Talent.com
Program Director
Program DirectorAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science • Washington, DC, United States
[error_messages.no_longer_accepting]
Program Director

Program Director

American Association for the Advancement of Science • Washington, DC, United States
[job_card.variable_days_ago]
[job_preview.job_type]
  • [job_card.full_time]
[job_card.job_description]

Description

AAAS is seeking a forward-looking Program Director to lead a portfolio of national initiatives that strengthen research and innovation capacity for postsecondary students and higher-education institutions-especially Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and students from underserved groups in STEMM fields. This Program Director will guide several cornerstone projects, including the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference , the HBCU Making & Innovation Initiative , and Exemplary Pathways Partnerships (EPP) program. Together, these initiatives advance Center for STEMM Education & Workforce's (CSEW) mission to broaden participation, fuel institutional innovation, and build stronger, more inclusive STEMM ecosystems nationwide.

If you're motivated by driving strategy, building meaningful partnerships, and leading programs that strengthen STEMM pathways, this role offers a compelling opportunity.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

  • Help define and advance a vision for initiatives that strengthen STEMM education, research capacity, and institutional transformation.
  • Lead the design and implementation of grant-funded programs that increase opportunities and access across the STEMM pathway.
  • Contribute ideas, frameworks, and strategic insights that guide CSEW's direction and long-term planning.

Program & Project Management

  • Manage the full life cycle of multiple national initiatives-from early design through implementation, assessment, and dissemination.
  • Oversee budgets, timelines, deliverables, and grant reporting to ensure projects stay on track and achieve meaningful impact.
  • Use evaluation tools (logic models, assessment frameworks, impact measures) to communicate progress and outcomes.
  • Manage contracts and agreements with vendors, consultants, and external partners.
  • Partnerships & External Management

  • Build and sustain relationships with funders, higher education leaders, community partners, industry, and government agencies.
  • Represent AAAS at national and regional convenings, meetings, and conferences to elevate program visibility and impact.
  • Work closely with internal teams, external collaborators, and cross-sector partners to advance shared program goals.
  • Team Leadership

  • Lead and mentor staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.
  • Provide guidance, clear direction, and opportunities for development to team members and project contributors.
  • Oversee the work of contractors and project partners to ensure alignment with goals, deliverables, and grant commitments.
  • Minimum Requirements

  • Graduate degree in science, social science, education, or a related field; OR equivalent experience leading complex initiatives (7+ years).
  • Proven success leading large program portfolios, cross-sector partnerships, and evaluation efforts.
  • Experience managing grants from proposal development through final reporting with a preference for experience with federally funded grants.
  • Background in organizational or systemic change efforts, especially within higher education or STEMM ecosystems.
  • Ability to collaborate with a diverse set of partners-faculty, administrators, industry professionals, government agencies, and community organizations.
  • Strong experience managing teams and guiding collaborative work.
  • Strong project coordination skills with a track record of delivering high-quality, on-time results.
  • Key Strengths We're Looking For

  • Expertise in or experience with minority serving higher education institutions, especially HBCUs, HSIs, or TCUPs.
  • Strategic thinker who can connect big-picture goals with actionable plans.
  • Natural relationship-builder who excels at engaging funders and partners.
  • Confident communicator and skilled public speaker.
  • Collaborative leader who values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
  • Comfortable working in dynamic settings, managing multiple priorities, and adapting to new opportunities.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about producing high-quality work
  • Application Process

    Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by January 30, 2026 . Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

    The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 per year. AAAS currently provides the following benefits for this position : paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, each subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply.

    Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

    AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

    Search Firm and Employment Agency Disclaimer The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AAAS from a third party, such as an agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to an AAAS mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to AAAS employees, or to the AAAS resume database will be considered AAAS property. Verbal or written communications from any employee of AAAS shall not be considered binding obligations. AAAS Human Resources is the only AAAS representative authorized by AAAS entering into any employment agreements with any third party. AAAS will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

    #LI-Hybrid

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

    For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

    [job_alerts.create_a_job]

    Program Director • Washington, DC, United States

    [internal_linking.similar_jobs]
    Director, Technical Program Management - Capital One Software (Remote)

    Director, Technical Program Management - Capital One Software (Remote)

    Capital One • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    Director, Technical Program Management - Capital One Software (Remote).Ever since our first credit card customer in 1994, Capital One has recognized that technology and data can enable even large c...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Associate Director, Program Management

    Associate Director, Program Management

    BlueLabs • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    BlueLabs is a leading provider of analytics services and technology for a variety of industry clients : including government, business, and political campaigns. We help our clients optimize their eng...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Lead (Director)

    Program Lead (Director)

    Purple Strategies • Alexandria, VA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Purple Strategies is a corporate reputation and strategy firm that combines the creativity and discipline of brand communications with the speed and strategy of political campaigns to...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_1_day] • [promoted]
    Deputy Program Director- HYBRID

    Deputy Program Director- HYBRID

    General Dynamics Information Technology • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain : .Program Delivery and Execution.Contract Management,Financial Management,Program Leadership. We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Program Director ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    The Kennedy Shelter - Program Director

    The Kennedy Shelter - Program Director

    Shelter House Inc • Fort Belvoir, VA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Department : Fairfax Kennedy Shelter.Reports to : Senior Director of Emergency Shelter.Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.Sin...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    PRESTIGE HEALTHCARE RESOURCES INC • Washington, DC, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Providing compassion and care isn’t just our profession at PHRI, it’s our passion and culture.We care for the clients we serve. We listen and provide the support that individuals need to...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    Shelter House • Fort Belvoir, VA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Department : Fairfax Kennedy Shelter.Reports to : Senior Director of Emergency Shelter.Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.Sin...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Director Technical Program Manager

    Director Technical Program Manager

    GEICO • Chevy Chase, MD, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    At GEICO, we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities.Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being the...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    Insomniac Design • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Insomniac Design is a global digital agency headquartered in Washington D.London, Bucharest and Chisinau.We’re an agile, determined and innovative team organized by functional areas of expertise — ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    VirtualVocations • Arlington, Virginia, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    A company is looking for a Program Director - Client Data Platform.Key Responsibilities Own and drive the integrated execution roadmap across various domains including platform, data, and operati...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_1_day] • [promoted]
    Program Director (Insurance)

    Program Director (Insurance)

    Addison Group • Alexandria, VA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Insurance & Membership Services.Addison Group is partnering with a well‑established national association dedicated to supporting military officers and their families. Our client is committed to prov...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Strategic Program Director, Digital Growth

    Strategic Program Director, Digital Growth

    Insomniac Design, Inc. • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    A leading digital agency in Washington D.Program Director to oversee key accounts and manage program objectives.This role requires 5-7 years of experience in digital strategy or program management,...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    DOE Program Director

    DOE Program Director

    KBR, Inc. • Silver Spring, MD, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Belong, Connect, Grow with KBR!.At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey towar...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Director, Edge Compute & Comms

    Program Director, Edge Compute & Comms

    Clearance Jobs • Washington, DC, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the def...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    SAP Partner Program Alliance Director - Associate Director

    SAP Partner Program Alliance Director - Associate Director

    Ernst & Young Oman • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.Join EY and help ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Associate Director, Program Management

    Associate Director, Program Management

    BlueLabs, Inc. • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    BlueLabs is a leading provider of analytics services and technology for a variety of industry clients : including government, business, and political campaigns. We help our clients optimize their eng...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Director

    Program Director

    International Society for Industrial Ecology • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Network for the Digital Economy and the Environment (nDEE) is a collaboration of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), the University of California Berkeley, and Yale School of the Environment...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Director Programs

    Director Programs

    Leonardo DRS • Washington, DC, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business provides leading naval computing infrastructure, network and data distribution and middleware enterprise services, as well as world-class manufacturing a...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]