STEM Manager – Thunder Bay Community Engagement

Science North; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Group benefits

Pension

Vacation

Job summary

Science North is seeking a STEM Manager for the Thunder Bay Community Engagement team to lead the development and delivery of hands-on science experiences across Northwestern Ontario. You will supervise programs at festivals, schools, and First Nation communities, driving growth in reach and partnerships while maintaining high-quality participant experiences.

The role involves strategic planning, team leadership, and day-to-day management with travel to Northern Ontario communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Science, Education, Recreation, Youth Development) or equivalent work or lived experience.
• 3+ years of experience in program management (or equivalent lived experience), with a focus on youth programs, STEM outreach, or similar initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Valid G driver’s license reflecting a 3-year clean driving abstract, non-negotiable.
• Less than 3 month old (at date of submission) Vulnerable Sector Police Check
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and implement programs that align with organizational goals
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Knowledge of risk management, safety protocols, and best practices in travelling to on-the-road settings
• A strong work ethic and a passion for working with youth and making a positive impact on their lives
• Ability to work independently often from external locations
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout Northern Ontario, including evening and weekend work

Responsibilities

• Program Management: Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of travelling science programs (festivals, fairs, school programs, First Nation community programs, Science Festivals) ensuring they are aligned with organizational goals and deliver measurable outcomes
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging professional growth and effective teamwork
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including staff, clients, stakeholders, and community partners. Communicate program goals, progress, and outcomes clearly and effectively
• Strategic Planning & Development: Work closely with the Senior Manager to develop and execute strategic initiatives to enhance the impact and reach of the community engagement programs, specifically growth in reach in Northwestern Ontario. Ensure programs are innovative, relevant, and responsive to the needs of participants
• Budget & Resource Management: Assist in the creation and management of program budgets. Ensure that resources are used efficiently, and programs remain financially sustainable
• Training & Development: Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of program delivery staff. Ensure staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality programs
• Safety & Risk Management: Ensure that all community engagement related activities meet safety standards, policies, and regulations. Develop risk management strategies to ensure the well‑being of participants and staff
• Continuous Improvement: Collect feedback, assess program effectiveness, and make recommendations for improvements to enhance participant experience and program outcomes
• Program Delivery: Travel to communities to deliver hands‑on and impactful programming across Northern Ontario in all seasons by vehicle or flight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

STEM Manager - Thunder Bay Community Engagement

$53,700 - $63,000 per year, full-time permanent, generous benefits package

At Science North we thrive on bringing exceptional science experiences to communities across Northern Ontario and we want YOUR passion for leading people with STEM!

As the STEM Manager - Thunder Bay Community Engagement Team you will work with the dynamic STEM team, based in Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste Marie, to lead the development and delivery of science experiences in Northwestern communities, including many First Nation Communities. We are looking for an enthusiastic and strategic leader to join our dynamic team and make a real difference in the lives of the audiences that we serve.

You will play an important role in ensuring excellence in participant, partner, and client experiences through our public programming at festivals, fairs, First Nation communities, schools, and community events. This is a pivotal role having a strong focus on growth in programs and partnerships in Northwestern Ontario and will involve both strategic development and day-to-day management. You will undertake event management and scheduling and delivery of programs that foster leadership, teamwork and STEM learning for participants. The STEM Manager will work closely with the Senior Manager to meet organizational goals and positively impact participants.

You will work with a variety of audiences, including youth, public audiences and First Nation communities, as you actively communicate and promote STEM through dynamic, engaging Science North programs. If you have experience in leadership, program development and delivery, are passionate about science either with a formal background or through life/work experience, this may be the job for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Management: Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of travelling science programs (festivals, fairs, school programs, First Nation community programs, Science Festivals) ensuring they are aligned with organizational goals and deliver measurable outcomes
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging professional growth and effective teamwork
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including staff, clients, stakeholders, and community partners. Communicate program goals, progress, and outcomes clearly and effectively
• Strategic Planning & Development: Work closely with the Senior Manager to develop and execute strategic initiatives to enhance the impact and reach of the community engagement programs, specifically growth in reach in Northwestern Ontario. Ensure programs are innovative, relevant, and responsive to the needs of participants
• Budget & Resource Management: Assist in the creation and management of program budgets. Ensure that resources are used efficiently, and programs remain financially sustainable
• Training & Development: Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of program delivery staff. Ensure staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality programs
• Safety & Risk Management: Ensure that all community engagement related activities meet safety standards, policies, and regulations. Develop risk management strategies to ensure the well‑being of participants and staff.
• Continuous Improvement: Collect feedback, assess program effectiveness, and make recommendations for improvements to enhance participant experience and program outcomes
• Program Delivery: Travel to communities to deliver hands‑on and impactful programming across Northern Ontario in all seasons by vehicle or flight.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Science, Education, Recreation, Youth Development) or equivalent work or lived experience
• 3+ years of experience in program management (or equivalent lived experience), with a focus on youth programs, STEM outreach, or similar initiatives
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate and develop a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Valid G driver’s license reflecting a 3-year clean driving abstract, non-negotiable
• Less than 3 month old (at date of submission) Vulnerable Sector Police Check
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and implement programs that align with organizational goals
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Knowledge of risk management, safety protocols, and best practices in travelling to on-the-road settings
• A strong work ethic and a passion for working with youth and making a positive impact on their lives
• Ability to work independently often from external locations
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout Northern Ontario, including evening and weekend work

Compensation Highlights:

• Full-time permanent opportunity
• Competitive salary starting at $53,700 to $63,000 per year
• Annual performance and merit increase consideration
• Participation in the Science North Employee Incentive Plan
• Flexible work arrangements
• Comprehensive group benefit package including medical, dental, vision, paramedical, life/travel insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, 24/7 telemedicine access, wellness spending account
• Pension plan following one year
• Science North annual family membership
• Free or discounted admission to other attractions outside Sudbury, Science North facilities and program discounts, fitness membership contribution, on‑site parking
• Professional development opportunities
• Minimum 4 weeks vacation with incremental entitlements of one week after 5 and 10 yrs of service
• Free onsite parking

If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [e-mail].

Science North is committed to an inclusive workplace and invites applications from all qualified individuals to join our diverse team. Accommodations are available upon request in all aspects of Science North’s selection process. We thank all interested candidates; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Science North is grateful to work with First Nations across Northern Ontario and we give thanks to the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We pay respect to their traditions, ways of knowing, and acknowledge their many contributions to innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, past and present. We also recognize the Métis Nation of Ontario for their historic and ongoing contributions. Science North commits to deepening engagement, relationships and partnerships in order to advance truth and reconciliation, honour and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, grow economic opportunities, and collaborate with Indigenous peoples as partners in order to inspire all people to be engaged with science in the world around them.

Science North is a registered charity.

Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario.