Senior Project Director

AAAS is seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Project Director to provide leadership across multiple grant-funded initiatives that advance opportunity and innovation in STEMM education and workforce.

Reporting to a Program Director in AAAS's Center for STEMM Education & Workforce (CSEW), this Senior Project Director will provide leadership and contribution to grant deliverables, strategic planning, and program development for the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, the HBCU Innovation Initiative, and the Equitable Pathways Partnership (EPP) program.

If you're energized by integrating multiple projects into a cohesive strategy, mentoring teams, and driving stakeholder engagement to strengthen program impact and sustainability, this role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of these flagship CSEW programs.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You'll Do

Project Strategy & Execution

• Lead the development and execution of a highly complex or multiple projects, aligning projects within and across programs.
• Lead the conceptualization of project strategies that align with CSEW's mission and goals.
• Oversee multiple projects or programs, integrating them into a cohesive strategy for maximum impact.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to design and develop programs in collaboration with senior unit leadership.
• Lead the development and implementation of evaluation frameworks to measure program impact.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Cultivate new and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, and government agencies, while identifying gaps in existing networks.
• Maintain regular contact with program officers of public and private funding sources; prepare and submit reports for funding agencies and meeting proceedings.
• Develop strategies for stakeholder goals, events, and conversations to foster engagement and collaboration.
• Represent the organization at external forums to promote project goals and outcomes.
• Collaborate with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to support project goals and enhance program reach and visibility.

Communication & Dissemination

• Support communication strategy, working with internal communications staff to disseminate project information, resources, and outcomes.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of project-related content, including evidence-based resources, event materials, and technical documentation.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries with timely and accurate information to enhance community engagement and project visibility.

Operational Excellence & Resource Allocation

• Develop and manage project budgets, including expense tracking, budget forecasting, and ensuring grant compliance and alignment with project goals.
• Optimize resource allocation across projects to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify potential funding sources, including federal agencies, foundations, and private sector
• Demonstrated understanding of financial compliance with funder requirements.
• Grant proposal and report preparation and management with senior leadership in accordance with AAAS policies and procedures.

What You Bring

• Graduate degree in Science, Social Science, or Education and/or 6+ years of demonstrated success leading and contributing to similar work.
• 2+ years of experience providing team management and leadership within formal or informal supervision structures.
• Experience in program development and implementation, including budget management, assessment of program impact, and project management.
• Demonstrated success in pre- and post-award grant activities (proposal and budget development, management, and grant reporting) for large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in organizational or systemic change efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a range of partners, including university faculty, teachers, school administrators, STEM professionals, and staff at community-based organizations.

Key Strengths We're Looking For

• Strategic thinker who can align multiple projects into a cohesive, mission-driven strategy.
• Skilled mentor who collaborates with and strengthens high-performing teams.
• Relationship builder who cultivates and sustains stakeholder trust across funders, partners, and government agencies.
• Clear communicator who can represent CSEW's work externally and translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Disciplined administrator who pairs financial rigor with grant compliance expertise across multiple funding streams.
• Experienced partner to HBCUs and MSIs, with a track record of building authentic, lasting relationships with these institutions.

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by July 3, 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 $90,000 - $105,000 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, and life insurance, 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.

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