Museum of Science and Industry

Director of Community Initiatives

Department: Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE)
Status: Full Time

Responsibilities

The Director of Community Initiatives will have responsibility for directing and providing vision for the Museum’s education programs and experiences that are designed to deepen the engagement of youth, families, and communities in science. This position will lead the effort to strengthen the current community initiatives programs, lead the initiation and development of new opportunities designed to materially impact youth engagement in science, identify strategies and business plans to position program models for replication and extension to other science institutions. This position is critical in establishing and strengthening the ability of the Museum to access and serve communities traditionally under-represented in science-related fields. This individual will lead a team of educators in creating and delivering science education programs that support positive youth development, service learning, and college readiness/job preparedness both on-site at the Museum and in community settings. The person serving in this position also functions as a strategic partner with other Museum departments to advance towards the Museum’s vision and is an important Museum representative to external stakeholders and partners. This Director reports to the Vice President of Education and Guest Experiences, is a member of the Museum’s management team, and is a key member of the CASE management team.

• Provide leadership that combines a strong vision and passion for science education with the ability to operationalize plans into implementable programs.
• Advance the Museum’s leadership in the science center/science museum/science education community through the development of a business plan that supports broadening the impact of the Museum’s investment in education by exporting, replicating, and adapting program models for implementation at other institutions.
• Establish creative program models that connect the unique resources of the Museum (exhibits, programs, personnel, etc.) in support of targeted audiences.
• Collaborate on research and evaluation agenda to inform program development and to provide evidence of impact of CASE programs.
• Support and modify Community Initiatives programs to meet the needs of diverse youth, family, and community audiences.
• Build and support a strong Community Initiatives team that embodies the Museum’s vision for science education and is dedicated to the audience it serves.
• Develop effective strategies for science in/out of school time and extended school day programs.
• Establish innovative approaches that support positive youth development, service learning, and youth leadership experiences.
• Develop experiences for traditionally underserved teens and young adults to participate in authentic science inquiry through projects that provide access to real data and STEM professionals.
• Explore strategic corporate/university/industry partnerships that lead to the development of high school and college student internship and mentorship opportunities that promote STEM careers.
• Partner with other CASE program areas to identify points of integration and collaboration that will leverage resources and promote new program opportunities.
• Collaborate with exhibition teams in development of temporary, permanent, and traveling exhibit projects.
• Work with External Affairs and Marketing/PR divisions to increase visibility for CASE programs and understanding of the Museum’s youth development programs, science clubs and community partnerships, and advocate for them at the local, state and national level.
• Lead the development and expansion of the Museum’s Community Initiatives by setting goals and guiding priorities; providing both programmatic guidance and financial direction; and optimizing educational effectiveness.
• Work with the Museum’s External Affairs Division to pursue public and private financial support for programs, including proposal development, reporting, and donor interaction.
• Provide supervision, direction, and mentoring for program staff. 
• Play an active role as a member of the CASE management team ensuring programmatic integration with other program areas and across divisions.
• Develop systems to track and report program attendance, participation, and program outcomes.
• Serve as education representative on institutional project teams and committees.
• Regularly represent the Museum to external audiences.
• Assist with other education programs and duties as assigned.
• Manage and oversee day-to-day department operations.
• Manage and oversee department hiring and disciplinary action.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in science, education, a related educational area, or a scientific discipline is required, Ph.D. is preferred.
• High level of experience with youth and youth programming is essential.
• Outstanding organizational, management, and leadership experience, with recognized achievement in science and/or education within the professional community.
• Candidates must have a strong understanding of non-traditional learning environments and informal learning strategies.
• Experience in developing and leading collaborations between large organizations such as universities, school districts, government agencies, museums, and industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a diverse staff in a creative team oriented environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking is required. Strong analytic and problem solving skills, negotiation, presentation and political/policy experience a plus. 

How to Apply

The Museum of Science and Industry is an AA/EOE/ADA employer.