Program Operations Director Jobs in Jackson, TN (NOW HIRING)

The STEM Program Coordinator provides leadership for the planning, development, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of STEM Education programs at Lone Oaks Farm through a partnership between the University of Tennessee Extension and Hardeman County Schools. The position develops and delivers research-based, hands-on learning experiences for students and educators in grades K-12 that align with Tennessee Academic Standards and best practices in STEM education. The Coordinator works closely with school administrators, teachers, and community partners to coordinate field trips, curriculum-based programming, and professional development opportunities throughout the school year. During the summer, the position collaborates with UT Extension to integrate STEM education into 4-H camps, youth development programs, and the summer academy program. Responsibilities include recruiting and supporting volunteers and educators, building partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, and assisting with program sustainability and funding efforts. The assistant also develops and implements marketing and outreach strategies to recruit participants, communicate program impacts, and engage stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in youth development, experiential learning, STEM education, and the effective use of outdoor and environmental settings as education tools. This position reports to the 4-H and Youth Development Center Director, with input from the Superintendent of Hardeman County Schools as it relates.
Responsibilities
The STEM Program Coordinator position is housed at Lone Oaks Farm, a facility operated by UT Extension. The position reports to the 4-H & Youth Development Director. This is a full-time position. Duties include:

• Provide leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating the STEM Education and Summer Academy programs; Deliver current, research-based subject matter information and educational programs for students and teachers in grades K-12 based on Tennessee's Educational Curriculum Guidelines
• Develop a strong working relationship with school systems throughout West Tennessee and North Mississippi. Recruit and train capable teaching staff and volunteers;
• Assist in the development and implementation of a marketing plan targeted to youth, educators, and stakeholders for participant recruitment, securing monetary support, and showcasing program outcomes
• Maintain self-supported funding for the STEM Education program
• Assist with developing and maintaining a budget following purchasing procedures within the scope of the University for the STEM Education Program
• Continue the development and securing of external funds via gifts, contracts, and other funding sources in support of the STEM and summer academy programs;
• Establish a working relationship with other local, state, and federal agencies
• Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, or veteran status;
• Plan and coordinate with the 4-H and Youth Development Center Director as well as other professional staff, to implement STEM programming
• Work closely with the Hardeman County School System and the Hardeman County STEM Coordinator to continue developing and implementing curriculum associated with current standards and pacing guides;
• Work nights and weekends as needed with overnight groups across the 4-H and Youth Development Center mission areas.
• Maintain updated equipment and adequate supplies for the delivery of a quality educational and summer program
• Assist with the training staff in job responsibilities, curricula, and safety procedures; interviewing and assisting in hiring staff
• Responsible for the planning and delivery of outdoor STEM Education programming during the school year, as well as planning and implementing programming for the summer learning academy with the Hardeman County School System
• Develop work schedules for regular and temp staff for the program
• Schedule outdoor STEM Education events at the facility under the direction and approval of the 4-H and Youth Development Center Director; Collaborate effectively with internal and external groups in support of program efforts
• Assist the 4-H and Youth Development Center staff with daily operations
• Assist with other duties, including but not limited to: basic grounds maintenance, facilities turnover, cooking/assisting with kitchen duties, housekeeping, tending to group needs, and providing programming to UT and other outside rental groups.
• Assist with other duties as necessary or assigned by the 4-H and Youth Development Center Director.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, human development, education, or related field.
• Experience: Supervisory experience; at least two years of experience in teaching, creating curricula, and working with youth. Demonstrated success in working with youth and leading educational group experiences. CPR/First Aid Certified, Lifeguard Certified (or willing to become certified)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• The candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the field of STEM Education as it relates to hands-on, outdoor experiences.
• Knowledge and skills in developing and implementing experiential education is required.
• Must have the skill to organize, apply sound judgment, work independently, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with personnel with varying backgrounds, education, and experience.
• The candidate must have demonstrated success in the ability to be a team player, maintaining a flexible work schedule, and having excellent customer service skills.
• The candidate should have working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other computer programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's Degree in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, human development, education, or related field.
• Experience: Experience with summer camp, working with you in an outdoor setting, and working with youth in a camp setting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge in outdoor STEM education
• Demonstrated success in working with youth and leading educational group experiences
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Evidence of ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external groups in support of program efforts
• Evidence of collaborating within a school system
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other computer programs is a plus.

Work Location

• Location: Middleton, TN
• Onsite

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 5, 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division
The 4-H and Youth Development Center at Lone Oaks Farm serves as one of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's sites for youth education, leadership development, and hands-on STEM and agricultural learning. As an extension of UT Extension and Tennessee 4-H, the Center provides innovative programming that connects classroom learning to real-world experiences through outdoor education, summer camps, school partnerships, and workforce readiness initiatives.
Located in Middleton, Tennessee, Lone Oaks Farm hosts thousands of young people each year, offering immersive programs in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and environmental
conservation. By combining the resources of a land-grant university with the natural setting of Lone Oaks Farm, the Center equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become tomorrow's leaders.
Through strong collaborations with local school systems, state agencies, and community partners, the 4-H and Youth Development Center plays a vital role in advancing UTIA's mission of teaching, research, and Extension-helping young Tennesseans explore their potential, build resilience, and develop a lifelong appreciation for learning and the outdoors.
About Us
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UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
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