Manager of STEM Strategy and Partnerships

Page 1 of 4 WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Manager of STEM Strategy and Partnerships PAY SCHEDULE: Non-Bargaining Salary Schedule - Grade 7 - 12 Months SUPERSEDES: n/a REVISION DATE: 10/20/2026 BROAD FUNCTION: The Manager of STEM Strategy and Partnerships will provide strategic leadership for STEM education, talent development, and MiSTEM Network Region 3 partnerships across Wayne County. The Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the MiSTEM Region 3 Strategic Plan in alignment with Wayne RESA priorities, the statewide MiSTEM strategic plan, STEM strategy, and vision. This position builds and activates cross-sector partnerships among K-12 education, career and technical education, work-based learning, postsecondary institutions, business and industry, government, philanthropy, and community organizations to expand access to high-quality STEM learning experiences and strengthen college, career, and workforce pathways for students throughout Wayne County. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as the MiSTEM Network Region 3 leader and voice of the region at the state level, providing strategic direction and leadership for regional implementation of the statewide MiSTEM strategic plan, STEM strategy, and vision. Lead the development, execution, annual review, and continuous improvement of the MiSTEM Region 3 strategic plan; establish regional objectives, priorities, measurable outcomes, implementation strategies, timelines, and evidence of impact. Convene, connect, and mobilize state, regional, county, district, postsecondary, business, industry, philanthropic, governmental, and community stakeholders to advance shared STEM priorities and regional talent-development goals. Systematically build, convene, and oversee a representative MiSTEM Region 3 Advisory Board that supports the development and execution of regional goals and implementation plans. Direct the gathering, generation, analysis, and use of needs, participation, outcome, and impact data to guide regional priorities, monitor progress, evaluate effectiveness, and communicate results. Direct the identification, mapping, coordination, and strategic deployment of regional STEM assets and resources to strengthen access to high-quality STEM opportunities. Manage applicable MiSTEM budgets, grants, sub-grant agreements, contracts, procurement processes, and grant deliverables in accordance with Wayne RESA and funding requirements. Pursue, develop, apply for, braid, and leverage state, federal, philanthropic, corporate, and other funding to expand and sustain STEM education and talent-development initiatives. Work with other ISDs and state agencies, as appropriate, to represent Wayne County and/or MiSTEM Region 3 in STEM initiatives. Collaborate and communicate with MiSTEM Network Region Leaders, the MiSTEM Network Executive Director and state staff, statewide advisory partners, and other regional and state leaders. Lead regional communications and marketing strategies, aligned with statewide plans as appropriate, to elevate effective practices, disseminate opportunities, and communicate regional impact. Provide leadership and guidance to Wayne County districts in strategically planning and implementing the MiSTEM pillars, including fostering a vibrant STEM culture, empowering STEM educators, connecting business and education, and delivering high-quality STEM experiences. Page 2 of 4 Collaborate with colleagues, educators and leaders to strengthen STEM curriculum, programming, instructional materials, assessments, and the integration of STEM concepts and practices into instructional frameworks. Coordinate professional learning for educators and leaders focused on STEM pedagogy, content knowledge, emerging technologies, innovative instructional practices, and high-quality student experiences. Maintain knowledge of current research, emerging trends, best practices, policies, technologies, and workforce developments related to STEM education and communicate relevant information to stakeholders. Evaluate STEM programs, initiatives, investments, and interventions and recommend adjustments, improvements, scaling, or discontinuation based on evidence and regional priorities. Foster partnerships with external organizations, higher education institutions, businesses, industry, government, and community organizations to expand STEM opportunities for students and educators. Serve as a primary connector between STEM education and Wayne RESA's career-readiness ecosystem, intentionally collaborating with Career and Technical Education (CTE), work-based learning, college and postsecondary success, career counseling, and other related Educational Services teams. Partner with CTE leaders to align STEM initiatives with state-approved CTE programs, career pathways, industry-recognized credentials, dual enrollment, early-college opportunities, and high-demand STEM occupations. Collaborate with work-based learning and employer partners to expand student career awareness, exploration, preparation, internships, job shadowing, mentorships, apprenticeships, educator externships, and other authentic workplace experiences connected to STEM pathways. Collaborate with postsecondary institutions and college/postsecondary success staff to strengthen transitions from K-12 STEM experiences into certificates, credentials, two- and four-year degree programs, and other postsecondary opportunities. Develop and sustain business and industry partnerships that connect classroom learning to regional workforce needs and create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with STEM professionals, workplaces, technologies, and career pathways. Coordinate across Wayne RESA departments and initiatives so that STEM strategy is integrated with broader college, career, workforce, instructional, and student-success priorities rather than operating as a stand-alone body of work. Promote equitable access and participation in high-quality STEM learning and career pathways, with particular attention to students and communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Build collaborative networks of innovative instructional resources, strategies, programs, and partnerships that can be shared and scaled across Wayne County. Model principles of continuous learning, systems thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, service, innovation, and excellence. Carry out the functions of this position within the direction provided by Wayne RESA's mission and goals and Educational Services' goals and objectives. Work collaboratively with Wayne RESA staff to ensure district and stakeholder needs are met in an efficient, coordinated, and effective manner. Participate as an active team member in organizational projects, department meetings, planning sessions, and cross-functional initiatives. Effectively utilize technology to complete tasks, communicate, manage projects, analyze information, and collaborate with internal and external partners. Regular and predictable attendance. Perform other duties as assigned. Page 3 of 4 RELATIONSHIPS & CONTACTS: INTERNAL Frequent contact with the Executive Director of Educational Services, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services, Educational Services leaders, project teams, and consulting staff. Frequent collaboration with Career and Technical Education, work-based learning, college/postsecondary success, career readiness, instructional content, technology, data, and other teams whose work intersects with STEM education and talent development. Active involvement with internal committees, cross-functional initiatives, and organizational projects. EXTERNAL Frequent contact and coordination with the MiSTEM Network Executive Director, State MiSTEM Leads, and other regional MiSTEM leadership to support statewide priorities, alignment, and implementation Frequent contact with district and school administrators, curriculum leaders, STEM liaisons, educators, CTE leaders, work-based learning coordinators, career counselors, and other district staff. Frequent contact with business and industry partners, postsecondary institutions, workforce and economic development organizations, philanthropic organizations, community partners, and MiSTEM Network stakeholders. Moderate to frequent contact with state agency staff, policymakers/governmental partners, and professional staff from other ISD/RESAs. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Executive Director, Educational Services or designee SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None currently assigned. May provide project leadership, functional direction, and coordination to staff, contractors, partners, and cross-functional teams without direct supervisory responsibility. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Master's degree in education, STEM, educational leadership, business, workforce development, or a related field required. Valid Michigan Department of Education Administrator Certification with either an Elementary & Secondary Administrator K-12 (ES) or Central Office (CO) Endorsement preferred. Valid Michigan Department of Education Teacher's Certificate preferred. Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of relevant STEM education, talent development, workforce development, or related experience required. Minimum of two (2) years of project and/or program management experience required. Demonstrated experience developing and leading significant STEM education, talent development, or related initiatives required. Demonstrated experience building and managing collaborative networks and cross-sector partnerships among K-12 education, business and industry, postsecondary institutions, workforce organizations, philanthropy, and community organizations is required. Page 4 of 4 Demonstrated experience in fund development and braiding and leveraging resources to advance programs and regional priorities required. Experience managing cross-functional teams, collaborative initiatives, or regional networks preferred. Experience with Career and Technical Education (CTE), work-based learning, postsecondary partnerships, workforce development, internships, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, or other college-and-career pathway initiatives preferred. Required Special Skills and Training: Knowledge of STEM education and talent development and the connections among K-12 education, CTE, postsecondary education, business and industry, work-based learning, and workforce development. Knowledge of MiSTEM Region 3 and its educational, business and industry, postsecondary, workforce, philanthropic, governmental, and community landscape. Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, including the ability to translate regional and statewide priorities into actionable goals, implementation plans, measurable outcomes, and evidence of impact. Ability to apply a systems perspective to problem-solving, continuous improvement, and the coordination of complex initiatives. Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate data and evidence to inform decision-making, evaluate impact, and guide improvement. Ability to anticipate and respond effectively to changes in state priorities and policy, funding, workforce needs, and regional conditions. Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, resources, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations. Strong consultation, facilitation, communication, consensus-building, and professional relationship- building skills with diverse stakeholders. Ability to collaborate effectively across organizational departments and functions and with external partners to advance shared educational, college, career, and workforce priorities. Knowledge of grant, fiscal, and ethical procurement practices, including applicable bidding requirements and avoidance of conflicts of interest. Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive practices and expanding equitable access, participation, and opportunities for all learners. Ability to effectively utilize technology for communication, collaboration, project management, data analysis, and professional activities. USE OF THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION: This position description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all the duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or special conditions associated with this position. Date of Position Creation: October 7, 2026