This domain focuses on the ways institutions and organizations operate, often referred to as the internal environment or infrastructure, which supports public activities. Professionals can progress from understanding how their institution operates to managing or leading organizations across the field.
A note about competency levels: There is no prescribed, or “right”, level a person should achieve to be effective in a specific position. Nor is it necessary for everyone to aspire to the highest level of all competencies! Individual and institutional priorities, goals, and contexts should guide the development of any learning path. The proficiency level or expertise in each area will be influenced by unique circumstances, preferences, and opportunities.
| Domain Categories | Competency Level 1 | Competency Level 2 | Competency Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission, Vision, and Goals refers to understanding the purpose, values, and direction of institutions and organizations. At Level One, competent professionals understand and support the mission, vision, and goals of their institution. Some individuals might influence or contribute to the direction of their institution (Level Two) or of the informal STEM learning (ISL) field (Level Three). | Understand and support the mission, vision, and goals of my institution. | Influence and contribute to the mission, vision, and goals of my institution. | Influence and contribute to the mission, vision, and goals of the ISL field. |
| Structure refers to understanding the organization of—and relationships between—functional units of an institution. Competent professionals understand and navigate the organizational structure of their institution (Level One). Some professionals might also manage or contribute to organizational structures within their institution (Level Two) or the ISL field (Level Three). | Understand and navigate the organizational structure of my institution. | Manage and contribute to the organizational structure of my institution. | Create and contribute to organizational structures within the ISL field. |
| Policies refers to the implicit and explicit guidelines, rules, regulations, and protocols that guide operations. Competent professionals understand policies and expectations within their institution (Level One). Professionals can develop the competencies to influence and contribute to their institution’s policies (Level Two) or within the ISL field (Level Three). | Understand the policies and expectations of my institution. | Manage and contribute to the policies and practices of my institution. | Create and contribute to the policies and practices of the ISL field. |
| Finances refers to the ways that fiscal resources are acquired, committed, and expended. Competent professionals understand budgets related to their area of work (Level One). They might provide financial leadership within their institution (Level Two) or across the ISL field (Level Three). | Understand budgets that relate to my area of work. | Identify, develop, and manage sources of income and expenditures within my institution. | Provide financial leadership for projects, programs, and products within the ISL field. |
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants 2215274 (active), 1514815, 1514884, 1514890, and 1515315. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.