The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) sets the tone and direction for the major interpretive initiatives at the Bell Museum. These initiatives leverage the resources of the Bell including extensive scientific, art and education collections and a talented team of educators, exhibit and program designers, and science communicators; the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science; and the larger University of Minnesota to engage diverse audiences in science. Major areas of interpretive oversight include: exhibitions, planetarium, K-12 science education, and public programs.
While the Bell celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022, our last few years have been characterized by a start-up mindset, where flexibility and adaptability were necessary to navigate the pace and magnitude of significant change. We have emerged on a stronger, more mature footing, with defined organizational priorities (including a deepened community commitment and emphasis on climate solutions) and a robust interpretive framework for on-site experiences. The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning will build on past success and use our current momentum to create and maintain an engaging, vibrant, and dynamic experience for Bell Museum visitors.
The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning is an experienced and creative leader with a passion for science and education and demonstrated success in engaging the public with current science research. They will have a track record of innovation and successful collaboration/partnership in developing interpretive experiences for a diverse range of audiences. They will be attentive to and derive satisfaction in leading, supervising, motivating, and coaching a large, talented team. The PESL Director reports to the Bell Museum's Executive Director and serves on the museum's senior leadership team, where they will play a role in institutional decision-making, policy, budget, and strategy.
We are looking for individuals to join our team who are both inspired by our mission to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe and share our vision for a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.
Major Areas of Responsibility Strategy and implementation (50%) – Manage the development and implementation of initiatives for maintaining a relevant, vibrant visitor experience in the public museum.
– Work collaboratively across museum departments (including Statewide Engagement, Operations, Business & Marketing, Development, Research and Collections) to share information, leverage resources, negotiate and mitigate conflict, and implement strategic priorities.
– Provide strategic and operational leadership for exhibitions, planetarium, K-12 science education, and public programs, including the development and dissemination of long-range plans.
– Work closely with the Director of Statewide Engagement to coordinate content and educational experiences across the institution in ways that align with and support the museum's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
– Cultivate and manage partnerships with University, cultural, and community stakeholders and organizations to create and support learning experiences for museum audiences in a variety of formats.
– Lead efforts to evaluate the Bell's work (including education programs and visitor experience). Disseminate data-driven results and information about impact cross-departmentally, to ensure Bell activities are responsive, timely, and implemented with the highest quality.
Management and Supervision (30%) – Supervise, coach and evaluate three full-time program managers (Education, Planetarium, Exhibits and Gallery Programs).
– Provide leadership and direction for the Public Engagement and Science Learning team, which in addition to program managers, includes 11 Full time staff, 9 part time staff (+ seasonal camp staff), and 50+ student staff.
– Support staff leadership and professional development, creating a collegial, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
– Support museum-wide initiatives related to diversity, equity, access and inclusion, ensuring these values are integrated into all aspects of the museum's internal and external work.
Budget, Fundraising and Income Development (15%) – Develop and manage income and expenses budgets within the Public Engagement and Science Learning Departments; current annual budget is $1.5 million.
– Participate in fundraising activities including philanthropic proposal development and campaigns, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Director, to create programmatic sustainability and ensure deliverables are met.
– Facilitate the development and growth of earned income streams, in ways that are aligned with mission, strategic priorities, and target audiences.
– Manage external grant and gift awards to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and that objectives, deliverables, and reporting obligations are met on-time and according to plan.
– Collaborate with University researchers, including the museum's faculty curators, to support, develop, and implement relevant and engaging Broader Impacts plans, for NSF (National Science Foundation) and other federally funded grant proposals.
Stakeholder Engagement (5%) – Represent the Bell in media interviews and through presentations to community and stakeholder groups.
– Liaise with the Bell Museum Advisory Board by supporting the Board's Program Committee and responding to inquiries.
– Create opportunities to listen to and solicit feedback from partners to support the planning and implementation of meaningful and inclusive interpretive initiatives and programs.
Required Qualifications – Bachelor's degree and 8 or more years related experience to include supervisory experience or Master's degree in related field and 6 or more years of experience to include supervisory experience
– Strategic thinking with an eye towards mission alignment, impact, and financial sustainability
– Creative problem-solver; demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to meet the moment
– Demonstrated success in fostering collaboration among stakeholders on a complex project (where key outcomes and deliverables were met)
– Experience in program development and implementation
– 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 lead, motivate, and/or coach a large, diverse team in a professional or volunteer setting
– 3 years or more experience with successful budget management and accountability
– Approachable and authentic as a leader and collaborator
– Demonstrates lived or learned experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
– Ability to effectively engage diverse audiences and create a welcoming, inclusive environment
– Experience in long-range planning and evaluation for impact
For more information or to Apply visit UMN Job Board ID: 360836 Link: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/360836
Application Deadline: May 19, 2024
In addition to the online application, we ask that you submit a CV and a cover letter.
Questions about the position can be directed to Kate Sigurdson, .
