Program Director

AAAS is seeking a forward-looking Program Director to lead a portfolio of national initiatives that strengthen research and innovation capacity for postsecondary students and higher-education institutions-especially Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and students from underserved groups in STEMM fields. This Program Director will guide several cornerstone projects, including the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference, the HBCU Making & Innovation Initiative, and Equitable Pathways Partnership (EPP) program. Together, these initiatives advance Center for STEMM Education & Workforce's (CSEW) mission to broaden participation, fuel institutional innovation, and build stronger, more inclusive STEMM ecosystems nationwide.

If you're motivated by driving strategy, building meaningful partnerships, and leading programs that strengthen STEMM pathways, this role offers a compelling opportunity.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Help define and advance a vision for initiatives that strengthen STEMM education, research capacity, and institutional transformation.
• Lead the design and implementation of grant-funded programs that increase opportunities and access across the STEMM pathway.
• Contribute ideas, frameworks, and strategic insights that guide CSEW's direction and long-term planning.

Program & Project Management

• Manage the full life cycle of multiple national initiatives-from early design through implementation, assessment, and dissemination.
• Oversee budgets, timelines, deliverables, and grant reporting to ensure projects stay on track and achieve meaningful impact.
• Use evaluation tools (logic models, assessment frameworks, impact measures) to communicate progress and outcomes.
• Manage contracts and agreements with vendors, consultants, and external partners.

Partnerships & External Management

• Build and sustain relationships with funders, higher education leaders, community partners, industry, and government agencies.
• Represent AAAS at national and regional convenings, meetings, and conferences to elevate program visibility and impact.
• Work closely with internal teams, external collaborators, and cross-sector partners to advance shared program goals.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.
• Provide guidance, clear direction, and opportunities for development to team members and project contributors.
• Oversee the work of contractors and project partners to ensure alignment with goals, deliverables, and grant commitments.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduate degree in science, social science, education, or a related field; OR equivalent experience leading complex initiatives (7+ years).
• Proven success leading large program portfolios, cross-sector partnerships, and evaluation efforts.
• Experience managing grants from proposal development through final reporting with a preference for experience with federally funded grants.
• Background in organizational or systemic change efforts, especially within higher education or STEMM ecosystems.
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse set of partners-faculty, administrators, industry professionals, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Strong experience managing teams and guiding collaborative work.
• Strong project coordination skills with a track record of delivering high-quality, on-time results.

Key Strengths We're Looking For

• Expertise in or experience with minority serving higher education institutions, especially HBCUs, HSIs, or TCUPs.
• Strategic thinker who can connect big-picture goals with actionable plans.
• Natural relationship-builder who excels at engaging funders and partners.
• Confident communicator and skilled public speaker.
• Collaborative leader who values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
• Comfortable working in dynamic settings, managing multiple priorities, and adapting to new opportunities.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about producing high-quality work

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by January 30, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 per year. AAAS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, each subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Search Firm and Employment Agency Disclaimer
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AAAS from a third party, such as an agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to an AAAS mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to AAAS employees, or to the AAAS resume database will be considered AAAS property. Verbal or written communications from any employee of AAAS shall not be considered binding obligations. AAAS Human Resources is the only AAAS representative authorized by AAAS entering into any employment agreements with any third party. AAAS will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

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