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.

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 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.

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 $76,000 (non-negotiable).

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for 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 Maine is 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 beyond. USM 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:

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.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM 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 the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

Clery 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 University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s 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 will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.