Director of STEM Outreach

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 Maines 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 Universitys mission strengthens connections with K12 education and supports statewide workforce development priorities. The Director ensures the sustainability and growth of outreach programsincluding summer STEM camps and planetarium operationsby developing funding strategies fostering innovation and aligning initiatives with institutional and community needs.

Reporting to the Dean the Director oversees program governance budgeting and performance assessment while delegating day-to-day operations to key staff. The role includes supervising personnel managing a significant operating budget and securing external funding through grants partnerships and philanthropic support. The Director also 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. Through these efforts the Director ensures high-quality impactful STEM programming that engages diverse audiences and supports educational pathways across Maine.

The STEM Outreach Program at the University of Southern Maine engages K12 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.

This is a full-time in person position located on our Portland Campus with expectation of support for our Gorham Campus . The annual salary will be $76000 (non-negotiable).

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefitsfor full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

• 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.

To learn more please review the Benefits Information Summary.

The University of Southern Maineis a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland Maine area including campuses in Portland Gorham Lewiston and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing hands-on learning community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment USM is a steward of higher education helping drive the economic cultural and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives enhancing teaching learning personal growth and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care Integrity Equity and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelors 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 programs 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.

To apply click on the Apply Now button below or visit ourUSM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of names and contact information for three references.

For full consideration please submit all required materials by May 27 2026.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law the System does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation transgender status gender gender identity or expression ethnicity national origin citizenship status familial status ancestry age disability (physical or mental) genetic information pregnancy or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education programs and activities and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall Room 412 Orono ME 04469-5713 by calling 207.581.1226 or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint please contact theUMS Title IX Coordinatorat Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act mandates that all Title IV institutions such as the University prepare publish and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the Universitys crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the Universitys current campus security policies.View the Universitys Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format the University willprovide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.