Executive Director, Youth STEM Nonprofit

Career Guide
Leads a youth-focused STEM nonprofit by setting strategy, securing funding, and ensuring high-quality programs. Oversees staff, budgets, and partnerships with schools, industry, and community, and reports to the board.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set organizational strategy and annual operating plan
  • Lead fundraising: major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships
  • Oversee STEM program design, delivery, and evaluation
  • Manage budgets, cash flow, and compliance (Form 990, audits)
  • Hire, coach, and retain staff; build an inclusive culture
  • Cultivate partnerships with schools, companies, and funders
  • Prepare reports for board; support governance and risk oversight
  • Represent the organization in media and community events

Career Progression

Can Lead To
CEO/President of larger nonprofit
Regional/National Executive Director
Chief Strategy Officer (nonprofit)
Transition Opportunities
Nonprofit Consultant
Foundation Program Officer/Director
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
Education Program Director (museum/science center)

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Major gifts fundraising and donor cultivationGrant writing, budgeting, and reporting complianceNonprofit financial management (budgets, audits, Form 990)Board governance and effective board managementProgram evaluation using logic models and outcome metrics
Development SuggestionsTake AFP’s Fundamentals of Fundraising and a nonprofit finance course (e.g., NonprofitReady); lead a small grant proposal and run a 3–6 month donor campaign to build a results portfolio.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$80,000–$110,000
Mid Level$110,000–$160,000
Senior Level$160,000–$230,000
Growth Trend
growing - STEM education funding and youth programs expanding

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Boys & Girls Clubs (local organizations)FIRST (Robotics) regional affiliatesGirls Who Code
Industry Sectors
Non-Profit & Social ImpactEducationYouth Development

Recommended Next Steps

1
Complete BoardSource’s Nonprofit Governance course and a Nonprofit Finance specialization (Coursera/Illinois).
2
Earn or work toward CFRE eligibility by accruing education hours and documented fundraising results; prepare with a CFRE prep course.
3
Join AFP or YNPN and volunteer on a Development Committee to practice major-donor asks, grant writing, and stewardship.