Executive Director, STARS (IS-0301-15)

Description

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish learning, certification, and a core academy approach for key tools, methods, and elements. Maintain a close interface with the SAO Executive Leadership Team ensuring an effective cultural base transformation through the use of appropriate change management methods.
• Disaggregate and structure complex, business problems and evaluate different analytical approaches to develop potential solutions to revenue and reimbursement growth. Apply advanced analytic and quantitative tools, statistical modeling techniques, and data procedures and tools to derive business insights and solve complex business problems. Oversee the development of components of resources required to improve consistency across the programs and reduce risk to program and delivery staff.
• Oversee the delivery of telescopes, STEM curricula, and professional development to schools, ensuring alignment with state and national science standards. Establish and maintain partnerships with state education departments, tribal leadership, and local schools to facilitate program adoption and success. Implement mechanisms for continuous improvement, leveraging feedback from participating schools, teachers, and students. Financial Sustainability and Resource Management. Design and execute a sustainable funding model, integrating diverse revenue streams and addressing fiscal gaps. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation to maximize impact and transparency. Partner with advancement teams to identify funding opportunities and secure resources for program growth.
• Assess and optimize operational systems to support program scalability and efficiency. Oversee IT infrastructure, data management, and compliance with regulatory standards to ensure effective program delivery. Develop and implement policies and procedures to promote accountability and operational excellence. Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy. Serve as the program’s primary liaison to the CfA Director and other institutional leaders, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Build and maintain relationships with scientists, educators, and community leaders to strengthen program impact.
• Create business plans for achieving goals and objectives set in collaboration with the board of directors. Meet annual fundraising goals, in partnership with the oversight board and SAO board in coordination with our advancement director, by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, and government funding sources. Collaborate with staff and board on annual fundraising benefit and additional events, and oversee all external communications, including website, marketing collateral, newsletters, and social media. Serve as the face of the organization and participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and market brand, and develop strategic partnerships to increase community awareness further and expand programs. Represent STARS in meetings with funders, policymakers, and educational leaders, advocating for rural and tribal STEM education

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Mastery of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating program effectiveness and for studying and improving the effectiveness of the STARS Program.
• Exceptional knowledge and skills in proven history in delivery through people and driving business performance.
• Superior sound understanding of the lending cycle and financial awareness such as budgeting and analyzing the programs financial performance.
• Expert knowledge and experience of collation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of statistical data.
• Strong knowledge of Collections & Recoveries policies and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of PC literature (Word, Excel, and email applications),and social media.
• Superior ability to work independently as well as in a team environment functioning in a results-oriented manner.
• Excellent people skills with a strong diplomatic and collaborative approach. Flexible work style, sufficient to function effectively with changing directives and priorities, where all information is not known.
• Advanced knowledge in public education systems, state agencies, and rural community engagement.
• Superior knowledge and experience with STEM-related education or initiatives, particularly in astronomy or physics.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills for a variety of audiences.
• Skills with Microsoft Office, database management and project management.
• Superior ability to interpret and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to develop relevant insights and guide the publication of research briefs focused on research-to-practice to inform program improvement and student outcomes.
• Superior knowledge of financial acumen with expertise in budget management and risk assessment.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Mastery ability to manage complex operations and drive organizational efficiency.

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