Reporting to the Board of Directors, and working closely with the project partners (City of St. Thomas, Thames Valley District School Board, St. Thomas Public Library, and London District Catholic School Board) and the local community, the Executive Director will implement and lead the STEAM Education Centre according to the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. The Executive Director will be responsible for financial planning and management, developing and executing strategic operations, staffing, volunteer recruitment, and interim marketing and communications. In collaboration with the Facility Manager, the Executive Director will also lead program development and execution. This position will include occasional weekends and evenings.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in collaboration with the Board of Directors in planning and implementing a strategic direction and comprehensive budget for the STEAM Education Centre

• Provide the Board of Directors with financial reports, detailing revenue and expenditures.

• Research funding opportunities and coordinate fundraising initiatives.

• Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of STEAM education and digital literacy programming initiatives: i.e., workshops, classes, and seminars, and community events (with assistance from Facility Manager).

• Ensure programming initiatives, events, and services reflect the general strategic direction and mandate of the organization.

• Recruit, interview, and onboard volunteers and part-time/sessional staff with the appropriate technical ability and educational background to carry out lectures, workshops, and other educational programming; assist with event coordination; and provide technical assistance as needed.

• Represent the Innovation Centre at public schools, libraries, and community events.

• Develop and lead marketing initiatives, including preliminary management of social media accounts, mailing list, and other promotional assets.

• Establish and foster relationships with community organizations, investors, STEAM educators, politicians, and local universities to ensure the relevance and recognition of the Innovation Center in St. Thomas and surrounding areas.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• At least 3 years experience in nonprofit management.  

• Masters degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Media Studies, Nonprofit/Arts Management or related discipline.

• Demonstrated background in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and digital literacy education.

• Demonstrated knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles.

• Grant writing and fundraising experience, preferably for non-profit organizations working in arts/culture, public education or digital media.

• Knowledge of computer accounting applications and office management software (Quickbooks, Google Apps, Microsoft Office).

• Demonstrated knowledge of local educators, initiatives and organizations working in arts/culture, make, tech and digital media disciplines.

• Google Analytics Proficiency.

• High degree of organization and time management.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Manage multiple priorities and achieve ambitious goals in a timely manner.

• An energetic self-starter, able work independently without supervision.

• Experience in either maker technologies, audio, video, photography, and/or computer programming preferred.  

• Must consent to vulnerable persons background check.

  STEAM Education Centres is an non-profit organization dedicated to the development and delivery of STEAM education programming and advocacy in Southwestern Ontario and beyond. We program and provide access to resources, workshops and community spaces that enhance awareness and understanding of innovative technologies and digital media. We work closely with our regional school boards, STEAM educators and local communities to enable edifying interaction across all age groups and backgrounds.