Director, Omaha STEM Ecosystem

UNO is Nebraska's public metropolitan research university - a university with strong academic values, diverse programs and learning opportunities, and significant relationships with our community that facilitate engaged teaching and research.

Director, Omaha STEM Ecosystem

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Summary

Serve as the primary external representative of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem, building strong partnerships across sectors. Lead implementation of the strategic plan by turning priorities into actionable initiatives, measurable outcomes, and sustainable funding streams. Develop and manage relationships that drive sponsorships, grants, and long-term commitments. Oversee grant development, stakeholder engagement, events, and communications, while supporting leadership groups and ensuring alignment. Navigate university processes effectively while exercising sound judgment in decision-making.

Job Duties

Responsibility Area: Chief Relationship-Builder

• Serve as the primary external face of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem; build and steward high-trust relationships with industry leaders, funders, educators, nonprofits, and civic partners.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the value of collaborative, citywide STEM efforts that strengthen community support for workforce development across education, informal learning, and industry sectors.
• Conduct shared planning for various citywide STEM pathway initiatives and large citywide STEM events.

Percentage Of Time: 30

Essential Function: Yes

Responsibility Area: Grants & Fundraising

• Conduct shared planning for various citywide STEM pathway initiatives and large citywide STEM events.
• Guide the development of grant ideas from early concept through submission by identifying funding opportunities, shaping project concepts, and aligning them with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with partners to define goals, roles, and deliverables; coordinate timelines and contributions
• Serve as the primary proposal writer, leading drafting and revisions while coordinating input and feedback from partners to ensure a strong, polished final submission.
• Ensure submissions are complete, compelling, and compliant with funder requirements
• Oversee ecosystem convenings and engagement activities (e.g., STEM Connect series, awards/events).
• Support efforts to secure private donor funding for collaborative STEM initiatives.

Percentage Of Time: 20

Essential Function: Yes

Responsibility Area: Budget and Financial

• Operationalize OSE’s strategic plan, translating agreed-upon priorities into annual work plans, partnership commitments, clear milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead development of a multi-revenue sustainability strategy
• Develop and manage annual and multi-year budgets aligned with strategic priorities
• Monitor revenues and expenditures, ensuring accuracy and fiscal responsibility
• Prepare regular financial reports and dashboards for leadership and stakeholders
• Support development of funding strategies through cost analysis and sustainability planning
• Navigate institutional processes and compliance within a university-hosted environment, exercising sound judgment about when to act independently and when to engage leadership.

Percentage Of Time: 20

Essential Function: Yes

Responsibility Area: Communications

• Direct ecosystem communications strategy, ensuring messages resonate appropriately with different audiences and decision-makers.
• Ensure effective communication and public representation of the organization
• Support coordinated communications around STEM goals and workforce development efforts by helping the ecosystem establish and maintain shared communication protocols, such as a citywide STEM events calendar.

Percentage Of Time: 15

Essential Function: Yes

Responsibility Area: General Responsibilities

• Navigate institutional processes and compliance within a university-hosted environment, exercising sound judgment about when to act independently and when to engage leadership.
• Convene and support volunteer leadership (executive committee, working groups, sector leads)
• Monitor and evaluate program impact, using data to inform decisions and improvements
• Supervise and support staff, volunteers, and leadership teams

Percentage Of Time: 15

Essential Function: Yes

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM education, organizational development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in roles involving cross-sector partnerships, community leadership, business development, collective impact, philanthropy, or workforce development.
• Demonstrated success building relationships with decision-makers and converting relationships into funded or resourced outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfort presenting in both small-group and large-audience settings.
• High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a growth mindset.

Required License/Certification

NA

Required Additional Qualifications:

NA

Preferred Education

Master’s degree in STEM education, organizational development, or a related field

Preferred Experience

NA

Preferred License/Certification

NA

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Omaha metro civic, business, or philanthropic landscape (or strong evidence of rapidly building local networks).
• Experience working with or within large institutions (universities, hospitals, government, or nonprofits).
• Exposure to STEM education or workforce initiatives (domain familiarity helpful but not required).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter