Executive Director at Maine STEM Council

The Maine Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Council is seeking qualified applicants for its first Executive Director (ED). Established by the State of Maine in September 2011, the STEM Council is comprised of 16 members appointed by the Governor serving two-year terms. The Council is charged with developing strategies for enhancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education from prekindergarten through postsecondary education.

The ED reports to the STEM Council and coordinates the development of a plan or roadmap for STEM education and workforce development in Maine; the design of a dashboard of indicators for monitoring the plan; the adoption, implementation, and oversight of the plan; the support of the Council’s work; and positioning the Council to win a substantial grant to enhance a number of Maine STEM and workforce initiatives.

An ideal candidate would be an innovative, collaborative leader with strong management skills deeply experienced in STEM education and workforce issues; skillful in building close working relationships with STEM leaders and partner organizations; committed to reaching the STEM Council’s goals; and comfortable leading a major proposal writing process. Recognizing that candidates are unlikely to have every indicated credential, experience, and skill, we seek candidates who have all or most of the following professional experiences and personal qualities:


Expected Qualifications: MA/MS in educational leadership, learning science, a STEM field, or a related discipline; experience leading an educational group or organization, and familiarity with national STEM education and workforce policy and statewide initiatives in Maine.

Preferred Qualifications: Ed.D. or Ph.D. in above fields; significant background in STEM education and workforce development as a faculty member or administrator at a college/university, a nonprofit organization, or a government agency; experience conducting staff development work with teachers or informal STEM educators; and experience in the grant process.

A review of applicants will begin on September 1, 2013. Salary will reflect candidate qualifications and available funds. The position will initially be part-time (between 4 and twenty hours per week) and located at a partner, non-profit organization in the Augusta, Maine area.

Inquiries, referrals, and resumes should be sent (electronic submission encouraged), in confidence, to:  Laurie Larsen at LLarsen@mmsa.org.  Candidates should submit a letter of interest, CV or resume, plus names and contact information for three references. References will be contacted only for finalists and with permission of the applicant.