We’re looking for a collaborative STEM program leader to design, pilot, and evaluate innovative programs for APS. Do you thrive on guiding STEM projects through the incubation period – from inception to implementation to evaluation? This individual will work with a nimble team for quickly responding to emerging STEM opportunities and needs.  The Head of STEM Program Innovation sets the direction for program innovation at APS, in consultation with the Director of Programs and key APS leaders. This position guides the program innovation process, leads selected innovation activities, leads proposal development, ensures pilot design and implementation, and works synergistically across all program areas.

Ideal Candidate Profile:  Our ideal candidate has successfully designed, led, and evaluated innovative STEM programs at the collegiate level.  Also, this person will have significant experience working on STEM grants and proposals to secure funding for these innovative programs and working in close collaboration with other scientific associations, federal agencies, and leaders in higher education.

Is this you? Keep reading for more information!

The APS has a “remote first” concept that promotes equal treatment and equal access, independent of physical work location, with a majority of staff working primarily from remote work locations. APS values diversity and welcomes candidates from a variety of backgrounds. This position could require at times in office work, various geographic events and meeting attendance as instructed by your Supervisor. APS offers a dynamic work environment with an outstanding total compensation package including salary, outstanding benefits, and excellent paid time off.

A Typical Week May Look Like This:

• Guides the program innovation process
• Manages prioritization of proposed pilot initiatives to align with priorities in the department strategic plan and the APS strategic plan
• Guides the pilot development process across all program areas and ensures implementation of best practices
• Manages evaluation of pilot projects, including development and implementation of evaluation criteria
• Directs the APS Innovation Fund and supports physics community leaders to design innovative pilots
• Leads a nimble team for quickly responding to emerging opportunities and needs
• Designs and develops high-impact pilot programs aligned with APS priorities
• Leads staff teams to implement pilot initiatives and assumes primary responsibility for their success.
• Leads proposal development
• Develops proposals to fund programs, especially pilot initiatives
• Guides proposal writing teams in implementing best practices
• Monitors solicitations from government agencies and other organizations to identify potential funding sources
• Coordinates department interactions with the Development team
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of innovation practices and trends
• Maintains familiarity with peer-reviewed literature and other publications on effective practices for program innovation
• Builds and maintains relationships with experts in innovation and entrepreneurship
• Liaises with other scientific societies to understand trends in program innovation
• Other duties as assigned

Is This You:

Education: PhD (preferred) or MS in a STEM field is required.  

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Minimum of 10 years of experience leading innovative programs or equivalent is required. Experience with proposal writing and project management is required. Supervisory experience is preferred. 

General: Needs to possess a deep knowledge of physics education, including effective practices and peer-reviewed literature. Strong, polished interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are necessary. Must have the ability to handle several complex projects simultaneously, possess excellent organizational skills, and meet deadlines. Must be able to proactively identify and respond to needs, and exercise judgment. Computer skills and high level of proficiency in standard office software are essential. Customer service orientation desired, including ability to resolve conflicts constructively, and to empathize and understand perspectives and widely varying backgrounds of others. Needs to demonstrate willingness and ability to work as a team player. Must be able to travel several times per year.

Leadership and Management: Must be able to manage up, manage down, and manage across effectively. Must demonstrate a collaborative style to engage physics community stakeholders in advancing society objectives, and partner effectively with APS staff in synergistic areas. Needs to be able to gather strategic input and use results of strategic analyses to identify new directions and refine existing programs, in consultation with the department director and key APS leaders. Must understand and employ principles of project management and program evaluation. Competence in managing grants, proposal writing and budgetary management practices is required.

Supervisory Skills: Must be able to set expectations, monitor and assess performance, and establish accountability. Needs to understand and apply basic supervisory principles involved in allocating resources, delegating work, motivating people and resolving conflicts. Needs to be sensitive to the reactions of others and offer appropriate responses, so they feel their perspectives are heard and taken into account.

Relationships:

Internal: Works closely with the Director of Programs and other department staff to develop and implement pilot programs. Partners with Communications, Membership, Meetings, External Affairs, and other synergistic areas on pilot initiatives. Works with other APS departments as needed to support implementation of activities.

External: Engages with and collaborates with physicists in academia, national labs and industry to develop innovative programs. Liaises with other scientific societies to understand trends in innovation. Maintains relationships with experts in innovation and entrepreneurship.