Museum of Science and Industry

Executive Director of the Institute for Quality Science Teaching and Learning

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

Responsibilities

The Executive Director provides the vision and direction required to direct museum strengths and resources to support quality science teaching and learning in our schools. The Executive Director will be charged with stewarding the visibility and implementation of existing programs while envisioning and actualizing the full potential of a science center in impacting the quality of science education in our schools. Current work includes the development and delivering of science coursework for in-service teachers, and the support of pre-service internships, school district workshops and summer institutes. IQSTL also develops and delivers innovative science learning labs for students visiting the museum as well as, focused field trip experiences, and interactive videoconference programs that use the Museum’s unique resources to support student science learning. The Executive Director must be visionary and collaborative while being well versed in the practical requirements of business planning. This person will have oversight responsibilities for all financial, human resources and operational activities within IQSTL. In addition, in partnership with the Museum’s development staff, this person will have a leadership role in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of funding for IQSTL and will participate and support all general museum fundraising efforts. This position will play a key role in inter-divisional museum projects including marketing, exhibit planning, guest experiences, community initiatives, and evaluation. The Executive Director will be a core member of the CASE management team, the Museum management team, and reports to the Vice President of Education and Guest Services.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Lead strategic and business planning for IQSTL;
• Oversee design and direction of new and current programs, including program design, funding, and partnership strategies, budget, and staffing.
• Extend and deepen networks and collaborations to enhance quality and visibility of the Museum’s work to advance science education.
• Oversee the feasibility of expanding IQSTL programs into online learning environment.
• Closely partner with the Museum’s External Affairs Division to pursue public and private financial support for programs, including proposal development, reporting, and donor interaction.
• Ensure strength, engagement and professional development of IQSTL staff;
• Play an active leadership 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 programmatic 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.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in science, education, a related educational area, or a scientific discipline; and/or ten to fifteen years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required, Ph.D. is preferred.
• Research or writing in fields of teacher education, science teaching, or related areas and understanding of university research processes and opportunities
• Strong understanding of non-traditional learning environments and informal learning strategies is required.
• Familiarity with digital, online education programs offered by both public and for-profit colleges and universities.
• 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.
• Successful track record in securing and managing large federal competitive grants.
• Experience working with large urban school districts and an understanding of the needs of diverse learners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, is required. Strong analytic and problem solving skills, negotiation, presentation and political/policy experience a definite plus.

How to Apply

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