function unless otherwise approved under the College’s remote work policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Communications/English, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, a STEM-related field, or a related discipline.
Five years of progressive leadership or program management experience in education, STEM programming, camp management, youth development, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience coordinating events, educational programming, workshops, or student-focused activities.
Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
Demonstrated administrative experience managing an office.
Demonstrated knowledge of budget administration.
Strong communication and presentation skills to engage students, educators, parents, administrators, donors, staff, and community audiences.
Demonstrated organizational, planning, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work effectively in both in-person and virtual educational environments.
Technological proficiency to use educational technologies, mission simulation systems, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and standard workplace digital tools.
Ability to collaborate independently and as part of a team-oriented organization, and to work with students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to execute organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Ability to attend work regularly on campus and/or onsite unless otherwise approved under the College’s remote work policy.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and regularly evaluate the Center’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Advisory Council and stakeholders.
Participate in planning for start-up, renovation, expansion, and continuous improvement of facilities and programs; identify risks and opportunities and recommend adjustments.
Design, advertise, and facilitate the Center’s social media presence and public outreach, including off-site activities; represent the Center at conferences and workshops and serve as its community brand ambassador.
Develop and manage the annual operating budget and ensure responsible, transparent use of resources; collaborate with development partners, foundations, and grant offices to support financial sustainability.
Ensure timely approval, documentation, and reporting of expenditures and financial activities.
Coordinate staff schedules for program preparation, camps, missions, outreach events, and educational programming.
Oversee, train, mentor, and support the Education-Curriculum Coordinator, full-time Flight Directors, camp staff, volunteers, and hourly educational personnel.
Develop and maintain staff training procedures and operational guidelines; lead or assist with recruitment, onboarding, professional development, training, and supervision.
Attend college and Challenger Center Headquarters meetings, conferences, and workshops; lead CLC staff meetings and training events.
Build and maintain partnerships with schools, educators, businesses, STEM organizations, community groups, and regional partners.
Coordinate and support outreach initiatives, fundraising events, donor engagement, and community partnership events.
Promote NASA, Challenger Center, and STEM education resources through educator communications, workshops, conferences, and presentations; provide tours and presentations to prospective donors, administrators, educators, and community members.
Assist with marketing, social media, educator newsletters, promotional materials, and public awareness initiatives; represent the Center at conferences, exhibitions, and professional meetings.
Manage program evaluation and assist with data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement.
Assist with developing and implementing CLC calendars, schedules, and program logistics.
Maintain program records, donor allocations, registrations, inventories, and operational documentation; order supplies and materials for camps, workshops, missions, and public programs.
Coordinate with technical support providers on mission hardware and software upgrades, repairs, and operational improvements.
Support CLC missions and assume various responsibilities during high-volume programming periods or summer operations as needed.
Assist in developing and updating policies concerning safety, educational practices, volunteers, medical concerns, confidentiality, and facility operations.
Submit receipts, reports, updates, and operational information to administrative leadership; respond effectively to operational challenges and participant needs.
Participate in campus committees as assigned and perform other duties as assigned.