Location: 350 Church Street, 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
Salary: $95,000+ (commensurate with experience)
Are you a visionary leader ready to transform K-12 STEM education across the state of Connecticut and help shape the future of technology education and manufacturing workforce development? As the director of STEM & manufacturing initiatives, you'll be in the driver’s seat to do just that.
WHO WE ARE:
ReadyCT is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing academic excellence and career-connected learning for all Connecticut public school students.
We design and deliver innovative career readiness programs that intentionally connect K–12 education with the employers who will one day welcome graduates into the workforce—wherever their postsecondary paths may lead (college, credentialing, military, sector-based training, or direct entry into employment). Last year alone, more than 230 Connecticut businesses of all sizes and sectors partnered with us to help shape and strengthen these programs.
In addition to building and sustaining high-impact partnerships between schools, districts, and employers, ReadyCT champions policies that promote access, equity, and workforce alignment from a K–12 perspective. As an affiliate of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)—the state’s largest business member organization—ReadyCT leverages this powerful network to amplify its mission and expand opportunity for all students.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As director of STEM & manufacturing initiatives, you’ll work at the intersection of education, industry, and policy to advance systemic and sustainable change across Connecticut. In this role, you’ll collaborate with employers, education leaders, and community partners to strengthen and expand STEM learning that directly connects students to real-world opportunities.
The impact of your work: ensuring that students gain meaningful exposure to how STEM learning translates into real-world, high-demand career opportunities—while enabling employers to build a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline for Connecticut’s innovation economy.
The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of Connecticut’s workforce and K–12 education landscape and a passion for preparing students for the future of work. You won’t just manage programs—you’ll shape and scale the systems that link classrooms to cutting-edge fields like robotics, technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that students are equipped for success in Connecticut’s most in-demand industries.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE:
Are you inspired by the chance to expand manufacturing and other STEM-related workforce initiatives that prepare Connecticut K-12 students for high-demand careers—while supporting the state’s thriving business community? Do you enjoy leading complex projects, managing grants from start to finish, and seeing your vision turn into measurable impact?
If so, we’d love to learn more about what you’ll bring to the director of STEM & manufacturing initiatives role at ReadyCT.
We’re especially interested in someone who demonstrates:
- A passion for education and equity, and a belief in the potential of all students.
- Leadership and team-building skills, with experience motivating both direct reports and cross-functional colleagues.
- Relationship-building expertise, with the capacity to engage effectively across education, business, and community sectors.
- Knowledge of Connecticut’s K–12 STEM, workforce development, and business ecosystems, especially in manufacturing.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities, with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
- Experience managing grants or funded projects, particularly in workforce development or related fields.
- Background with robotics programs (e.g., FIRST or VEX) — preferred but not required.
- Experience in public education or nonprofit environments — strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or higher preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to travel independently across the state of Connecticut, often driving long distances to schools, worksites, and partner events.
- Frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching are required during events and program activities.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds of materials or equipment.
- Consistent operation of computers, office equipment, and presentation technology (e.g., projector, copy machine, printer).
- Moderate to long periods of standing and sitting.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
As director of STEM & manufacturing initiatives, you’ll lead ReadyCT’s statewide efforts to expand and elevate STEM learning and workforce readiness with a focus on the manufacturing sector. In this role, you will:
- Supervise, support, and develop a high-performing team focused on advancing STEM programming and student career readiness.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with district/school leaders, employers, and other stakeholders to align education and workforce priorities.
- Collaborate across teams to design and implement initiatives that connect classrooms to real-world learning and career opportunities.
- Represent ReadyCT at statewide and regional conferences, workshops, and convenings related to STEM, manufacturing, and workforce development.
- Manage grants and related budgets, ensuring progress is tracked, outcomes are measured, and all financial and reporting requirements are met.
- Use data to inform decisions, monitor impact, and communicate program success and areas for improvement.
- Cultivate and steward existing funder relationships, identifying opportunities to expand resources and partnerships.
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, particularly those connected to STEM education and advanced manufacturing.
- Perform other related duties to advance ReadyCT’s mission and organizational goals.
This job description is intended to be a comprehensive overview of the director of STEM & manufacturing initiatives role. All ReadyCT team members are charged with other duties as may be required.
ReadyCT offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a lasting impact on students and communities across Connecticut.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to equity and to expanding career-connected learning opportunities for every student.
readyCT.org
ReadyCT is an equal opportunity employer.
