Executive Director, Hands-On Science Museum

DRG Consulting; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) Plan with employer contribution

Disability insurance

9 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days, 14

Vacation days

Job summary

The Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, steward the mission, and secure financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will elevate programs, cultivate major gifts, and strengthen partnerships with Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the broader community.

Reporting to the Board, this on-site role emphasizes equity, accessibility, and outstanding educational impact, with a collaborative leadership style and deep nonprofit governance

Qualifications

• Seven+ years nonprofit management experience; museum or informal-education background preferred.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with demonstrated fundraising and revenue diversification.
• Proven success in public relations and communications across audiences.
• Ability to set goals and motivate diverse teams with integrity and ethics.
• Strong grounding in planning, budgeting, and human resources in nonprofit settings.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred; accessibility and inclusion focus.

Responsibilities

• Set and communicate a strategic vision for Sciencenter to trustees, staff, and community.
• Lead long-range planning with board; translate vision into actionable plans.
• Ensure innovative exhibits and programs aligned with mission and equity.
• Oversee fundraising, major gifts, grants, and earned income growth.
• Represent the organization publicly and build strong external relationships.
• Oversee budgeting, finance, and HR; build a high-performing team.
• Support staff development and maintain a collaborative culture.

Skills

Nonprofit management

Fundraising

Public relations

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Budgeting

Equity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, steward the mission, and secure financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will elevate programs, cultivate major gifts, and strengthen partnerships with Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the broader community.

Reporting to the Board, this on-site role emphasizes equity, accessibility, and outstanding educational impact, with a collaborative leadership style and deep nonprofit governance