STEM Director

Louisiana Childrens Museum•New Orleans, LA

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The STEM Director is a leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing all Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning experiences across the museum. This position leads the design, development, and execution of innovative, inquiry-based programming that engages children, families, educators, and the broader community. This role also maintains and supervises our Follow That Food, Move with The River, and Dig Into Nature exhibit galleries and the outdoor landscape, with a focus on STEM, including health, wellness, and sustainable, ecological practices. This position uses the museum's Learning Framework for all program planning and events and requires collaboration with external stakeholders and partners. The STEM Director accomplishes responsibilities of this role while managing staff, budgets, and gallery operations. Specifically, this position creates engaging, hands-on learning environments that inspire curiosity and foster scientific literacy in visitors of all ages, with particular emphasis on the museum's signature exhibit galleries and outdoor educational spaces. This role blends educational leadership, operational management, and community partnership to create meaningful, accessible, and impactful STEM experiences grounded in best practices, including the Reggio Emilia approach.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related discipline
Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in STEM education, museum programming, or informal learning environments
At least 3 years of supervisory and budget management experience
Demonstrated success in program design, event planning, and staff leadership
Strong understanding of inquiry-based and experiential learning methodologies
Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field
Experience in museum or informal education settings
Knowledge of exhibit design, fabrication, and maintenance
Grant writing and fundraising experience
Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities
Familiarity with Reggio Emilia or similar educational frameworks
Bilingual or multilingual abilities

Responsibilities

Lead the vision, development, and execution of comprehensive STEM programming across in-museum, outreach, and community-based platforms
Design engaging, hands-on learning experiences including demonstrations, workshops, after-school programs, and large-scale events for children and families
Develop and manage a tiered program model (A/B/C) that includes: A-Level: Signature events and festivals requiring significant planning, funding, and cross-functional coordination; B-Level: Core programs and exhibit-based facilitated experiences; C-Level: Daily learning engagements, including storytelling in exhibit galleries, demonstrations, and guided play
Ensure all programming aligns with state and national standards, the museum’s Learning Framework, and community-informed priorities
Evaluate program effectiveness using data, documentation, and feedback to drive continuous improvement
Oversee the development, delivery, and ongoing management of STEM exhibit galleries and outdoor learning environments, including specialized spaces such as gardens and interactive classrooms
Ensure exhibits are engaging, accessible, safe, and aligned with learning goals
Manage exhibit maintenance, updates (capital and otherwise), and enhancements, including hands-on manipulatives and interpretive materials
Develop and implement training for staff on exhibit purposes, facilitation techniques, and audience engagement
Track and manage exhibit-related budgets and resources
Supervise, mentor, coach and evaluate a team of educators, play facilitators and specialists delivering STEM programming in the museum, schools, and community
Recruit, hire, onboard, and train staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation
Conduct regular performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities
Oversee staff scheduling, program delivery, and quality assurance across all STEM initiatives
Lead regular team meetings and maintain clear expectations for performance, communication, and outcomes
Develop and manage the annual STEM department budget
Monitor expenses, allocate resources effectively, and ensure fiscal responsibility across programs and exhibits
Oversee procurement of supplies, materials, and vendor relationships
Support grant planning, writing, implementation, and compliance, including tracking deliverables and reporting outcomes
Partner with development staff to identify and support funding opportunities
Plan and execute a diverse calendar of events, workshops, camps, and community programs
Build and sustain partnerships with schools, educators, universities, and community organizations to co-design and deliver programming
Represent the museum in community settings, professional networks, and public forums
Ensure programming reflects community voice, expands access, and reduces barriers to participation
Lead outreach initiatives and educator professional development opportunities
Collaborate with internal teams—including Learning, Operations, Marketing & Communications, Visitor Experience, and Development—to ensure alignment and integration
Partner with documentation and communications teams to capture and share learning experiences through storytelling, data, and visual media
Collect and analyze program data, including attendance, engagement metrics, and qualitative outcomes
Contribute to organizational strategic planning and long-term program development