STEM Outreach Coordinator

RBTC is seeking a STEM Outreach Coordinator to develop and implement programs that bridge the gap between industry and education, focusing on connecting students and experienced professionals with high-wage STEM career opportunities in the region. The ideal candidate has strong networking skills, experience building industry partnerships, and the ability to manage multiple projects while achieving measurable job placement outcomes. This position reports to the Alliance’s Director of Innovation.

Project VITAL is a three-year GO Virginia grant initiative designed to strengthen Virginia's innovation ecosystem across multiple regions of Virginia. Region 2, applying as a coalition of over 40 regional partners, including RBTC (Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council), and led by RBIA (Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance), received $4.9 million of the total $14.3 million award from GOVA.Region 2 is particularly strong in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health.

This position will build workforce pipelines and facilitate career pathways for students entering these high-wage employment sectors.

The STEM Outreach Coordinator will work collaboratively with RBTC's extended talent team across our alliance and partner organizations, while also partnering with educational institutions including Virginia Western Community College and Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers other regional partners. This position is funded under Project VITAL through 2027 and we are actively applying for additional grant funding to sustain this position beyond Project VITAL.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with higher education institutions, local businesses, and industry leaders
• Serve as liaison between employers and educational institutions across high schools, community colleges, and four-year degree programs
• Implement train-the-trainer models with educators to inspire and equip them to grow career pathways and industry connections within their own programs
• Plan, organize, and execute events such as career fairs, workshops, industry expos, STEM Day, teacher conferences, and networking events.
• Can manage multiple projects and collaborate across organizations.
• Experience developing and growing sustainable programs with measurable outcomes
• Skilled at networking and building multi-organizational partnerships.
• Represent RBIA at conferences and meetings to promote local career opportunities

• Develop and deliver presentations to students, educators, and community members on career options and workforce trends
• Support students and new graduates in finding resources, career counseling, and connections to industry mentors
• Facilitate meaningful connections between employers and students who can enter the workforce within 2-3 years
• Collaborate with industry partners to understand hiring needs and facilitate intern-to-full-time conversions
• Develop comprehensive career pathway resources for students and families

• Partner with regional economic development organizations and workforce development entities to align efforts
• Identify and engage young professionals in the region to build a talent ambassador network
• Adapt focus and strategies as industry talent needs and funding opportunities change

• Track engagement metrics and gather feedback from students, partners, and stakeholders to assess program effectiveness
• Collect and analyze data on workforce needs and program impact, adjusting outreach strategies as needed
• Report on program outcomes, including partnership successes, student engagement, industry feedback, and job placement results to stakeholders and leadership
• Maintain accurate records for Project VITAL grant reporting requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, Human Resources, Communications, STEM fields, or a related area; advanced degree preferred
• 2+ years of experience in outreach, education, community engagement, human resources, or workforce development, with focus on STEM preferred
• Knowledge of workforce trends in STEM fields and demonstrated understanding of local and regional industry needs
• Abili…