MESA Director

Job Description

The UW Tacoma Office of Equity & Inclusion has an outstanding opportunity for a MESA Regional Director to join their team.

The priority application deadline for this recruitment is 10/6/26. All applications submitted by this date will be reviewed.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Regional Director is responsible for managing the daily operations of the College Prep MESA Center at their host institution, UW Tacoma. This includes implementing all required components of the Annual Impact Methodology (AIM) and the Logic Model activities, maintaining accurate program documentation, and ensuring alignment with MESA’s mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

Administration and Leadership (30%):

• As the Regional Director, act as the main “face and voice” of Tacoma MESA to all interested stakeholders, including but not limited to: school administrators, teachers, students, parents, donors, and STEM academic and in-practice professionals. Develop and promote public relations, community outreach, and other enhancement activities that deepen public awareness and appreciation of Tacoma MESA.
• Innovate, promote and implement the vision and mission of Tacoma MESA. Provide leadership, mentorship, and coordination of the MESA program within the Center, including but not limited to supervision of all Center staff and specific responsibility for the quality, effectiveness, timeliness, and cost-efficiency of MESA products and services.
• Supervise and evaluate the MESA Center staff, laying out clear written expectations, advice and direction; assessing work products and progress annually; and providing access to professional and career development opportunities. Establish and lead a board dedicated to providing governance, advisory, programming support and /or industry-focused guidance that is aligned with the Center’s unique goals, capacity and local program model. Ensure that the board is responsive to student needs, community priorities and workforce opportunities.
• Meet bi-monthly with the PI/Responsible Administrator and the Office of Equity and Inclusion leadership to discuss and review the program, including development of fund-raising goals and strategies, curricular plans, and outreach and community development priorities and targets. Provide timely, complete, and well-written reports as required by WA MESA, public and private funders, and school district partners.
• Establish and lead a board dedicated to providing governance, advisory, programming support and /or industry-focused guidance that is aligned with the Center’s unique goals, capacity and local program model. Ensure that the board is responsive to student needs, community priorities and workforce opportunities.

MESA Program development and assessment (30%):

• Develop a MESA Annual Impact Methodology yearly that specifically articulates existing and proposed program elements at the middle and high school levels, provides quantitative metrics of service and efficiency, details successes and challenges, and provides a road-map to address the latter. Secure proper confidential student documentation; record track and maintain current Application Information Forms (AIF) in compliance with the State Office’s annual review. Complete all monthly, semi-annual and annual reporting for the WA MESA office.
• Work with the Middle School and High School Coordinator(s) to assess program needs at each school. Coordinate the activities of the MESA teachers/advisors and other volunteers to plan programs and curriculum at each school; provide regular in-service orientation and training sessions, and professional development for MESA teachers/advisors.
• Plan, negotiate resources for, and ensure service delivery to MESA students, including but not limited to 9th Grade Bridge, MESA Days (all levels in aligned with the WA MESA theme for the year), Parents’ Conferences, Teacher Professional Development and other required core MESA components. Create and implement a plan ensuring that current and accurate digital files are maintained on each active MESA student, in coordination with the WA MESA Program. Create and implement a plan ensuring that accurate digital files are maintained on all program metrics outlined in the Annual Impact Methodology.
• Working with the Office of Admissions, encourage outreach programs, separate from the Regional MESA office, to connect MESA schools with STEM education pathways at UW. Working with the School of Engineering and Technology and the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Science and Math department, to develop programs that connect UW student STEM affinity groups and clubs to outreach opportunities at MESA schools.

Budget management and development (15%):

• Manage and monitor all budgets, income and expenses to maintain Tacoma MESA fiscal security and responsibility. Ensure timely and accurate processing of all budget items, and submission of financial reports as requested. Develop and submit federal and state proposals for external funding support.
• Develop and submit proposals for internal UW support. This may include proposals to OMAD and the College of the Environment Office for Inclusive Excellence. Develop relationships with funding entities including STEM foundations, businesses, and agencies; and interested individuals, community members and groups; and MESA alumni, to promote creative, innovative, and responsible extensions of Tacoma MESA programming.

External Partner Coordination (25%):

• Coordinate and communicate with district and school administrators, teachers and staff at MESA schools, and MESA parents and students.
• Coordinate with statewide MESA administration and the local Advisory Board, as well as local school district administrators, to successfully implement the approved elements of the MESA program in accordance with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction STEM guidelines and ensure that MESA programming complements and enriches existing curricular programming in STEM. Meet monthly with WA MESA Senior Associate Director of Programs to discuss program challenges and progress.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• A bachelor’s degree in STEM related field, or equivalent.
• At least four (4) years of formal or informal STEM delivery, or student services within STEM fields, to historically underrepresented students and/or communities.

Additional Qualifications.

• Demonstrated fund-raising skills.
• Experience assisting with the college application process for low-income, first generation, and/or historically underserved and underrepresented students and their families, including but not limited to African American, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander and/or Latino/Hispanic.
• Experience in Artificial Intelligence and/or environmental science, including but not limited to geosciences, living resources, marine sciences, conservation, restoration, climate science, and sustainability science.
• Experience and success with the organization and operations of secondary school/district administration. Experience in the delivery of teacher professional development for STEM enrichment.
• Proficient speaker in another language, preferably Spanish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in STEM related field or related to the development and management of educational programs for URM students.
• Leadership, management, coordination, organizational, time-management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all students, parents, and community groups including but not limited to those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Awareness of systemic issues impacting the education of first-generation students and/or African American, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Latino/Hispanic students who come from multicultural backgrounds, as well as students from low socioeconomic households.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Washington MESA goals and efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects on time and on budget, with full fiscal accountability. Demonstrated ability to supervise professional staff, student staff, and volunteers successfully. Demonstrated ability to multitask including management of multiple complicated, long-term projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire staff, teachers, students and parents. Ability to work with others in teams, and to resolve difficult situations. Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of university recruitment and support programs, and ability to work directly with University of Washington Tacoma faculty and student services staff, including Admissions.
• Knowledge and ability to speak with students and parents on all aspects of preparation and application to university and or community college in STEM.
• Proficient computer, technology and social media skills, specifically including advanced skills in MS Office Suite or similar programs.

Working Conditions

Able to work some evenings and weekends.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.