ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science seeks a Director for its Kirby Science Discovery Center. Successful candidate is an energetic, creative and dynamic leader who will engage the community in the values of science and the mission of the institution. The Director will be an externally-focused leader who reaches beyond the doors of the museum to make substantial and valuable connections.

 

Candidate must have leadership, ambassadorial, and entrepreneurial skills, experience in fundraising efforts, familiarity with best practices in science, education, and museum management and science museum industry trends and current marketing strategies to assess and increase visitors and build constituencies.  

 

Candidate must have a strong personality and high energy: have a charismatic and dynamic presence with strong public speaking and writing skills, the ability to recruit, cultivate and inspire Board members, a passion for science, a commitment to science education, and enthusiasm for community outreach.  The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, personable, collaborative, and enjoy a suburban Midwest lifestyle.  

 

Job Summary: A visionary leader to provide strategic direction and engage the community in this small, but vibrant science museum in the Midwest.  This position serves as part of the senior management team for the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. The Director will provide vision and leadership for the science center, coordinate ongoing science museum operations, help plan and manage a $2 million exhibit expansion plan, lead full-time and part-time staff and volunteers, work with shared services departments and a Board of committed volunteer leaders, create and manage an annual budget currently at $1.4 million, plan special events and programs, collaborate with other internal programming disciplines, and serve as the public representative of the science museum to a variety of professional and community constituents. The Director will develop profitable collaborations with key business/education partners and foundations to promote the science center.

 

The mission of the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is: to educate, entertain, inspire and to enrich community by making arts and science part of our lives. The Statement of Purpose for the science center is:  The Kirby Science Discovery Center is dedicated to providing residents and visitors of all ages with the premier regional opportunity to experience science.  We seek to stimulate lifelong wonderment, curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits, programs and films that will be both educational and entertaining.  The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is a premiere entertainment, cultural and educational facility located in the historic former Washington High School in a thriving downtown atmosphere. The facility opened to the public in 1999. The Washington Pavilion features the Visual Arts Center, Kirby Science Discovery Center, Wells Fargo CineDome Theater, NASA Educator Resource Center, Husby Performing Arts Center, educational and rental spaces, café, and gift shop all under one roof and management system. The science center is the region's foremost hands-on science experience and features over 70 exhibits and the brand new Air and Space Gallery. The CineDome features large-format films on its giant screen in a 60-foot domed theater. The Kirby Science Discovery Center and Wells Fargo CineDome serve over 100,000 visitors each year. The growing metro area has a population of 211,000 and features a low cost of living and no state income tax.

 

Job requirements: A bachelor's degree is required and an advanced degree in science or education is a plus.  Experience in a leadership position in the museum profession is preferred. Program, project and strategic planning experience are essential.

 

Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  All communications will be treated confidentially.  Salary is dependent upon qualifications, experience and ability. More information about the organization can be found at www.washingtonpavilion.org. 

 

Please send resume, list of 3 professional references, salary requirement, and a cover letter summarizing your experiences in nonprofits/science/education, what skills you believe you can bring to the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and why you are interested in this position to:

 

 

KSDC Executive Search Committee,

Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science

301 S Main Ave

Sioux Falls, SD, 57104 

e-mail [log in to unmask]

 

 

 

 

 

 


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