Director, Omaha STEM Ecosystem

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION EEO

Statement:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement. Job Title Director, Omaha STEM Ecosystem Job Grade EO26S Division Academic Affairs College/Dept

STEM TRAIL

Center Department STEM Center Requisition Number 2026-00227 FTE (full-time equivalency) 100.00 Work Schedule M-F, occasional evenings and weekends Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting? Yes - partial remote/telecommute opportunity Appointment Term 08- Other Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy? No Pay Information 70,000-95,000 Pay Schedule Annually FLSA Designation Exempt Position Summary Serve as the primary external representative of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem, building strong partnerships across sectors. Lead implementation of the strategic plan by turning priorities into actionable initiatives, measurable outcomes, and sustainable funding streams. Develop and manage relationships that drive sponsorships, grants, and long-term commitments. Oversee grant development, stakeholder engagement, events, and communications, while supporting leadership groups and ensuring alignment. Navigate university processes effectively while exercising sound judgment in decision-making.

Job Duties Responsibility Area:

Chief Relationship-Builder Duties:

Serve as the primary external face of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem; build and steward high-trust relationships with industry leaders, funders, educators, nonprofits, and civic partners. Serve as a spokesperson for the value of collaborative, citywide STEM efforts that strengthen community support for workforce development across education, informal learning, and industry sectors. Conduct shared planning for various citywide STEM pathway initiatives and large citywide STEM events. Percentage Of Time 30

Essential Function:

Yes Responsibility Area:

Grants & Fundraising Duties:

Conduct shared planning for various citywide STEM pathway initiatives and large citywide STEM events. Guide the development of grant ideas from early concept through submission by identifying funding opportunities, shaping project concepts, and aligning them with strategic priorities. Collaborate with partners to define goals, roles, and deliverables; coordinate timelines and contributions Serve as the primary proposal writer, leading drafting and revisions while coordinating input and feedback from partners to ensure a strong, polished final submission. Ensure submissions are complete, compelling, and compliant with funder requirements Oversee ecosystem convenings and engagement activities (e.g., STEM Connect series, awards/events). Support efforts to secure private donor funding for collaborative STEM initiatives. Percentage Of Time 20

Essential Function:

Yes Responsibility Area:

Budget and Financial Duties:

Operationalize OSE's strategic plan, translating agreed-upon priorities into annual work plans, partnership commitments, clear milestones, and measurable outcomes. Lead development of a multi-revenue sustainability strategy Develop and manage annual and multi-year budgets aligned with strategic priorities Monitor revenues and expenditures, ensuring accuracy and fiscal responsibility Prepare regular financial reports and dashboards for leadership and stakeholders Support development of funding strategies through cost analysis and sustainability planning Navigate institutional processes and compliance within a university-hosted environment, exercising sound judgment about when to act independently and when to engage leadership. Percentage Of Time 20

Essential Function:

Yes Responsibility Area:

Communications Duties:

Direct ecosystem communications strategy, ensuring messages resonate appropriately with different audiences and decision-makers. Ensure effective communication and public representation of the organization Support coordinated communications around STEM goals and workforce development efforts by helping the ecosystem establish and maintain shared communication protocols, such as a citywide STEM events calendar. Percentage Of Time 15

Essential Function:

Yes Responsibility Area:

General Responsibilities Duties:

Navigate institutional processes and compliance within a university-hosted environment, exercising sound judgment about when to act independently and when to engage leadership. Convene and support volunteer leadership (executive committee, working groups, sector leads) Monitor and evaluate program impact, using data to inform decisions and improvements Supervise and support staff, volunteers, and leadership teams Percentage Of Time 15

Essential Function:

Yes Required and Preferred Qualifications Required Education Bachelor's degree in STEM education, organizational development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Required Experience 5+ years of experience in roles involving cross-sector partnerships, community leadership, business development, collective impact, philanthropy, or workforce development. Demonstrated success building relationships with decision-makers and converting relationships into funded or resourced outcomes. Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfort presenting in both small-group and large-audience settings. High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a growth mindset.

Required License/Certification NA Required Additional Qualifications:

NA Preferred Education Master's degree in STEM education, organizational development, or a related field

Preferred Experience NA Preferred License/Certification NA Preferred Additional Qualifications:

Familiarity with the Omaha metro civic, business, or philanthropic landscape (or strong evidence of rapidly building local networks). Experience working with or within large institutions (universities, hospitals, government, or nonprofits). Exposure to STEM education or workforce initiatives (domain familiarity helpful but not required). Compliance Requirements Credit Check No Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check No Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment No Drug Screen No