STARBASE Director - Marietta

The Georgia Department of Defense is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the STARBASE Director. This position leads the Georgia National Guard’s STARBASE program, a nationally recognized STEM initiative focused on science, technology, aviation, and space exploration for students. Peach State STARBASE (PSS) is primarily located at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Georgia, and provides exciting, dynamic and interesting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) lessons and activities, primarily to at-risk 4th and 5th grade students from selected Title I public schools in the north Atlanta metro area, in both direct support and as adjunctive instruction to their regular school curriculum. PSS currently hosts up to 800 student slots during the school year and approximately 50 day campers during the summer months, with another 400-600 in STARBASE community outreach events.

The Director is responsible for program leadership, daily operations, staff supervision, budget management, and building strong partnerships with military, education, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the STARBASE program
• Establish program goals, performance metrics, and strategic direction
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and National Guard Bureau guidelines
• Supervise staff and promote ongoing professional development
• Oversee curriculum implementation and educational effectiveness
• Develop, manage, and monitor the program budget
• Serve as liaison to military leadership, schools, and community partners
• Promote program visibility and stakeholder engagement across Georgia

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Administration, or a related field
• Experience in program management, educational leadership, or a related area
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience supervising staff and managing budgets

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with STEM education programs
• Experience working with military, government, or public-sector programs

Additional Information

The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a Georgia and national criminal records search, a pre-employment drug test (post-hire will be placed in the pool for the State Random Drug Testing Program), and a post-employment federal background investigation.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Retirement plans through ERS or TRS, as applicable
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 13 state holidays
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The State of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Qualified applicants with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations during the application or hiring process should contact the agency for assistance.

High school diploma/GED and eight (8) years of professional level experience OR an equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job experience or training that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year over year.