STEM Learning is recruiting for two UK-based roles that support technology education, higher education engagement and the STEM Ambassadors programme, with applications closing on 12 October 2026. The openings are a Programme Manager, TechFirst role in London and a STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator role that can be home-based or based at STEM Learning’s York office with regular attendance in York.
Key facts
- STEM Learning is hiring for two roles in its Skills and Partner Engagement work.
- The Programme Manager, TechFirst post is based in London and pays £55,000 to £60,000 a year.
- The STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator post pays £38,000 to £40,000 a year.
- Both roles close on 12 October 2026, though the exact closing times differ.
- TechFirst is a national government-funded programme, and STEM Ambassadors is described as the UK’s largest STEM volunteering programme.
What these jobs mean for students, universities and schools
These vacancies affect the delivery of two programmes that connect young people with STEM learning, employers, universities, researchers and volunteers across the UK. The TechFirst role focuses on regional delivery in London and the South East, while the second post is designed to strengthen university partnerships and build new national engagement programmes linked to STEM Ambassadors.
For schools, universities and other partners, the appointments are likely to shape how STEM Learning coordinates outreach, reporting, programme quality and collaboration. The TechFirst manager will oversee delivery, stakeholder relationships, budgets and compliance, while the coordinator will work on university engagement, research partnerships, resource development and evaluation. Both posts involve travel in the UK and require experience working in education, outreach or public engagement settings.
- Programme Manager, TechFirst: £55,000 to £60,000, London hybrid, application deadline 5:00 PM on 12 October 2026.
- STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator: £38,000 to £40,000, home-based or York-based with regular office attendance, application deadline 12 October 2026.
- Practical point: STEM Learning says first-stage Microsoft Teams interviews for the TechFirst role will take place as applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.
What is TechFirst?
TechFirst is a national government-funded programme aimed at expanding young people’s access to technology education and technology-related career pathways. It works with schools, employers, technology organisations, delivery partners and community organisations to build skills, raise aspirations and widen access to careers in technology.
The Programme Manager role is meant to turn the national strategy into a regional delivery model for London and the South East. The successful candidate will lead operations, manage performance and resources, and work with schools, employers and delivery partners to keep delivery aligned with targets and funding expectations.
What does the STEM Ambassadors coordinator do?
The STEM Ambassadors HE & National Programmes Coordinator role combines two strands of work: building stronger links with universities and higher education institutions, and helping design and run national STEM Ambassador programmes. The post is intended to develop long-term partnerships that promote public engagement and outreach involving students, staff, researchers and employers.
STEM Learning says the role will help pilot new programmes and develop successful models into sustainable national offers. Duties include resource development, logistics, recruitment, monitoring, evaluation and budget management, along with engagement activity tied to policy priorities, curriculum needs and careers frameworks such as the Gatsby Benchmarks.
What kind of experience is STEM Learning asking for?
For the TechFirst post, STEM Learning is looking for an experienced leader with senior programme-management skills, knowledge of education and youth engagement, financial management experience and the ability to handle large multi-stakeholder programmes. The role also calls for reporting, data literacy, risk management and people leadership.
For the coordinator role, the organisation wants someone with knowledge of the UK higher education sector, public engagement or outreach experience, and the ability to coordinate multiple projects and build lasting relationships. Familiarity with REF, TEF, knowledge exchange and graduate outcomes is listed among the desired areas of understanding.
When do applications close?
Both vacancies close on 12 October 2026, but the Programme Manager, TechFirst post has a specific deadline of 5:00 PM. STEM Learning says interviews for that role will begin on Microsoft Teams while applications are still being received, followed by in-person second-stage interviews in London during the week commencing 19 October 2026.
