Executive Director

Executive Director - Los Angeles Regional STEM Education Network

About the organization

The organization is a group of 50+ museums, parks, zoos, aquariums, universities, and community-based STEM education organizations that originally came together during the COVID pandemic to provide remote STEM education experiences for Los Angeles students. Now evolving to become the STEM Ecosystem for Los Angeles, the organization is expanding to include field building (professional development) as well as STEM workforce development, and membership will expand to include industrial and corporate members, as well as community-based organizations that serve children and families who are consumers of STEM education experiences.

The organization is on a mission to address the structural inequities in STEM education by expanding pathways and fostering opportunities for underrepresented communities across Los Angeles. Through meaningful partnerships with educators, community leaders, STEM industry leaders and organizations, they are building an inclusive STEM ecosystem that empowers all people, especially students, to realize their potential in a world shaped by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a central connector in the Los Angeles STEM community, they collaborate to create transformative educational experiences that elevate diversity, equity, and representation in STEM.

Currently, one of the the organization member organizations serves as the backbone agency for the the organization, providing all HR and financial management services. The organization is hiring its first Executive Director to lead their growth and evolution.

MISSION

Collaborating to provide the young people of Greater LA equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, opportunities and resources.

VISION

A Greater Los Angeles where all learners have the opportunity to become creative, critical thinkers and doers.

Position Summary

The Executive Director will lead the organization with a social entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion in STEM education. While the organization is held under fiscal sponsorship of Community Partners, the ED will serve as Community Partners Project Leader (Community Partners Project Leader job description). As the organization transitions into an independent entity, the Executive Director will play a critical role in guiding the growth and maturation of the organization. This leader will foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared purpose within the organization and across their network, ensuring that all efforts align with their mission to empower underrepresented communities through equitable STEM education. This is an in-person position in Los Angeles, with some opportunity for flexible hybrid work.

Core Responsibilities:

• Visionary Leadership
• Operational and Financial Stewardship
• Fundraising and Sustainable Growth
• Building and Strengthening Partnerships
• Community Representation and Advocacy
• Impact Measurement and Learning
• Community Partners Project Leader

Role Objectives:

• Shape and implement both short- and long-term strategies that reflect the organization's commitment to inclusive, community-centered STEM education. Act as a key driver in positioning the organization as a leading resource in Los Angeles, translating our mission into collaborative, actionable plans and to support the organization's transition into an independent entity.
• Spearhead initiatives to grow the organization's revenue stream from $600,0000-800,000 (operations only) annually to $2,000,000 - 3,000,000+ annually (operations + regrants/ subcontracts) by engaging a wide array of funding sources, fee-for-service contracts and cultivating relationships that support the sustainability of the organization's work and impact.
• Cultivate authentic and lasting relationships with constituents at the local, state, and national levels to amplify their mission. Work closely with partners who share their commitment to equity and inclusion, creating a collective impact that honors and uplifts the diverse communities they serve.
• Serve as a consensus builder to internally distill the diverse perspectives within the collective to amplify the true essence and voice of the organization, and externally represent the Collective to shine a spotlight on the important and impactful work the organization is doing for the community. Champion the work of their community, partners, and team, using your platform to advocate for equitable access to STEM education for all.
• Oversee the organization's day-to-day operations with integrity, transparency, and a focus on inclusive practices. Manage finances, human resources, and communications in alignment with their mission and in consultation with the Steering Committee and Advisory Board, ensuring that each decision supports the communities they serve and the sustainability of the organization.
• Foster an environment of continuous learning to improve and amplify their impact on STEM education and access, workforce development, and the diverse Los Angeles communities.
• While the organization is under the fiscal sponsorship of Community Partners, the ED will serve as Community Partners Project Leader; responsible for leading operations and fundraising; ensuring financial sustainability; and overseeing the day-to-day supervision and evaluation of all the organization employees.

Desired Characteristics

• Integrity and Dedication to Mission: You are a leader of integrity who embodies the values of authenticity, collaboration, and optimism. You have a deep passion for STEM education and an awareness of impediments faced by underrepresented communities and an ability to create viable solutions to promote success. You have proven experience in managing day-to-day operations, human resources, financial oversight, and communications, preferably at an early-stage non-profit, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic vision and mission.
• Action-Oriented and Innovative: You are a proactive leader who is both visionary and adaptable, able to innovate and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in a way that centers community needs and advances their mission. You have a track record of being an action-oriented leader who has first-hand experience bringing vision to fruition, with both qualitative and quantitative impact.
• Collaborative and Inclusive Leader: You have a proven track record of making impactful, strategic decisions that shape organizational direction, with a collaborative approach to guiding both short-term and long-term planning. You value diverse perspectives and empower others. You create space for shared purpose and mutual respect, inspiring and motivating teams and partners alike through your commitment to equity.
• Strong Communicator and Advocate: With strong written and verbal communication skills, you are an effective storyteller who can passionately and persuasively communicate their mission to diverse audiences. You build trust and foster connections through authentic, values-driven communication.
• You have excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire and guide diverse constituents.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You have demonstrated experience leading a nonprofit organization, preferably in the STEM, education, or social impact sectors.
• You bring a social entrepreneurial mindset to the role, showing resourcefulness, creativity, and resilience in driving initiatives that align with their core values and goals. You are adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity, and energized by the challenges of a dynamic environment.
• Fundraising: You have a strong fundraising background, with proven success in diversified fundraising, securing major grants, and building donor relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational Background: A degree in a relevant field is preferred, though diverse experiences and knowledge are highly valued.
• Nonprofit Leadership Experience: At least five years in a senior leadership role, ideally within STEM, education, or nonprofit organizations, with a record of supporting equitable, community-centered work.
• Fundraising and Relationship-Building Expertise: Demonstrated success in setting and meeting organizational fundraising goals, diversifying funding sources, managing donor relationships, reporting to board members, and building partnerships that align with and support their mission and values.
• Operational, Marketing, and Strategic Planning Skills: Experience in managing operations, budgeting, marketing/communications, and strategic planning with a commitment to centering community needs and practicing equitable resource management.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM: A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM education and organizational practices.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 - $160,000, based on experience and qualifications. The organization offers a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement savings.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

The organization is committed to fostering a culture grounded in equity, inclusion, and accountability. They believe that STEM education should be accessible to all, and they work to dismantle barriers that prevent fair access to learning and career pathways. Through authentic partnerships and community-centered approaches, they create an environment where each individual feels valued and empowered to contribute. Their values of respect, transparency, and collaboration are at the heart of every action they take to serve as an inclusive resource for STEM education in Los Angeles.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The organization is dedicated to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities they serve. They welcome and celebrate diverse backgrounds and perspectives and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. They are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

For more information about the organization, their mission, and their values, please contact alex@full-umbrella.com.

recblid x0ryjoz26vj1axp6xcxeapu81qh5m7