The Bell Museum of Natural History announces the posting of the Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning. This person will develop and oversee major interpretive initiatives, including: exhibitions (onsite and traveling), planetarium, science education programs for youth and adults, outdoor learning landscape, and other initiatives, such as citizen science and teacher professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in science, education or a related discipline
• Knowledge of best practices and trends in informal science learning, science communication, and/or museums
• 6 or more years of management experience and ability to inspire a large, diverse team of staff and partners
• Minimum 3 years of successful budget management experience
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment experiencing rapid growth
• Self-starter, with the ability to carry a project from concept to completion
• Experience in a position requiring successful multi-tasking of priorities and projects
• Experience collaborating and negotiating with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Museum work history, with specialty in one or more areas: exhibitions, planetarium, science programs, events
• Experience navigating a major research university
• Excellent communications skills
• Experience leading a comprehensive interpretive master planning process
• Qualifications to serve as a Principal Investigator on federal grant proposals (NSF, NIH, NASA)
• Ph.D. in science, education or a related discipline
• Creative, flexible, and analytical thinker.

The efforts of this position focus on the activities taking place at the Bell Museum facility, as well as through statewide outreach efforts. This individual is a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for science and education and demonstrated success in engaging the public with current science research. The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning reports to the Bell Museum’s Executive Director and serves on the museum’s senior leadership team.

Major Areas of Responsibility

Interpretive Planning and Implementation – 70% The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning will manage the development and implementation of new initiatives for maintaining a relevant, vibrant museum, provide strategic and operational leadership for the Museum’s interpretive efforts. This includes “setting the tone” for the total Museum educational experience and ensuring that the Museum hires effectively for achieving intended educational outcomes, providing professional development experiences that enhance the educational program. Supervision of staff – 10% Full PELRA supervisory authority initially for 3 full-time Bell Museum P&A staff, and once the new museum opens, a staff that will grow to approximately twelve professional FTEs, and up to 100 part-time and seasonal staff and volunteers. Fundraising – 10% Collaborates with the Executive Director and Development team in raising funds to support new and ongoing interpretive efforts through a combination of revenue-generating activities and grant proposals. Budget administration – 5% Manages an annual budget that will grow to approximately $1 million. Within this total are several grants that require specific accounting and reporting. Research and evaluation – 5% Lead the efforts to evaluate the Bell’s work and disseminate information about the Bell’s impact, ensuring that Bell’s activities are responsive, timely and implemented with the highest standards for excellence. The salary range for this position is $75-85,000. You can find more details by searching for position on the official website. To be considered for this position, please follow the instructions on the site and fill in the online form. Applications are due June 21, 2017. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).