Executive Director - Lead a Hands-on Science Museum

Sciencenter; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 185,000; 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, New York, seeks an Executive Director to lead a hands-on science museum with a strong community focus. You will shape strategy, steward a multi-million-dollar budget, and guide a diverse staff across five departments.

You will drive fundraising, external relations, and program innovation while strengthening ties with Cornell University and Ithaca College, ensuring accessibility, equity, and lifelong learning for a growing community.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible nonprofit management experience; museum or informal-education experience preferred.
• Demonstrated fundraising and revenue-diversification success, especially major gifts.
• Proven public relations and communications capability across media and audiences.
• Skilled at setting goals and leading diverse teams to outstanding results.
• Strong grounding in nonprofit management fundamentals: planning, budgeting, HR, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Set and communicate a compelling strategic vision for the Sciencenter and energize stakeholders.
• Lead strategic planning with the board and staff to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Maintain the Sciencenter’s culture and core values in informal science education and community service.
• Ensure innovative, impactful exhibits and programs with staff collaboration.
• Serve as chief spokesperson and cultivate relationships with partners, donors, and government bodies.
• Oversee budgets, finances, personnel policy, and compliance; steward facilities and assets.
• Select, train, and mentor a skilled management team and support ongoing professional development.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising

Public relations

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

None

Job description

The Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York, seeks an Executive Director to lead a hands-on science museum with a strong community focus. You will shape strategy, steward a multi-million-dollar budget, and guide a diverse staff across five departments.

You will drive fundraising, external relations, and program innovation while strengthening ties with Cornell University and Ithaca College, ensuring accessibility, equity, and lifelong learning for a growing community.