ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - WEST SOUND STEM NETWORK:

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - WEST SOUND STEM NETWORK:

STEM Ecosystem Pathways

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations;
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff and community members;
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences;
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

This position is instrumental in supporting and leading five teacher cohorts in the “STEM Ecosystems Pathways” project. The start date and office location are flexible and will be mutually agreed upon. The position will be based in either the Port Orchard office or Port Townsend office. If based in Port Orchard, the Assistant Director will be in the Port Townsend office one day per week and if based in Port Townsend, the Assistant Director will be in the Port Orchard office one day per week.

The STEM Ecosystem Pathways (STEP) project aims to enhance STEM education and prepare the 21st-century workforce through teacher cohorts aligned with high-demand regional job sectors. The cohorts, based on successful West Sound STEM Network models, focus on four sectors: cybersecurity/computer science, clean energy, aviation/aerospace, marine science/maritime, engineering/construction, and biomedical. Supervised by the West Sound STEM Executive Director, the STEM Assistant Director will support industry-education partnerships. Cohorts will meet monthly, participate in summer externships/workshops, and focus on key sectors.

Summary:

Are you passionate about inspiring leadership and fostering innovation in STEM education? Join the West Sound STEM Network team! We’re a dynamic coalition of school districts, workforce agencies, libraries, military, higher education, and more, all working together to expand STEM opportunities for youth. As the Assistant Director for STEM Ecosystem Pathways, you’ll play a key role in co-leading impactful cohorts with dedicated educators, connecting K-12 teachers and students to local, regional, and global industries. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with industry experts, higher education, and community organizations, driving innovation and expanding access in STEM education. In addition, this position will support other grant initiatives, including partnership projects with other Network partners, amplifying impact across multiple projects. This is an exciting administrator position with a generous benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire the STEM Ecosystem Pathways project, ensuring alignment with local needs and the priorities of the West Sound STEM Network;
• Oversee and support 4-5 dynamic teacher cohorts (up to 30 lead teachers and 90 collaborating teachers), providing top-notch professional development, industry connections, and a focus increased access and innovation;
• Co-lead efforts to ensure professional development aligns with district initiatives, impacting the entire region;
• Host monthly professional learning community (PLC) meetings to help educators enhance their knowledge, build strong networks, and partner with key industry sectors;
• Lead engaging professional development training during STEM workshops;
• Foster career awareness and exploration for youth, especially in elementary and middle school, to spark interest in STEM fields;
• Support STEM and career-connected learning across the education continuum, from early learning through postsecondary;
• Connect educators with experts to enrich career and technical education (CTE) programs;
• Champion increased access in all program activities;
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with businesses and community organizations to maximize resources and opportunities;
• Proactively identify and resolve potential challenges, ensuring the success of program goals;
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, grant terms, and SKSD policies;
• Monitor and evaluate program success;
• Collaborate with postsecondary institutions to expand opportunities for dual-credit and industry-recognized certificates in high-demand sectors;
• Safeguard students, equipment, materials, and facilities with care and diligence;
• Seek out and apply for grants to enhance initiatives, manage budgets, and meet reporting requirements;
• Craft clear and compelling written communications as directed;
• Take on additional duties as needed to support the success of the program.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in STEM education while working with a passionate team and community.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Work independently and as part of a team, making sound judgments within the role's parameters;
• Analyze information and provide recommendations;
• Think creatively and analytically;
• Build and maintain effective relationships with staff, public officials, and external partners;
• Produce high-quality work with attention to detail and accuracy;
• Approach challenges with an open and optimistic mindset;
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively;
• Solve problems and make sound decisions.
• Perform technical tasks expertly;
• Read technical information, create documents, and facilitate group discussions;
• Understand relevant laws, codes, and regulations;
• Interact effectively with government, industry representatives, and the public;
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise presentations;
• Analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports;
• Interpret complex oral and written instructions;
• Apply methods of program development and evaluation;
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.

Competencies:

Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes appropriate feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests;

Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; conserves organizational resources;

Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of computer operating systems;

Customer Service – Maintains professional demeanor when dealing with difficult or emotional situations; responds promptly to staff, student and public needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance;

Mathematical Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals;

Interpersonal Skills – Keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment;

Oral and Written Communication – Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; read and comprehend written and verbal instructions; writes clearly and informatively;

Professionalism – Approaches other in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments;

Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality;

Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly;

Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; arrives at meetings and appointments on time;

Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; meets commitments; follows policies and procedures. Ability to work remotely and/or in office. 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The environmental factors described here are representative of those that may be present in the workplace while the employee performs the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions requires the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 15% walking and 35% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, a generally hazard free environment, and in varying atmospheric conditions. Work environments during outreach events may include businesses, school districts, and industry worksites.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, masters degree preferred;
• Valid Washington State Program Administrator Certificate or equivalent program teacher leadership experience;
• Five years of Teaching and/or administrative or program supervisory experience;
• National Board-Certified Teacher or substantial teacher leadership experience;
• Background of participating in or leading teacher cohorts;
• CTE knowledge and/or experience with work-based learning knowledge preferred;
• Targeted job-related education that meets the district’s prerequisite requirements;
• Background in and knowledge of educator professional learning communities.

Clearances:

• Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance.

Certificates:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License required (must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position, including possessing and maintaining a valid license and automobile insurance, when using a personal vehicle for District business);
• First Aid and CPR Certification may be required after hiring.

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application (with supporting documents);
• Must be flexible, exhibit a commitment to accomplishment, possess outstanding communication and conceptual skills, demonstrate appropriate and positive relationships, possess a strong professional orientation, and be willing to actively participate in a team environment;
• Demonstrated compatibility with staff, program, and K12 systems;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive attitude, and safe environment for students, self, and others;
• Ability to multitask;
• Experience managing complex structures to coordinate large numbers of student internships;
• Recognize Labor and Industry laws pertinent to internships with minors;
• Familiar with career pathways;
• Persistence and consistency in communication with businesses and industry partners;
• Excellent oral and written communication;
• Ability to attend occasional evening and weekend meeting or workshops. 

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, you may review the individual collective bargaining agreements and SEBB 2025 School Employee Enrollment Guide which are located on our website SK Staff Resources or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at (360) 874-7028 or payrollstaff@skschools.org.

Application Procedure:  Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or skjobs@skschools.org.

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Kimberly House,
Director of Special Services
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-443-3648
house@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Dr. Tom Edwards,
Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
edwards@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.

Salary : $134,155 - $140,865