The Upper Thumb MiSTEM Region Director provides visionary leadership to advance STEM education and career pathways across Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. This role fosters strong partnerships among schools, businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations to ensure that every learner has access to high-quality, real-world STEM experiences. By aligning local needs with statewide MiSTEM priorities, the Director supports educators, empowers students, and fosters a regional culture of innovation and workforce readiness, thereby strengthening both our communities and Michigan’s future economy.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

· Master’s Degree, preferred
· Experience in education and/or business settings with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within STEM education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

· Knowledge of the Upper Thumb region (Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties) and its stakeholders
· Community engagement or community-building experiences
· Ability to coordinate and lead stakeholders toward consensus and action
· Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage coordination with a variety of networks
· Ability to adapt and change as necessary to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders
· All HISD staff must adhere to the HISD Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles, Expectations, and staff handbook on the HISD Website, www.huronisd.org homepage
· Physically and mentally capable of rigorous work (capable of sitting on the floor, standing, and sitting for extended times, and lifting or pushing a minimum of 50 pounds)
· Pass and maintain School Employment background check

· Lead the work of the Upper Thumb region within the state MiSTEM Network and will be the voice of the region at the state level.
· Build collaborative partnerships that align regional activities to the state work and vision as articulated in the four pillars of the MI STEM Advisory Council report.
· Convene and activate a MiSTEM Region Advisory Board with equitable representation from business, education, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to establish specific regional goals aligned with the statewide STEM strategy
· Support the creation of a common understanding of what STEM means that is inclusive of all stakeholders and activities that are relevant and applicable
· Lead and support the progress of STEM education activities and assure regional alignment with the state’s goals
· Lead in the shaping of a statewide vision, strategy, and goals in concert with other regional and state-level stakeholders
· Lead in developing and implementing common goals among the region’s stakeholders and ensure that all parties are fairly represented at the regional level (business, education, nonprofit organizations, etc.)
· Meet regularly with the regional and state stakeholders, both within and beyond education, and work to develop strong relationships
· Identify and coordinate resources to support collaboration among STEM stakeholders that support regional and state goals
· Identify and develop innovative systems and experiences that integrate STEM employers with educational initiatives to ensure alignment between workforce needs and education
· Pursue and lead programs and grant-supported efforts (state and federal) that advance STEM education and talent pathway goals
· Gather, generate, and oversee analysis of needs and impact data to guide decision-making and measure progress toward goals
· Able to use technology to support learning, and have the skills to research effectively, including the use of the Internet for research, Google Applications, Microsoft Word/Excel, and other educational software and programming
· Participate in professional development opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning
· Regular and consistent in-person attendance
· Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
· Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the supervisor