At Great Lakes Science Center, we make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive to feed the inner sense of curiosity for guests of all ages. We believe in the value of using real scientific challenges through opportunities to invent, design, tinker and create to encourage curiosity and experimentation. The Science Center remains committed to developing informal science education programs that inspire young minds, improve STEM literacy and cultivate the creative, critical thinkers who will shape the future of Northeast Ohio.

The Vice President of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) Learning provides vision, strategic direction, and oversight for the educational activities of the Science Center. The position is responsible for a dynamic portfolio of educational experiences that maximize the guest experience and support our partnerships with school districts and others in our community. The Vice President of STEM Learning builds the Science Center’s role as a trailblazer in informal STEM education and provides inspirational leadership for a creative, dedicated team of educators. Working closely with the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, he or she will collaborate on strategic fulfillment of organizational priorities in ways that provide learning experiences that inspire our guests to come back again and again. He or she is an experienced education leader who stays abreast of new developments in STEM learning, with a positive approach to team building and collaboration. This is an opportunity to join a mission-oriented, experienced, and passionate leadership team that is launching a new strategic business plan. The Vice President of STEM Learning is a high-visibility, high-impact position that will directly contribute to the strength of the Science Center. This is an opportunity to work and to lead in an environment that fosters a sense of fun, community service, and data-driven decision making. Application details are available at www.greatscience.com.

CANDIDATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1) A bachelor’s degree in education, science education, learning sciences, science or a related field required; advanced degree strongly preferred.

2) Eight years of leadership experience in education program development, non-profit management, evaluation, and development of grants and budgets. At least five years of people management experience, with a proven track record of developing staff.

3) A passion, understanding, and strong commitment to the mission and vision of Great Lakes Science Center.

4) Ability to strongly represent the Science Center and advocate for informal STEM education.

5) Experience working with children, youth, and families of diverse backgrounds and income levels.

6) Knowledge of the latest learning theories, STEM education research, and learning technologies.

7) Demonstrated success in setting and achieving annual, multi-year strategic goals.

8) Ability to implement financial plans and budgets, identify, secure, and ensure compliance with a variety of funding sources.

9) Ability to write and edit compelling materials.

10) A personal style that is positive and supportive. Strong personal integrity and work ethic, as well as a sense of humor and perspective.

11) Proven success in managing and motivating a high functioning diverse staff.

12) Superior communication skills to express the mission and education program innovations with clarity, passion, and persuasion.

Responsibilities

The Vice President of STEM Learning supervises and develops a passionate team of educators that lead a range of educational activities in strong alignment with the organization’s strategic business plan. She or he is responsible for a Science Center-wide plan for research-based program design and implementation, evaluation, and staff training to ensure every guest has a great STEM learning experience.

• Maintains and strengthens a welcoming, supportive learning environment for staff and guests.
• Advocates for and oversees evaluation efforts that improve the quality of the organization’s education programming and measures its impact.
• Provides strong communication and builds partnerships with the preK-20 formal education community (including the 9th grade of the MC2STEM school, which is based at the Science Center), learning researchers, and other organizations in the local STEM learning ecosystem.
• Oversees or leads the development and dissemination of content and learning experiences that meet state and national education standards for schools, assessment, and public programming.
• Serves as an advocate for informal STEM education in general and disseminates and promotes the informal STEM education achievements of the Science Center.
• Provides strong leadership to all STEM Learning Department staff, ensuring that individual responsibilities are well defined and communicated while also encouraging a positive team environment.
• Works with other Senior Leadership Team members, especially Human Resources, to identify and mentor museum staff across the organization for career development and promotion opportunities.
• Oversees STEM Learning Department finances and budget activities, meets fiscal goals, and fulfills reporting commitments as needed on grants and other funding.
• Works closely with the Development team to identify funding opportunities for new and innovative education programs that fulfill the Science Center’s strategic business plan.
• Works closely with the Marketing team to develop compelling PR.
• In collaboration with the President & CEO, works with the Board of Trustees on education-related efforts and general organizational initiatives.
• Establishes a communications plan to keep the Senior Leadership Team, Science Center staff, and the Board of Trustees current on education strategies, activities, and results.

A competitive salary with attractive benefits is offered.