Director of Competitions

📋 Description

• Join an energetic team committed to revolutionizing science education for everyone through professional development, collaborations, and advocacy efforts.

• The Director of Competitions manages the array of competitions administered by NSTA, collaborating with both public and private partners alongside the Sr. Director of Competitions.

• This role entails strategic leadership, operational oversight, and ongoing enhancement of various STEM-focused competitions and enrichment initiatives.

• It encompasses the entire competition lifecycle—from program conception and registration through judging, awards, and post-event assessments—ensuring exceptional participant experiences, operational effectiveness, and alignment with the organization's mission and educational objectives.

• The Director acts as a cross-functional leader, closely collaborating with internal teams, external stakeholders, volunteers, and sponsors.

• Set program objectives, success metrics, and operational priorities across multiple competitions in coordination with the Sr. Director and each competition’s Project Manager.

• Convert organizational strategies into actionable plans for competition personnel and program managers.

• Direct competition strategies to align with the organizational mission, educational impact objectives, and funder priorities.

• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, sponsor obligations, and reporting standards for all competitions.

• Provide overarching direction while ensuring tactical teams receive clear guidance, timelines, and performance expectations.

• Initiate continuous improvement efforts to boost efficiency, scalability, and participant satisfaction.

• Monitor operational performance to maintain consistent standards and responsiveness across all competition programs.

• Manage extensive seasonal competition cycles characterized by high submission volumes, tight turnaround times, and fixed deadlines.

• Guarantee that operational teams uphold high standards of fairness, consistency, and transparency in evaluations.

• Analyze program data, participation metrics, and post-competition feedback.

• Utilize performance metrics to inform operational enhancements and strategic planning.

• Compile internal and external reports to assist with grant compliance, sponsor reporting, and organizational impact narratives.

• Implement systems and tools that enhance efficiency, automation, and inter-departmental coordination.

• Ensure staff adhere to established standard operating procedures and quality control measures.

• Confirm that tactical teams align with branding, compliance, data reporting, and sponsor expectations.

• Act as the main liaison between competition staff and internal departments such as marketing, technology, finance, and development.

• Coordinate timelines and deliverables across departments to facilitate competition launches and significant milestones.

• Offer coaching, performance assessments, and professional growth opportunities within a mission-driven nonprofit culture.

⛳️ Requirements

• Proven experience in leading large-scale program operations.

• Strong organizational skills with the capability to multitask while managing complex and competing project timelines.

• Proficient in collecting and analyzing data, with the ability to draw conclusions related to the achievement of established goals.

• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills to effectively work within a large team.

• Capability to lead programs with strict deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management or a related field.

• At least 6-8 years of successful management experience, supervising a minimum of two direct reports or holding related supervisory roles.

• Experience in managing complex programs or large-scale educational initiatives, particularly at the national level for student competitions, is preferred.

• Familiarity with military operations is a plus.

• PMP certification is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Unlimited vacation policy.

• Flexible remote work environment.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Sick leave provisions.

• Paid parental leave benefits.

• A retirement plan featuring a generous employer match.

• Opportunities for professional development.