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AAAS · 10 hours ago

Program Director

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$120K/yr - $135K/yr

7+ years exp

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. The role involves guiding cornerstone projects aimed at broadening participation and building stronger STEMM ecosystems nationwide, while also managing partnerships and leading a team.

Non Profit

Culture & Values

No H1B

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

Qualification

Program ManagementGrant ManagementStrategic LeadershipPartnership DevelopmentEvaluation FrameworksTeam LeadershipCommunication SkillsRelationship BuildingProblem SolvingAdaptability

Required

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

Preferred

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

Benefits

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

Company

AAAS

Glassdoor4.2

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association.

Founded in 1848

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

201-500 employees