About the Department

Northwestern State University's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, in partnership with the NSU Cenla Campus, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Regional STEM Center Director for the Region 6 LaSTEM Center. The Regional STEM Center Director provides strategic leadership to advance STEM education, workforce readiness, and regional economic development across a seven-parish service area. This position serves as the primary convener connecting PK- 12 education, postsecondary institutions, industry, workforce entities, government agencies, and community organizations to expand access to high-quality STEM learning and align education-to-career pathways with regional and statewide workforce needs. 

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, Education, Public Administration, Business, or a related discipline, along with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in program leadership, workforce development, community or corporate engagement, higher education, or a related field. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to build and sustain partnerships across diverse stakeholders and exhibit strong communication, organizational, and project management skills. Experience managing programs, budgets, and performance outcomes is essential, as is the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-partner environment. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in a related field; experience with grant management and reporting; experience working with rural or underserved populations; experience leading regional or multi-partner initiatives aligned with workforce or economic development outcomes; and strong strategic planning, evaluation, and problem-solving skills. 

This position offers the opportunity to lead a high-impact regional initiative that connects education, industry, and innovation to drive workforce development and economic growth across Central Louisiana. 

To Apply: Applicants for this position should submit the following to [email protected]

• Cover letter

• Current resume 

• Copy/Copies of college transcript(s)

• Complete contact information for three (3) professional references

NOTE: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application; however, official transcripts are due at hire. 

Northwestern State University is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency.

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (FULL DISCLOSURE)

Northwestern State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

All complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Title IX Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 306 of the Friedman Student Union or email [email protected].  

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and notified that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email [email protected]. For student academic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Crissey Smith (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email [email protected].  For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email [email protected].

*Inquiries regarding employment application status should be emailed to 

[email protected].

Position Duties

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, Education, Management, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program leadership, workforce development, community or corporate engagement, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of STEM education, workforce development systems, and higher education, with an understanding of their role in supporting regional economic growth and workforce alignment.
• Proven ability to develop, cultivate, and sustain strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholders, including education, industry, workforce, and community organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and manage complex programs, projects, and initiatives, including coordination across multiple partners and competing priorities.
• Experience with fiscal management, budgeting, reporting, and project oversight, with a strong understanding of accountability and performance outcomes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with current software, data management systems, and web-based applications.
• Understanding of and ability to navigate local and state systems, including policy, education, and workforce environments.
  

• Master's degree in related field.
• Experience working with rural or underserved populations and expanding access to education and workforce opportunities.
• Experience with grant management and reporting.
• Experience leading regional or multi-partner initiatives aligned to workforce or economic development outcomes.
• Strategic thinking problem-solving, and program evaluation skills.

Minimum Qualifications

The Director is responsible for implementing the Center's strategic plan; developing and managing partnerships; overseeing program delivery; ensuring performance outcomes; securing external funding; and positioning the region as a leader in STEM innovation and workforce development. 

Key responsibilities include leading regional STEM coordination efforts; developing and scaling STEM programs, camps, and workforce-aligned training opportunities; building and sustaining cross-sector partnerships; supporting career-connected learning and workforce pipelines; managing data collection, reporting, and grant compliance; and overseeing daily operations of the STEM Center, including staff supervision, budgeting, and program logistics. The Director will collaborate with university leadership, academic units, and external partners to elevate the visibility and impact of STEM initiatives across the region.

The Regional STEM Center Director provides strategic leadership, coordination, and execution of the Region 6 LaSTEM Center, advancing STEM education, workforce readiness, and regional economic development across a seven-parish service area. This position serves as the regional convener and catalyst connecting PK-12 education, postsecondary institutions, industry, workforce entities, government agencies, and community organizations to expand access to high­quality STEM learning and align education-to-career pathways with regional and statewide workforce needs. The Director is responsible for implementing the Center's three-year strategic plan, managing partnerships, ensuring performance outcomes, securing external funding, and positioning Northwestern State University as a leader in STEM innovation and workforce development.

Other Qualifications

Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership and Regional STEM Coordination

• Lead the execution of the Region 6 LaSTEM Center's three-year strategic plan, ensuring alignment with statewide LaSTEM priorities and regional workforce needs.
• Serve as the primary regional convener and "voice for STEM", facilitating collaboration among PK-12 systems, postsecondary institutions, workforce entities, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Conduct ongoing regional needs assessments, including parish-level engagement, stakeholder interviews, and workforce demand analysis.
• Develop and maintain a regional STEM ecosystem framework, aligning education, workforce, and economic development efforts.
• Represent the Center at statewide LaSTEM meetings, cross-regional collaborations, and policy discussions, as well as public events, conferences, and community meetings.

• Plan, develop, implement, and scale STEM programs across all seven parishes, including student enrichment programs, workforce-aligned training and credentialing programs, and educator professional development and certification pathways.
• Oversee the delivery of minimum annual student-facing programs, workforce-aligned camps, micro-trainings, credential opportunities, and community STEM engagement events.
• Ensure programs are aligned with identified regional workforce needs and high-demand career pathways, accessible to rural and underserved populations, and designed for scalability across multiple parishes.
• Coordinate logistics, scheduling, site delivery and partner engagement for all programs.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase participation and engagement in STEM pathways, particularly among rural and underserved populations.

• Identify and document regional workforce gaps and high-demand skill areas in collaboration with employers and workforce boards.
• Develop and implement career-connected STEM initiatives, including work-based learning experiences, industry-led workshops and demonstrations, and career exploration and pathway programs.
• Build and sustain employer partnerships that support internships, apprenticeships and job placement pipelines while seeking industry input into curriculum and training programs.
• Support and expand key initiatives within the School of STEM.
  

• Identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships with school districts across all seven parishes, postsecondary institutions and training providers, business and industry partners, workforce and economic development organizations, and nonprofits, libraries, and community-based organizations.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive regional STEM asset map and partner database.
• Convene and lead the Regional STEM Advisory Committee, including coordinating and facilitating meetings, developing agendas and reports, and engaging members in program planning and implementation.
• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration meetings and regional convenings.
  

• Develop and oversee systems to track program participation and reach, industry-based credentials and certifications, workforce engagement and employer participation, and geographic coverage and rural impact.
• Ensure timely submission of quarterly performance reports, annual reports and impact summaries, and all financial and programmatic updates required by LaSTEM.
• Analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps and opportunities, and inform strategic decision-making and program improvements.
• Oversee grant budget management and ensure compliance with all funding, reporting, and performance requirements.

• Develop and implement a regional communication strategy to promote STEM programs and initiatives through social media, newsletters, websites, and media engagement.
• Collaborate with marketing outlets to highlight program success, workforce outcomes, and regional impact stories.
  

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the STEM Center, including staff supervision
  (educator, interns, and support staff), program coordination and scheduling, and budget development and monitoring.
• Coordinate with the NSU Alexandria Cenla Campus Executive Director, Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, Office of Business Affairs,
• Sponsored Programs Office, and School of STEM to ensure alignment and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, state and LaSTEM requirements, and all applicable grant and reporting guidelines.