Executive Director — Hands-on Science Museum, Ithaca

DRG Talent Advisory Group; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; 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 paid vacation days

Job summary

The Sciencenter in Ithaca, NY seeks an Executive Director to lead strategy, fundraising, and external relations at a hands-on, community-focused museum. You will steward a multi-million dollar operating budget and a 26-member staff across five departments while advancing accessibility and inclusion.

You will collaborate with Cornell University and Ithaca College, ensure programmatic excellence, and maintain the Sciencenter’s reputation as a regional leader in informal science education through

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of nonprofit management experience; museum or informal education preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven fundraising experience with major gifts and revenue diversification.
• Strong public relations and communications across media.
• Ability to set clear goals and motivate diverse teams, valuing staff expertise.
• Solid nonprofit management fundamentals: planning, budgeting, HR; union experience helpful.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic vision and translate into actionable plans with board and staff.
• Lead fundraising, major gifts, annual fund, and revenue diversification.
• Oversee external relations, communications, and community partnerships.
• Manage budgets, finance policies, and organizational governance.
• Build and sustain a diverse management team and staff development.
• Represent the Sciencenter publicly and engage with universities and partners.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising & major gifts

Strategic planning

Public relations & communications

Team leadership & development

Budgeting & financial oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Accessibility & inclusion

Governance & union environment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Sciencenter in Ithaca, NY seeks an Executive Director to lead strategy, fundraising, and external relations at a hands-on, community-focused museum. You will steward a multi-million dollar operating budget and a 26-member staff across five departments while advancing accessibility and inclusion.

You will collaborate with Cornell University and Ithaca College, ensure programmatic excellence, and maintain the Sciencenter’s reputation as a regional leader in informal science education through