National Science Teachers Association - Director of Competitions

National Science Teachers Association

Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy. The Director of Competitions oversees the portfolio of competitions NSTA administers through both public and private partnerships in coordination with the Sr. Director of Competitions. This position is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and continuous improvement of multiple STEM-based competitions and enrichment programs. This role oversees the full competition lifecycle—from program design and registration through judging, awards, and post-event evaluation—ensuring high-quality participant experiences, operational efficiency, and alignment with organizational mission and educational goals. The Director serves as a cross-functional leader, working closely with internal teams, external partners, volunteers, and sponsors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish program goals, success metrics, and operational priorities across multiple competitions working with the sr. D and each competition’s Project Manager.
• Translate organizational strategy into actionable plans for competition staff and program managers.
• Lead competition strategy in alignment with organizational mission, educational impact goals, and funder priorities.
• Ensure competitions adhere to grant requirements, sponsor deliverables, and reporting standards.
• Provide high-level direction while ensuring tactical teams have clear guidance, timelines, and performance expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and participant experience.
• Monitor operation performance and ensure consistent standards and responsiveness across all competition programs.
• Oversee large-scale seasonal competition cycles involving high submission volumes, short turnaround times, and fixed deadlines.
• Ensure operational teams maintain high standards of fairness, consistency, and transparency in evaluation.
• Review program data, participation metrics, and post-competition evaluations. Use performance metrics to guide operational improvements and strategic planning.
• Produce internal and external reports to support grant compliance, sponsor reporting, and organizational impact storytelling.
• Implement systems and tools that improve efficiency, automation, and cross-team coordination.
• Ensure staff follow documented standard operating procedures and quality control processes.
• Ensure tactical teams are aligned with branding, compliance, data reporting, and sponsor requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison between competition staff and internal departments such as marketing, technology, finance, and development.
• Coordinate timelines and deliverables across departments to support competition launches and major milestones.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development within a mission-driven nonprofit culture.

SUPERVISORY ROLE & TEAMWORK

The Director of Competitions will manage the Project Managers for each of the competitions and work collaboratively with other NSTA staff. Other duties as assigned.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

Travel is required to attend competition national events, event site visits, NSTA national conferences, partner meetings, and other travel as deemed necessary by the Sr. Director of Competitions and NSTA.

• Experience leading large-scale program operations
• Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task managing complex and competing project timelines.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and be able to draw conclusions related to achievement of set goals.
• Collaborative and interpersonal skills to work amongst a large team.
• Ability to lead deadline-driven programs

PREFERRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR EXPEREINCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management, or related field.
• Minimum 6-8 years of successful management experience with supervision of at least two direct reports or related experience with supervisory experience.
• Experience with managing complex programs or large-scale education initiatives, national-level student competitions preferred
• Experience working with the military a plus.
• PMP certification.

SOME OF OUR BENEFITS

We are committed to supporting our team to achieve a work/ life balance. Here are just a few of the benefits we offer to help you thrive:

• Unlimited vacation
• Remote work environment
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• A retirement plan with a generous employer match
• Professional development

SALARY

$120,000 - $130,000

POSITION LOCATION

This position is remote with core hours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM eastern.

Why Join Us

When you join NSTA, you’re not just taking a job—you’re helping to transform science education nationwide. You’ll work with passionate colleagues, contribute to meaningful professional learning experiences, and make a difference for teachers and students across the country.