Duluth Director

Imagine leading the place where thousands of northeastern Minnesota students first discover they can be future scientists, programmers, engineers and innovators. STARBASE Minnesota, Inc. is hiring a Duluth Director to lead our site at the 148th Fighter Wing, where students program rovers, code robots, and take on real-world engineering challenges alongside STEM professionals.

In this visible leadership role, you'll lead our Duluth team, advance innovative STEM programming, and build partnerships with schools, military partners, employers, donors and community leaders across the region. Apply today or share this post with a leader who should be on our radar. Applications received by November 20 receive first consideration.

About STARBASE Minnesota, Inc.

Since 1993, STARBASE Minnesota, Inc, has been "Giving Wings to Dreams" by providing free, high-quality STEM education opportunities to students in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and communities across Minnesota. STARBASE Duluth, located at the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard, serves approximately 3,100 students annually through immersive, hands-on STEM programming.Students explore real-world applications of STEM through advanced technologies, innovative curriculum, and meaningful connections with STEM professionals.Together with STARBASE St. Paul, the organization engages approximately 7,000 students each year through onsite experiences and reaches an additional 35,000 students and educators statewide through STEM kits, resources, and outreach initiatives.

Collectively, STARBASE programming impacts up to 41,000 students and their families annually, inspiring interest in STEM and connecting learning to future career pathways.

STARBASE Minnesota, Inc, is a nonprofit organization supported through federal and state funding, corporate and foundation grants, and private charitable contributions.

A Career Opportunity for an Innovative Leader

The STARBASE Minnesota, Inc Duluth Director is responsible for the overall leadership and success of the Duluth site. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Duluth Director provides strategic leadership, operational management, staff supervision, partnership development, and community engagement to ensure that STARBASE continues to deliver exceptional STEM experiences for youth across northeastern Minnesota.The Director works collaboratively with local stakeholders, including the Duluth Advisory Board, to strengthen community connections and advance the STARBASE mission throughout the region.

This position is ideal for a collaborative, mission-driven leader who is passionate about education, innovation, and creating opportunities for young people to discover future STEM pathways.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Excellence

• Lead and oversee all STARBASE Duluth operations and programming.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in STEM curriculum, instructional practices, technologies, and student experiences.
• Deliver high-quality programming aligned with organizational goals and funding requirements.
• Monitor program outcomes and use data to evaluate effectiveness and drive improvement.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, and organizational leaders on strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.

Staff Leadership and Culture

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Manage personnel administration, including payroll, benefits, and related human resource functions in accordance with organizational policies.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Support professional growth and leadership development among team members.
• Establish goals, expectations, and accountability systems that advance organizational success.

Community Partnerships and External Relations

• Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for STARBASE Duluth.
• Buildand sustain strong relationships with school districts, educators, corporate partners, community organizations, elected officials, military partners, and volunteers.
• Lead recruitment and retention of participating schools.
• Represent STARBASE at community events, meetings, and public engagements.

Financial Management and Administration

• Develop and manage annual Duluth program budgets in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Oversee expenditures, reporting requirements, and compliance with federal, state, and organizational policies.
• Strengthen organizational plans, reporting, and operational effectiveness.

Resource Development

• Advance regional partnerships, donor engagement, fundraising and resource development efforts.
• Cultivate opportunities to grow community support and organizational sustainability.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with grant and funding requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Leadership experience in education, nonprofit management, STEM programs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing staff.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Project management and organizational leadership experience.
• Experience managing budgets and organizational resources.
• Commitment to educational excellence and youth development.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and limited overnight travel.

Desired Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Passion for STEM education and student success.
• Entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.
• Strategic leadership and sound judgment.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Growth mindset and willingness to embrace new ideas.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and educational opportunity for all students.

Compensation, Salary, Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000 plus a performance bonus. The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. There is a generous benefits package including paid time off, medical and dental benefits, and a 403b retirement plan with employer contribution.

To Apply

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to mpeters@starbasemn.org with the subject line “Duluth Director Application.”Professional references and a background check will be required for finalists.

Applications received by November 20th will receive first consideration.

Target Start Date: early January 2027

STARBASE Minnesota, Inc. is a non-federal entity. It is not part of the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota National Guard, the National Guard Bureau, or the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status.