STEM Education Program Manager

This full-time position is a valued member of the Science Center team. The STEM Program Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of a portfolio of STEM and STEAM educational programs, events, and community engagement initiatives that inspire learners of all ages to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. This position develops and manages high-quality educational experiences that connect students, families, educators, industry professionals, and community partners through hands-on learning, career exploration, and workforce development opportunities.

The STEM Program Manager  serves as the lead organizer for multiple annual and recurring programs, manages program logistics and partnerships, recruits and supports presenters and volunteers, oversees event execution, and evaluates program outcomes. This position collaborates with departments and with external organizations to ensure successful delivery of programs aligned with organizational goals and community needs.

• This position requires a team player who is willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as programs \& events require.

Primary Responsibilities

STEM Program Planning and Management

• Develop, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive portfolio of STEM educational programs and events throughout the year.

• Create annual program calendars, timelines, budgets, and implementation plans.

• Establish program goals, objectives, evaluation metrics, and reporting procedures.

• Identify opportunities for new STEM initiatives and community engagement programs.

• Coordinate program registration systems, participant communications, and event documentation.

• Ensure all programs meet organizational standards for educational quality, safety, accessibility, and participant engagement.

• Manage program supplies, materials, equipment, and vendor relationships.

• Assist with grant-funded programming requirements, reporting, and documentation as assigned.

• Support additional STEM educational initiatives and Science City events as organizational priorities evolve.

Partnership Development and Community Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with educators, schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, professional societies, businesses, government agencies, funders, sponsors and STEM industry partners.

• Identify opportunities for collaborative programming, sponsorships, and community engagement.

• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, outreach events, and community functions.

Marketing and Communications

• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to promote programs and events.

• Develop program content, event descriptions, participant communications, and outreach materials.

• Support social media, website, and promotional efforts related to STEM programming.

Volunteer and Presenter Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, and support volunteers, presenters, workshop leaders, and industry professionals.

• Develop positive volunteer and presenter experiences that encourage ongoing engagement.

• Maintain records and recognition programs for volunteers and presenters.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Collect and analyze participation data, surveys, and program outcomes.

• Prepare reports summarizing program impact, attendance, community engagement, and participant feedback.

• Utilize evaluation results to improve future programming and demonstrate organizational impact.

Greater Kansas City Science \& Engineering Fair

• Provide strategic leadership and overall management of the Greater Kansas City Science \& Engineering Fair, including long-range planning, annual operations, program evaluation, and continuous improvement to ensure a high-quality, nationally recognized STEM competition.

• Direct all aspects of fair planning and execution, including project management, managing a budget, sponsorships, marketing, registration, volunteer and judge recruitment, awards administration, event logistics, risk management, and compliance with International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) requirements.

• Develop and steward partnerships with schools, higher education, government agencies, STEM industries, nonprofit organizations, professional societies, sponsors, and donors to expand participation, strengthen community engagement, and secure financial and in-kind support.

• Lead and supervise the Science Fair team, committees, volunteers, and contracted partners by setting priorities, coordinating responsibilities, and fostering collaboration to ensure successful year-round operations and event execution.

• Oversee the scientific integrity and educational quality of the fair through management of participant policies, Scientific Review Committee (SRC) processes, judge training, special awards, ISEF affiliation, and initiatives that promote equity, access, and excellence in STEM research.

• Serve as the primary ambassador for the Greater Kansas City Science \& Engineering Fair by representing the organization through public presentations, media, community outreach, professional conferences, and regional, state, national, and international science fair networks.