Description:
The new Lancaster Science Factory Executive Director will begin their tenure from a position of strength and positive challenge. The organization has recently completed its $4.5-million Elevate Curiosity Capital Campaign, which enabled a dramatic expansion of exhibits and spaces while building a pathway to financial sustainability. The new ED will be responsible for leveraging that success by deepening engagement with supporters, expanding visibility and visitation, and cultivating community partnerships that enhance the organization’s social capital and mission.
The Science Factory’s board is focusing on several initiatives that make this an outstanding time for the incoming Executive Director to offer an important contribution:
- Make STEM learning more accessible to diverse audiences; enhance STEM-related workforce development efforts, especially for historically underrepresented groups such as females and BIPOC audiences.
- Establish educational leadership regarding climate change issues as they affect the Science Factory and its audiences.
- Enhance the Science Factory’s contribution to area visitation and economic development.
- Usher in the next chapter of organizational maturity with efficient operations, an energetic professional staff team, and an effective, policy-oriented board.
The Executive Director will have a background that includes proven effectiveness as an executive or senior-level professional in nonprofit organizations such as museums, science centers, academic or research institutions, or other similar mission-driven organizations. The successful candidate will demonstrate passion for hands-on STEM education and accomplishments as a strategic thinker, team builder, fundraiser, communicator, networker, and leader adept at translating organizational vision into action.
- Advance the Science Factory’s mission of promoting hands-on STEM education and inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence, while broadening access to all in the community.
- Guide the organization toward fulfilling its strategic plan while being responsive to new opportunities.
- Steward a successful fundraising program; actively develop and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and the community.
- Provide budgetary and financial oversight, accountability, and sustainability; manage revenue streams from earned income, philanthropy, and governmental sources.
- Cultivate partnerships to support Science Factory programs, new initiatives, and endowment.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Science Factory, its mission and programs.
- Work with the Board and staff to develop and advance the strategic direction of the Science Factory.
- Maintain positive and productive Board relations, ensuring transparency and best practices for Board development and governance.
- Nurture and manage staff, utilizing emotional intelligence to inspire teamwork and accomplishment.
- Establish data-driven performance metrics; assess programs and exhibits to ensure goals and objectives are met.
- Steward an organizational culture that prioritizes collaboration and teamwork in a professional work environment.
Experience, Skills, and Attributes
- A minimum 5 years of senior executive or management experience in nonprofit environments, preferably at a museum, science center, academic or research institution, or other similar mission-driven organization.
- Success in fundraising, working with donors, foundations, sponsors, and governmental funding sources.
- Strategic planning acumen; ability to see the big picture and communicate a vision.
- Exemplary management and organizational skills in leading staff and volunteer teams.
- Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills with the ability to network and connect with audiences.
- Proficiency with financial management; ability to oversee the annual budget, interpret financial statements, and articulate performance to the Board and other stakeholders.
- Experience working in collaboration with diverse constituents, partner entities, and stakeholders across a broad network.
- Evidence of commitment to DEIA, through staff, board and programs that advance diversity and access initiatives.
- Emotional intelligence and people-oriented leadership skills that build a culture of trust and respect.
- BA or equivalent degree preferred, ideally in management, museum studies, education, economics or a science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics field.