JerseySTEM is looking for a Deputy Department Head to join its team under the role code COLE001. This is a pro-bono volunteer position — meaning it is unpaid — and it sits within a professional network dedicated to expanding STEM education for middle school girls in New Jersey.
The organization focuses on underserved middle school girls, aiming to improve their access to STEM education and career pathways. Members contribute their professional skills and use their networks to support this gender-equity mission.
What the Deputy Department Head Role Involves
According to the job listing on BeBee, JerseySTEM is seeking talented professionals across its departments to commit time and energy to the organization's work. The Deputy Department Head position is one of these pro-bono roles, requiring leadership and professional expertise to help advance the organization's goals.
The role is part of a structured volunteer framework. All members must commit to a minimum of six months of service, contributing approximately six flexible hours per week. This structure ensures that volunteers can balance their professional lives while making a meaningful contribution to the cause.
Membership Requirements and Deposit Policy
JerseySTEM operates with a clear membership model. New members pay a $100 refundable deposit, which is returned after six months of active membership. This deposit is designed to encourage commitment and follow-through.
However, the organization makes exceptions for certain groups. K–12 educators, retirees, veterans, interns, and students are exempt from paying the deposit. This policy reflects JerseySTEM's goal of welcoming a diverse range of volunteers who bring different perspectives and experiences to the network.
"JerseySTEM is a mission-driven professional network of pro-bono contributors dedicated to improving access to STEM education and career pathways for underserved middle school girls in New Jersey." — JerseySTEM via BeBee
Why This Role Matters for STEM Equity
The Deputy Department Head position is not just an administrative role — it is central to JerseySTEM's broader mission. The organization exists to close the gender gap in STEM fields by reaching girls at a critical age. Middle school is a time when many students form lasting attitudes about science, technology, engineering, and math.
By bringing in experienced professionals as volunteer leaders, JerseySTEM ensures that its programs are run by people who understand both the educational landscape and the career pathways that STEM can open up. The Deputy Department Head would play a key part in this effort, helping to coordinate departmental activities and support the organization's strategic goals.
Our Take: A Meaningful Way to Give Back
In our view, the COLE001 Deputy Department Head role represents a valuable opportunity for professionals who want to use their skills for social impact. The pro-bono nature of the position makes it clear that this is not about financial reward — it is about contributing to a cause that matters.
The six-month commitment and the refundable deposit structure are practical measures. They help ensure that volunteers are serious about their involvement, while the exemptions for educators, retirees, veterans, interns, and students show that JerseySTEM wants to be inclusive. This is a smart approach — it lowers barriers for people who might otherwise be unable to participate.
For professionals in New Jersey with a background in STEM, education, or nonprofit leadership, this role offers a direct way to make a difference. The work is unpaid, but the impact — helping underserved middle school girls see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and tech leaders — is substantial.
Anyone interested in the position should review the full requirements and consider whether they can meet the time commitment. This is a role for people who are ready to contribute, not just in title, but in action.
