Senior Project Specialist, Program Operations – Data Systems

NARST

Senior Project Specialist supporting operational management of the GEMS program and STEM education initiatives. Collaborating with external sponsors and internal teams for effective program implementation and reporting.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $75,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support operational management, coordination, systems administration, and continuous improvement of STEM enrichment programs and competitions within the Competitions Division.
Serve as a subject matter expert in the Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program, participant data systems, program operations, reporting, and process documentation.
Coordinate and administer the GEMS program in partnership with the Director of Competitions and external sponsors.
Serve as the technical lead for the organization’s participant registration and data management systems.
Collaborate closely with sponsors, Local Program Coordinators (LPCs), outreach staff, marketing staff, and internal teams.
Establish short- and long-range goals related to student, near-peer mentor, and teacher participation at designated program sites.
Provide operational and technical support to LPCs during program planning, implementation, and evaluation phases.
Prepare sponsor-required reports and program documentation, including annual program plans, annual program reviews, participation summaries, and related reports.
Develop, maintain, and enhance program dashboards and tracking systems to support operational decision-making and sponsor reporting.
Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workflows, and operational guides.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of 4–10 years of related experience in program operations, project coordination, systems administration, STEM education programs, nonprofit administration, or related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience supporting sponsor-funded or grant-funded education programs.
Experience with participant management, CRM, or registration systems, preferably Ideal-Logic.
Experience in STEM education, youth programs, competitions, or enrichment initiatives.
Experience developing operational reports, dashboards, and process documentation.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to operational detail and data accuracy.
Ability to manage complex data systems and reporting processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with sponsors, educators, program coordinators, and internal stakeholders.
Experience creating SOPs, workflow documentation, and training materials.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and reporting tools.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Unlimited vacation
Remote work environment
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Sick leave
Paid parental leave
A retirement plan with a generous employer match
Professional development

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

program operationsproject coordinationsystems administrationdata managementoperational reportsdashboardsprocess documentationSOPsworkflow documentationdata accuracy

Soft Skills

organizational skillsproject coordination skillsanalytical abilitiesproblem-solving abilitieswritten communication skillsverbal communication skillscollaborative relationship buildingability to manage multiple prioritiesattention to detailindependent work