Executive Operations & STEM Leadership Fellow
20 hours ago
Bergen-Lafayette, Jersey City
Right Hand to the CEO | Future Leader | Builder of Possibilities Part-Time | New York City / Jersey City Area There are jobs. There are careers. And then there are opportunities that change the trajectory of your life. This is one of them. This person will often be the first impression, the last follow-up, and sometimes the face of the organization when the CEO cannot be present. We are therefore seeking someone whose professionalism, judgment, and presence inspire trust and confidence. For more than eleven years, STEM Kids NYC (and its affiliate program, STEM Kids New Jersey) have opened doors for young people through transformative STEM experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and expand opportunity. We partner with schools, families, universities, nonprofits, and community organizations to ensure that children—particularly those who have historically been underrepresented in STEM—can envision themselves as engineers, innovators, designers, and problem-solvers. Behind every thriving organization is someone extraordinary. Someone who notices the details others miss. Someone who anticipates needs before they are spoken. Someone who can think three steps ahead. Someone who can draft an impeccable email, reorganize a chaotic calendar, coordinate an event, solve a problem, run an errand, reassure a family, prepare materials for a meeting, and still ask, “What else can I take off your plate?” If you are looking for a position where you simply clock in and clock out, this is not the role for you. If, however, you are energized by responsibility, inspired by purpose, and eager to become an indispensable partner in building something meaningful, keep reading. The Opportunity You will work directly alongside the Founder and CEO of an established STEM organization as a trusted thought partner, operational extension, and ambassador of the organization’s values. You will help transform ideas into action. You will protect the CEO’s time and energy so she can focus on the work only she can do: mentoring staff, building partnerships, expanding access to STEM education, supporting families, developing innovative programs, and raising resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. This role requires intelligence, initiative, warmth, discretion, and excellence. It also offers something increasingly rare: A front-row seat to leadership. Who You Are • You are the person people rely on., • You remember what others forget., • You write beautifully., • Your grammar is impeccable., • You communicate with confidence and professionalism., • You think critically., • You solve problems instead of creating them., • You don’t wait to be told what to do., • You ask thoughtful questions., • You anticipate obstacles and arrive with solutions., • You understand that excellence lives in the details., • You are organized without being rigid., • You are polished without being pretentious., • You can move seamlessly between boardrooms, classrooms, conferences, and community events., • You understand that kindness and accountability can coexist., • You take ownership., • You follow through., • You do what you say you are going to do. What You’ll Do • Manage and prioritize the CEO’s calendar and scheduling needs., • Monitor and manage executive email correspondence., • Ghostwrite, edit, and proofread communications on behalf of the CEO., • Coordinate meetings with school leaders, donors, business owners, community partners, and staff., • Prepare agendas, meeting materials, and follow-up communications., • Track projects, commitments, deadlines, and next steps., • Maintain systems that keep the organization running efficiently., • Provide concise daily status updates on accomplishments and priorities., • Assist with event planning and execution., • Coordinate logistics and occasionally travel locally on behalf of the organization., • Run approved business-related errands and support operational needs using your personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided)., • Serve as a calm, thoughtful, and professional presence in moments of complexity. Growth Beyond the Job Description This is not simply an administrative position. It is an apprenticeship in leadership. For those who demonstrate excellence, this role may evolve into opportunities including: • Teaching Assistant, • STEM Instructor, • Program Coordinator, • Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, • Operations Lead, • Site Director, • Program Director Individuals interested in education may receive mentorship and training to facilitate introductory engineering, coding, robotics, and maker-centered learning experiences for children. By learning the organization from the ground up, you will gain an understanding of leadership, operations, entrepreneurship, communication, and education that few early-career professionals ever experience. Two Paths to Excellence Experienced Professionals You may be the ideal candidate if you possess: • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;, • At least five years of experience supporting senior executives, founders, or organizational leaders;, • A demonstrated history of discretion, professionalism, and exceptional execution. Emerging Leaders and University Students Outstanding university students are also encouraged to apply. You may be an excellent fit if you: • Are actively enrolled in an accredited college or university;, • Are able to balance coursework with consistent, dependable availability;, • Demonstrate exceptional maturity and professionalism;, • Possess strong business writing skills;, • Think critically and solve problems independently;, • Preferably major in engineering, computer science, mathematics, science, or another STEM-related discipline. No prior executive experience is required for exceptional students who demonstrate uncommon potential. Professional Presence Matters You will often work behind the scenes. However, there will be times when you represent the organization publicly. You may accompany the CEO to conferences, professional development sessions, meetings, partner sites, and events. Professionalism matters. We are not looking for designer labels. We are looking for judgment. Neatness. Pride in presentation. Appropriate attire. Thoughtful use of technology. Strong interpersonal skills. The ability to make others feel respected and valued. You understand that how you show up reflects respect for yourself, the CEO, the organization, and the communities we serve. Additional Requirements • Bachelor’s degree required for experienced candidates., • Current college enrollment required for university candidates., • Valid driver’s license in good standing., • Reliable access to a personal vehicle., • Ability to complete occasional local travel and errands., • Willingness to commit to a minimum of two years in the role., • Successful completion of employment verification and professional reference checks. Who Should Not Apply • This role is not for individuals seeking a title without responsibility., • It is not for those who require constant supervision., • It is not for those who miss deadlines, avoid accountability, or rely on excuses., • We are seeking people who rise to the occasion., • We are seeking people who care deeply about doing things well., • We are seeking people m who find joy in helping others succeed. Why This Role Matters Every meeting you coordinate, every email you send, every problem you solve, every detail you catch, and every burden you remove from the CEO’s shoulders creates more space for the work that changes lives. It creates more opportunities for children to discover engineering. More access to computer science education. More partnerships. More scholarships. More innovation. More hope. If reading this description excites you—if your heart beats a little faster because you recognize yourself in these words—we encourage you to apply. Because we are not simply hiring an assistant. We are investing in a future leader. And we are looking for someone extraordinary to grow alongside us.
