STEM Learning is currently recruiting experienced professionals for two significant positions supporting STEM education, technology skills, higher education engagement, and opportunities for young people across the United Kingdom. The vacancies are Programme Manager, TechFirst, based in London, and STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator, which can be home-based or based at STEM Learning’s York office with regular attendance in York. STEM Learning

Both opportunities sit within STEM Learning’s Skills and Partner Engagement work and offer professionals an opportunity to contribute to nationally significant programmes connecting young people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, employers, universities, researchers, volunteers, and future career pathways.

Applications for both openings close on 12 October 2026, although the precise closing times differ between the two positions. Candidates interested in either vacancy should therefore review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the applicable deadline. STEM Learning

About STEM Learning

STEM Learning’s vision is to provide world-leading STEM education for young people throughout the United Kingdom. The organisation works to improve young people’s lives by strengthening their knowledge, skills, confidence, and exposure to opportunities connected with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM Learning

Its activities include subject-specific professional development for teachers and educators, quality-assured educational resources, STEM Clubs, direct experiences for students, computing education, employer engagement, and the STEM Ambassadors programme. STEM Learning

The STEM Ambassadors initiative is described by STEM Learning as the UK’s largest STEM volunteering programme. The current vacancy announcement states that it involves nearly 28,000 volunteers from more than 5,000 organisations, connecting STEM professionals and volunteers with teachers and young people through classroom activities, careers engagement and other forms of outreach. STEM Learning

STEM Learning also emphasizes organisational values centred around being Sustainable, Innovative and Proactive, principles applicants for both positions will be expected to demonstrate in their work. STEM Learning

Opening 1: Programme Manager, TechFirst

Position Overview

The Programme Manager, TechFirst position is a senior management opportunity focused on delivering the TechFirst programme across London and the South East.

The advertised salary is £55,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience. The position is based in London and operates on a hybrid basis, allowing part of the working week to be undertaken from home and part from STEM Learning’s central London office. The full role profile also states that regular regional travel and monthly travel to York will be required. STEM Learning

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Skills & Partner Engagement and will provide senior operational leadership for the regional delivery of TechFirst. STEM Learning

What Is TechFirst?

TechFirst is a national government-funded programme intended to expand young people’s access to high-quality technology education and technology-related career pathways.

The programme works through collaboration among schools, employers, technology organisations, delivery partners and community organisations to provide young people with experiences that can build skills, raise aspirations and improve access to careers in technology. STEM Learning

The detailed role profile states that TechFirst is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and has a particular focus on improving access for young people, including those from underrepresented backgrounds. Contentful

The wider ambition is to ensure that young people have access to the skills, confidence and connections required to participate successfully in an increasingly digital economy. STEM Learning

Main Purpose of the Programme Manager Role

The Programme Manager will translate the national TechFirst strategy into an effective regional delivery model for London and the South East.

The role combines strategic programme leadership with hands-on operational management. The appointed professional will be accountable for performance, stakeholder engagement, programme quality, compliance, risk management, reporting, resources and measurable impact. Contentful

The successful candidate will also oversee a substantial regional team and work with schools, employers, national colleagues and external delivery partners to ensure the programme meets its targets and funding expectations. STEM Learning

Key Responsibilities: Programme Manager, TechFirst

National and Regional Programme Delivery

The Programme Manager will be responsible for ensuring high-quality TechFirst delivery across London and the South East.

Responsibilities include:

• Translating national TechFirst objectives into a coherent regional delivery plan.
• Ensuring regional implementation reflects London’s education and skills landscape.
• Managing end-to-end programme delivery.
• Maintaining alignment with agreed timelines, targets and quality standards.
• Overseeing reach, engagement, logistics and delivery involving multiple partners.
• Identifying delivery risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Helping ensure that the programme operates effectively at scale. Contentful

Team Leadership and Performance Management

The role carries significant management responsibility.

The Programme Manager will oversee a large team across two regions and have direct day-to-day management responsibility for four roles. The successful applicant will be expected to coach and support team members while building a collaborative culture and increasing operational independence. Contentful

Performance will need to be tracked against key indicators including reach, participation, engagement and outcomes, with corrective action taken where delivery falls behind expectations. Contentful

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Strong relationship management is central to the position.

The Programme Manager will build and maintain productive relationships with:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Employers
• Delivery partners
• Regional stakeholders
• National programme colleagues
• Education and skills organisations

The role will also represent TechFirst at regional forums and contribute to wider discussions around education, technology skills and career development. Contentful

Another important responsibility involves monitoring the experience of programme users, including teachers, ambassadors and employers, and working with colleagues to continuously improve the stakeholder journey. Contentful

Governance, Compliance and Reporting

The successful candidate will be expected to ensure programme delivery complies with relevant regulatory and organisational requirements, including safeguarding, GDPR and DBS-related obligations.

The Programme Manager will lead or contribute to governance processes and provide senior management and other key stakeholders with timely information on programme performance and risks. Contentful

The role also includes producing high-quality management information and narrative reports for DCMS and STEM Learning’s internal stakeholders. Contentful

Financial and Resource Management

Financial management represents another important component of the position.

The Programme Manager will:

• Manage regional budgets.
• Allocate resources effectively.
• Ensure value for money.
• Monitor expenditure against forecasts.
• Maintain financial accountability across regional programme delivery. Contentful

Monitoring, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

The Programme Manager will contribute to the evaluation of TechFirst by collecting regional evidence, analysing information and identifying lessons from delivery.

The role involves using data and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement, sharing good practice across regions and adapting delivery approaches as programme requirements or external circumstances change. Contentful

Who STEM Learning Is Looking For

STEM Learning is seeking an experienced leader with substantial experience managing complex programmes in education, skills, careers, youth engagement or related fields. STEM Learning

The detailed role profile identifies several important areas of expertise, including:

• Significant senior programme-management and operational-leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, multi-stakeholder programmes.
• Strong understanding of education, youth and employer engagement, particularly in London.
• Financial management, budgeting and resource-allocation experience.
• Risk-management and problem-solving capability.
• Experience working within government-funded programme frameworks.
• Experience producing reports for government or senior stakeholders.
• Strong data literacy and ability to interpret performance information.
• Stakeholder-management and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to balance strategy with operational detail.
• Resilience and adaptability in fast-moving environments.
• Strong attention to quality and results.
• Ability to lead change and continuous improvement. Contentful

The vacancy particularly emphasizes the need for someone who can combine strategic leadership with operational execution while maintaining a strong commitment to improving opportunities for young people. STEM Learning

Working Arrangements and Travel

The Programme Manager role is located in London and is offered on a hybrid basis, with flexibility to work from home for part of the week and from the organisation’s central London office. Contentful

Regular travel around London and the wider region will be required, alongside monthly travel to York. UK travel, occasional overnight stays and some flexibility in working hours may also be necessary at key points in the programme. Contentful

Programme Manager Salary

The salary range is:

£55,000–£60,000 per year, dependent on experience. STEM Learning

Programme Manager Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

5:00 PM on 12 October 2026. STEM Learning

First-stage Microsoft Teams interviews will take place as applications are received, and STEM Learning specifically encourages candidates to apply early.

Second-stage in-person interviews are planned in London during the week commencing 19 October 2026. STEM Learning

Opening 2: STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator

Position Overview

The second opportunity is the STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator.

The role offers a salary of £38,000 to £40,000 per year, dependent on experience and reports to the STEM Ambassadors National Programmes Lead. STEM Learning

It is a newly created dual-focused role combining Higher Education partnership development with the creation and coordination of national STEM Ambassador programmes. STEM Learning

The position can be home-based or based at the York office, although regular attendance at the York office is required. UK travel, occasional overnight stays and flexible working hours at key times are also part of the role. Contentful

Purpose of the Role

The successful candidate will help strengthen relationships between the STEM Ambassadors programme and universities, Higher Education Institutions, research organisations and employers across the United Kingdom.

The individual will also help design, test and implement new national engagement programmes that bring research, innovation and STEM opportunities closer to young people. STEM Learning

A major part of the role involves developing universities into trusted, long-term partners that actively promote STEM Ambassadors throughout their public engagement and outreach activities. Contentful

The coordinator will also work with the National Programmes Lead to pilot new programmes and develop successful models into sustainable national offers. Activities may include resource development, training, session delivery, logistics, monitoring, evaluation and programme coordination. Contentful

Key Responsibilities

Building Higher Education Partnerships

The coordinator will develop and maintain relationships with Higher Education Institutions and research organisations throughout the UK.

Key activities include:

• Expanding university engagement with the STEM Ambassadors programme.
• Increasing the number of student and staff STEM Ambassadors.
• Developing sustainable institutional partnerships.
• Encouraging data-sharing and partnership agreements with HEIs.
• Facilitating networks of Research and Innovation STEM Ambassadors.
• Coordinating national communications with universities.
• Working with regional delivery partners and STEM Learning’s communications teams. STEM Learning

Developing National STEM Programmes

The role will support the creation and launch of outreach initiatives connecting universities and businesses with schools, colleges and young people.

These initiatives should respond to policy priorities, business needs, curriculum requirements and relevant careers frameworks such as the Gatsby Benchmarks. Contentful

The coordinator will manage different parts of the programme-delivery cycle, including:

• Development
• Resources
• Logistics
• Recruitment
• Monitoring
• Evaluation
• Budget management
• Programme implementation Contentful

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Data will be an important part of the role.

The coordinator will monitor Higher Education engagement against agreed targets and KPIs, identify trends and opportunities, and collect feedback from universities, STEM Ambassadors, schools, teachers and participants. Contentful

The resulting information will contribute to both internal and external evaluation and reporting, helping STEM Learning demonstrate programme outcomes and impact. STEM Learning

Compliance and Quality Assurance

The successful applicant will help ensure that engagement activities comply with safeguarding, GDPR and relevant organisational policies.

The coordinator will also contribute to quality-assurance processes designed to ensure schools, young people and other programme participants receive a positive and high-quality experience. Contentful

Continuous Improvement

The role requires an individual who can identify ways to improve participation, engagement and the experience of Higher Education Institutions and young people.

Responsibilities include sharing lessons with colleagues, helping create new resources and engagement models, and staying informed about developments in STEM, university public engagement, employer engagement and the wider environment affecting young people. Contentful

Experience and Skills Required

STEM Learning is looking for someone with direct knowledge of public engagement in the UK Higher Education sector.

The candidate should demonstrate:

• Experience developing and delivering education, public-engagement or outreach programmes.
• Experience involving universities and/or industry in activities for young people.
• Working knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector.
• Understanding of public engagement, outreach and collaborative research.
• Familiarity with HEI structures, terminology and measures such as REF and TEF.
• Awareness of knowledge exchange and graduate outcomes.
• Knowledge of UK education, careers, skills and/or youth engagement.
• Experience coordinating opportunities for children or young people.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to build long-term stakeholder relationships.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work within agreed deadlines and budgets.
• Strong written communication.
• Ability to collect, maintain and report data accurately.
• Independence, initiative and a solution-focused approach.
• A commitment to improving opportunities for young people. Contentful

Experience working with or managing volunteers and experience developing resources or activities for volunteers to deliver are listed as desirable rather than essential. Contentful

Working Arrangements

The role is described as:

Hybrid – home-based or York office, with regular attendance at the York office required. Contentful

The employee will also need to undertake UK travel and occasional overnight stays. Some flexibility around working hours will be required when programme demands require it. Contentful

Salary

The advertised salary for the STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator is:

£38,000–£40,000 per year, dependent on experience. STEM Learning

Application Deadline and Interview Dates

Applications close at:

9:00 AM on Monday, 12 October 2026. STEM Learning

The planned recruitment timetable is:

• First-stage Microsoft Teams interviews: Monday, 19 October 2026
• Second-stage in-person interviews in York: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 STEM Learning

Benefits Offered by STEM Learning

Both vacancy announcements identify a strong employment benefits package.

Successful candidates can receive:

• 30 days of annual holiday plus bank holidays.
• An additional day off for their birthday.
• Access to an attractive pension scheme.
• A standard full-time working week of 37 hours.
• Up to three paid volunteering-leave days each year.
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. STEM Learning

STEM Learning also highlights professional learning and development, employee wellbeing and flexible working arrangements within its wider employment offer. STEM Learning

How to Apply

Applicants for either position must provide:

1. An up-to-date CV.
2. A covering letter of no more than the equivalent of two sides of A4 explaining their interest in the position and why they believe they are an appropriate candidate. STEM Learning

Because the Programme Manager’s first-stage interviews are being arranged as applications arrive, candidates interested in that position may benefit from submitting well before the formal closing deadline. STEM Learning

Apply for Programme Manager, TechFirst

Apply for STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator

Important Deadlines at a Glance

The two vacancies share the same closing date but have different closing times:

Programme Manager, TechFirst:
12 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. STEM Learning

STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator:
Monday, 12 October 2026 at 9:00 AM. STEM Learning

Candidates should follow the earlier deadline applicable to the specific vacancy they are applying for and avoid waiting until the final hours to submit.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

STEM Learning states that it aims to maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees can be themselves and where different voices are respected.

The organisation encourages applications from people from all backgrounds and communities and emphasizes building teams with diverse abilities, skills and experiences. STEM Learning

Conclusion

The Programme Manager, TechFirst and STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator vacancies offer two distinct routes for experienced professionals interested in contributing to STEM education and young people’s future opportunities across the United Kingdom.

The Programme Manager position is particularly suited to senior professionals with substantial programme leadership, financial management, stakeholder engagement and operational-delivery experience. With a salary of £55,000–£60,000, the role involves leading the TechFirst programme across London and the South East and managing delivery against ambitious national objectives. STEM Learning

The STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator position, offering £38,000–£40,000, is particularly relevant to professionals experienced in Higher Education public engagement, STEM outreach, programme coordination, university partnerships and opportunities for young people. STEM Learning

Both positions provide an opportunity to contribute to nationally important programmes that connect education, employers, universities, research, technology and young people. Applications for both opportunities close on 12 October 2026, with candidates advised to pay close attention to the different closing times and interview arrangements. STEM Learning

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