Lead STEM Specialist, Challenger Center

Job no: 498037
Work type: Full Time
Location: Rainbow City, AL (Challenger Center)
Categories: Staff

Department: Challenger Center

Requested

Start Date:

April 1, 2026

Annual Salary: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 commensurate with experience

Normal

Work Schedule:

8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, some evenings and weekend or evening work for special projects, meetings, events, etc.

The Lead STEM Specialist plays a key instructional and operational role at the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. This position leads immersive, simulated space missions and delivers engaging, high‑quality STEM education programs for students and community participants. The ideal candidate is an energetic, creative educator with a strong interest in space science, a talent for experiential learning, and a passion for inspiring curiosity and teamwork in STEM disciplines.

• Mission Operations & Facilitation
  • Execute and lead Challenger Learning Center's simulated space missions, ensuring an immersive, hands‑on learning experience for students and guests.
  • Operate mission control software and coordinate real‑time mission events to deliver a seamless and impactful simulation.
  • Provide real‑time guidance and actionable feedback to ensure 90% of participants meet mission objectives.
  • Monitor group dynamics and maintain a fun, safe, and collaborative learning environment.
• STEM Education & Program Delivery
  • Design and deliver standards‑aligned STEM‑based lessons and activities that have targeted learning outcomes.
  • Modify content and delivery methods to suit diverse grade levels, group sizes, and participant needs.
  • Promote curiosity, problem‑solving, teamwork, and critical thinking through hands‑on STEM programming.
  • Collaborate in the design and testing of at least two new educational activities and mission‑related content per semester.
• Training & Staff Development
  • Support volunteers, educators, and support staff in mission procedures and STEM facilitation best practices.
  • Stay current with the Center protocols, NASA updates, STEM education trends, and instructional technology.
  • Serve as a role model for excellence in program delivery, professionalism, and enthusiasm for STEM learning.
• Program Support & Center Operations
  • Prepare, test, and maintain all areas of the simulator and equipment to ensure functionality and safety.
  • Assist in the customization of mission scripts, instructional guides, and participant materials.
  • Represent the Center at public events, and promotional activities to engage schools, families, and the broader community.
  • Collect and analyze participant feedback to inform continuous program improvement.
• Other Duties
  • This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama Board of Directors reserves the right to revise the job or to require other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, expanding needs or technological developments).

• Bachelor's degree in education required with STEM or STEM‑related specialty preferred.
• Prior experience in teaching K-12, instructional facilitation, museum education, or informal STEM learning environments is highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal communication and public speaking skills; ability to engage learners of all ages in dynamic and interactive settings.
• Must be able to travel by personal car and air and
• Possess a valid Alabama driver's license with proof of insurance.
• Must be able to successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Report

• Cover Letter
• Resume

• Retirement Plans
• Alabama Teacher's Retirement System (TRS)
• RSA-1 Deferred Compensation
• 403-B Retirement Annuity (TIAA)
• Health Insurance
• Medical (PEEHIP)
• Optional plans: vision, dental, flexible spending plan, dependent care, cancer and hospital indemnity
• Long‑term disability and life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid and unpaid leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Prescription assistance

Clery Notice:
In…