Assistant Director

Assistant Director, Center for Educational Outreach

Apply now Job No: 25250
Department: Center for Educational Outreach
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Office/Clerical Support
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The Assistant Director of the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Technological University is a relational leader and operational driver who inspires, organizes, and supports the high-energy engine behind Michigan Tech’s flagship youth programs—including Mind Trekkers, Summer Youth Programs, and other outreach initiatives. The Assistant Director plays a critical leadership role in positioning Michigan Tech as a destination for hands-on STEM discovery and early talent development;

the ideal candidate champions a culture of belonging, empowerment, accountability, and collaboration while also overseeing key administrative duties, operational systems, and partnership management.

• Lead high-energy, complex program environments (such as Summer Youth Programs, Unboxed, and Mind Trekkers) with a focus on team cohesion, clear communication, and positive morale.
• Provide inspirational leadership that builds a strong culture of engagement, empowerment, and accountability within student, volunteer, and staff teams.
• Leverage Michigan Tech assets and resources to propose and develop innovative K‑12 outreach programs that enable career discovery, increase college access, and foster interest in STEM disciplines in alignment with enrollment goals.
• Oversee pre‑ and post‑program development and execution, including logistical planning and program evaluation, to propose data‑informed continuous improvement; recommend and implement policies and procedures to increase operational efficiency and involvement in programming initiatives.
• Build systems, workflows, and processes that support strong program execution (logistics, scheduling, reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement).
• Deliver compassionate, proactive support to students, families, and educators—anticipating needs, solving problems, and ensuring every interaction reflects the Center’s commitment to excellence.
• Develop strong relationships with key community partners and industry to support programming initiatives.
• Assist with the preparation of reports on program activities, learning outcomes, and programmatic assessment.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop student employees, seasonal staff, and volunteer teams to cultivate a positive, engaged, and mission‑driven team culture.
• Oversee the hiring, training, coaching, and development of student leaders in facilitation, leadership, problem‑solving, collaboration, and customer service.
• Serve as an active, collaborative partner across campus by engaging in University committees and cross‑unit partnerships to advance shared goals and drive collective impact.
• Contribute to the creative vision and strategic planning of outreach programming, special events, and activities; provide assistance and support in the development of new initiatives of the Center for Educational Outreach.
• Work non‑traditional hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, and travel as needed to support program delivery.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

• Minimum of three years of experience in STEM or K‑12 programming.
• Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in education, youth development, student affairs, non‑profit management, event management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds, especially in a supervisory capacity.
• Valid US driver’s license and willingness to travel to outreach events.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and oral/written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments and exercise effective time management.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work nontraditional…