STEM Outreach Coordinator

Description

Vincennes University is seeking applicants for the STEM Outreach Coordinator. This is a full-time professional staff position.

This newly-created position fills an important role in Vincennes University’s (VU) strategic plan to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education programming focused on K-8 students. VU has partnered with Purdue Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) to implement Design and Innovation (D&I) Studios located in elementary and middle schools throughout southwest Indiana. D&I Studios provide access to authentic, hands-on STEM education by offering schools, educators and students hands-on learning experiences through 3D printers, robotics, coding, electronics, engineering and science concepts. This position will be responsible for overseeing the newly-established D&I Studio Training Center on the Vincennes University campus, as well as collaborating and overseeing our partnerships with current and future D&I Studio schools. This position will report to the Dean of the College of Social Science, Performing Arts and Communication (SSPAC). This is a grant-funded position based in Vincennes. Continuation of the position beyond 12/31/2026 is contingent upon sustainability of the grant program.

Duties and Responsibilities

(may include, but not limited to the following):

• Oversee VU’s newly- established D&I Studio Training Center and the day-to-day operations of the center.
• Initiate and establish collaborative partnerships with education and industry partners to promote VU’s D&I Training Studios.
• Work closely with Purdue IN-MaC and STEM Education Works, which includes, but is not limited to: identifying additional D&I Studio sites, ensuring current D&I schools are being supported, host training opportunities and create a DOE-recognized certification for teachers.
• Host professional development opportunities and/or events for D&I School teachers, VU STEM faculty and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide tours, activity sessions and/or day camps to K-8 students.
• Travel to established D&I Studio sites to provide ongoing support.
• Collaborate with Purdue IN-MaC and state agencies on STEM certification options for teachers.
• Collect and analyze relevant data; assess progress and effectiveness of studios; provide updates and progress reports on related activities to management.
• Serve on relevant institutional and community committees/boards that build partnerships and promote VU’s commitment to STEM Education at the K-8 level and beyond.
• Participate in campus STEM Education initiatives.
• Work with the Education Department faculty to integrate the STEM principles of the D&I Studios into the Education Program curriculum.
• Lead marketing efforts related to VU’s D&I Studios including but not limited to: managing social media, developing informational material and coordinating with External Relations on relevant media opportunities.
• Work directly with relevant VU departments, including but not limited to: Grants Department, Accounting Department, Procurement Office, Budgeting Office, University Events and External Relations.
• Provide instruction in one course per semester in a discipline offered by the university, based on qualifications, and enrollment needs.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, STEM, or related field. Master's degree preferred in education, STEM, or related field.
• Ability to plan, model, coach, and provide feedback to improve teaching and learning.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience with STEM related K-8 curriculum design and lesson development, preferred.
• Prior experience teaching K-8 science, math, technology or elementary education, preferred.