STEM Specialist

The STEM Specialist serves as Girl Scouts Heart of Central California’s (GSHCC) primary STEM subject-matter expert, maintaining strong knowledge of the Girl Scout national STEM program portfolio and relevant external STEM fields, trends, technologies, and practices. As a key member of the Girl Program Team, the STEM Specialist applies this expertise to strengthen high-quality, accessible STEM experiences and expand opportunities for girls across GSHCC’s 18-county territory. Working collaboratively with the Program Design and Program Implementation Specialists, the position contributes STEM expertise to program development, resources, training, delivery, and continuous improvement. The STEM Specialist also supports the strategic use of GSHCC’s STEM assets and partnerships to strengthen the quality, progression, reach, and sustainability of GSHCC’s STEM portfolio.

- Serve as GSHCC’s STEM subject-matter expert, maintaining current knowledge of GSUSA’s national STEM program portfolio, Program Portfolio Modernization, and relevant external STEM fields, trends, technologies, practices, and emerging opportunities; translate that knowledge into recommendations and opportunities for GSHCC.

- Lead the STEM content and subject-matter components of program development and adaptation, ensuring STEM experiences are accurate, relevant, engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, GSHCC strategy, girl interests and needs, and the National Program Portfolio.

- Collaborate with the Program Design Specialist and Program Implementation Specialist to develop scalable STEM programs, kits, guides, and resources; support facilitator preparation and training; and use feedback to continuously improve program quality and consistency.

- Provide STEM expertise and resources that build the capacity and confidence of staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality STEM experiences, and collaborate with Afterschool Clubs to share programming, equipment, resources, and learning across delivery models.

- Pilot and deliver STEM programming for girls in grades K–12 as needed to test and refine content, support strategic council priorities, and provide specialized experiences requiring STEM subject-matter expertise, including Mobile STEM and occasional evening, weekend, or overnight programming.

- Assess GSHCC’s STEM portfolio and available program data to identify content gaps, emerging opportunities, grade-level progression, geographic reach, and opportunities to deepen girl engagement; make recommendations to strengthen, expand, adapt, or discontinue programming.

- Support the strategic use of GSHCC’s STEM assets—including the Sacramento and Modesto STEM Centers, Mobile STEM, specialized equipment, and portable program resources—and maintain working knowledge of relevant equipment and technology to identify opportunities for effective use in girl programming.

- Identify and develop relationships with community organizations, businesses, educational institutions, STEM professionals, and other partners that can provide specialized expertise, resources, career exposure, or expanded access; support Fund Development with STEM expertise for aligned grants, sponsorships, and fundraising opportunities.

- Support the operational requirements of assigned STEM programming, including supplies and inventory, budgets, participant and partner communications, reporting, and council-wide programs and events, coordinating with appropriate internal teams for registration, marketing, volunteer support, and event logistics.

- Ensure STEM content and assigned programming comply with Girl Scouts Safety Activity Checkpoints, GSHCC policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and GSHCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

- Perform other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

•    Associate degree or equivalent coursework in STEM, education, youth development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
•    2+ years of progressively responsible experience in STEM education, youth programming, curriculum or program development, or a related field.
•    Demonstrated experience developing and/or facilitating hands-on STEM learning experiences.
•    Experience applying STEM subject-matter knowledge to youth programming or informal education preferred.
•    Experience collaborating on curriculum, program resources, or facilitator materials preferred.
•    Experience training or supporting staff and/or volunteers preferred.
•    Experience with grant-funded programs or initiatives preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
•    Ability to learn, interpret, and apply GSUSA’s national program portfolio, Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and program standards to STEM programming.
•    Ability to translate STEM concepts into engaging, age-appropriate, hands-on experiences and resources for girls in grades K–12.
•    Ability to contribute subject-matter expertise within a collaborative team and work effectively with staff, volunteers, community partners, girls, and families.
•    Strong facilitation, training, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate STEM concepts to audiences with varying levels of STEM knowledge.
•    Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, analyze information and feedback, and make recommendations for program improvement.
•    Working knowledge of or experience with STEM equipment and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, Cricuts, sewing machines, robotics, and associated software preferred.
•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn and effectively use GSHCC technology and data systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•    Sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer.
•    Operate standard office and STEM equipment.
•    Drive for extended periods, including the Mobile STEM vehicle as needed.
•    Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds at times.
•    Set up, transport, and organize program supplies and equipment as required.

WORK HOURS/TRAVEL
•    Must have access to reliable transportation; position includes work-related travel throughout GSHCC’s jurisdiction, approximately 10% of the time.[CN1.1]
•    Must possess a valid California driver’s license, maintain a driving record that meets GSHCC requirements, and provide proof of insurance as required.
•    Must be willing and able to complete required training to operate GSHCC’s 30-foot Mobile STEM vehicle.
•    Must be available for council-required programs and events that may occur outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight events.
•    Must be willing to acquire and maintain certifications required for assigned programming, including First Aid/CPR as applicable.