STEM-focused regional learning network to hire project director

The increasing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math — collectively known as STEM — has led the Southwest Washington STEM Learning Network board of directors to create and fund a new position: STEM Learning Network project director.

The project director will develop and implement Southwest Washington Network STEM initiatives to support the region’s students in achieving success in post-secondary education.

The director will be an employee of Educational Service District 112 and will work out of the ESD112 Vancouver office. That person will report to the Southwest Washington STEM Network governing board chaired by Scott Keeney, said Yuki M. Monteith, ESD 112’s associate superintendent for teaching and learning. Keeney, who founded the education nonprofit nConnect in 2005, is the president and CEO of Vancouver-based nLight Corp., a designer and manufacturer of lasers used in industry.

The initial salary range is $68,182 to $76,190. Interviews will start in February, with an expected start date in March.

The new STEM director will work with people in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education, higher education, business, nonprofit organizations and government in the local region, state, or nation, as directed by the board.

“All of the partners with the Southwest Washington STEM Network are using their channels to market this position,” Monteith said.

In 2010, there were 5,442 jobs in STEM-related fields in Southwest Washington. That number is projected to increase to 16,849 jobs by 2015 and 18,074 by 2020, said Scott Bailey, regional economist, Washington Employment Security Department.

See the job description at web3.esd112.org/hr/jobopenings. Learn more about STEM initiatives in ESD 112 at web3.esd112.org/stem.