"Assistant Director"

Job Details

Ensured Consideration Date: January 2, 2026

Summary

The Assistant Director of the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Technological University is a relational leader and operational driver who inspires, organizes, and supports the high-energy engine behind Michigan Tech’s flagship youth programs—including Mind Trekkers, Summer Youth Programs, and other outreach initiatives. The Assistant Director plays a critical leadership role in positioning Michigan Tech as a destination for hands-on STEM discovery and early talent development; the ideal candidate champions a culture of belonging, empowerment, accountability, and collaboration while also overseeing key administrative duties, operational systems, and partnership management. The Assistant Director prioritizes developing student leaders, cultivating volunteer engagement, and bringing cohesion, clarity, and enthusiasm to support the delivery of transformational experiences for program participants. Working closely with diverse internal and external constituents, the Assistant Director works to create engaging, collaborative, inclusive, and effective programs that further the mission and outreach goals of the University.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Lead high-energy, complex program environments (such as Summer Youth Programs, Unboxed, and Mind Trekkers) with a focus on team cohesion, clear communication, and positive team morale.
2. Provide inspirational leadership that builds a strong culture of engagement, empowerment, and accountability within student, volunteer, and staff teams.
3. Leverage Michigan Tech assets and resources to propose and develop innovative K-12 outreach programs that enable career discovery, increase college access, and foster interest in STEM disciplines in alignment with enrollment goals.
4. Oversee pre- and post-program development and execution, including logistical planning and program evaluation, to propose data-informed continuous improvement; recommend and implement policies and procedures to increase operational efficiency and involvement in programming initiatives.
5. Build systems, workflows, and processes that support strong program execution (logistics, scheduling, reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement).
6. Deliver compassionate, proactive support to students, families, and educators—anticipating needs, solving problems, and ensuring every interaction reflects the Center’s commitment to excellence.
7. Develop strong relationships with key community partners and industry to support programming initiatives.
8. Assist with the preparation of reports on program activities, learning outcomes, and programmatic assessment.
9. Recruit, train, supervise, and develop student employees, seasonal staff, and volunteer teams to cultivate a positive, engaged, and mission-driven team culture.
10. Oversee the hiring, training, coaching, and development of student leaders in facilitation, leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and customer service.
11. Serve as an active, collaborative partner across campus by engaging in University committees and cross-unit partnerships to advance shared goals and drive collective impact.
12. Contribute to the creative vision and strategic planning of outreach programming, special events, and activities; provide assistance and support in the development of new initiatives of the Center for Educational Outreach.
13. Work non-traditional hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, and travel as needed to support program delivery.
14. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
15. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience

• Minimum of three years of experience in STEM or K-12 programming.
• Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in education, youth development, student affairs, non-profit management, event management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds, especially in a supervisory capacity.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Educational background in a STEM field.
• Experience teaching in a K-12 environment, traditional or non-traditional.
• Experience planning and managing complex programs, events, or projects with multiple moving parts.
• Experience using advanced features of Google suite, Banner, website management and presentation software.
• Experience working with K-12 youth in a residential academic program environment.
• Experience working with middle and high school students.
• Experience working with diverse groups of students.
• Experience with curriculum development, including alignment with state and national education standards.
• Familiarity with assessment and evaluation tools to measure program outcomes and inform improvement.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Valid US driver’s license and ability to become Michigan Tech van-certified as well as the ability and willingness to travel and safely transport Michigan Tech students, staff, and program participants to outreach events, in compliance with University policies and driver requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and oral/written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments and exercise effective time management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under conditions with frequent interruptions, shared resources, and multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work nontraditional hours.
• Demonstrated ability to use judgment when dealing with confidential or sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated interest/experience in working with students of all ages and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated interest/experience in promoting diversity.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to travel.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.
• Willingness to undergo vigorous safety training and background/criminal records checks.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Experience and comfort with pulling travel trailers
• Demonstrated ability to apply creative nature to job duties.
• Positive attitude toward innovation, creativity, and a sense of humor.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $50,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Executive Director

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply on or before January 2, 2026.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume.

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.