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Position Specification DHR International POSITION SPECIFICATION POSITION TITLE: Executive Director REPORTING TO: Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees LOCATION: Ithaca, New York THE COMPANY: The Sciencenter www.sciencenter.org The Sciencenter is a creative, informal science learning organization, located in a remarkable, small city in the beautiful Finger Lakes area of New York State. The Sciencenter has been successfully led by its first and only professional executive director, Charles (“Charlie”) Trautmann. He will leave the organization well positioned for the future: with a greatly expanded 40,000 square foot facility; many new and refurbished exhibits; the successful completion of a major capital campaign; enthusiastic and committed board members, advisory groups and volunteers; a dedicated and stable professional staff of 26, including an in-house exhibit design and production team and a large professional science education staff; and a balanced budget with diversified funding sources and an endowment. The Sciencenter, because it was literally built by the community, also enjoys an outstanding balance sheet of community goodwill that extends for generations. The approximately $2 million operating budget represents a unique business model among museums of its size: it is the beneficiary of more NSF and other grants per budget than almost any other museum and it is among the top producers of in- house museum exhibits that travel globally. The Sciencenter is now also touring exhibits built by other museums. In total, the Sciencenter manages 10 exhibits presently throughout the US and internationally. The Sciencenter has pioneered programming specific to three age cohorts: “early explorers” aged 0 to 5; “young scientists” aged 5 to 11; and “future science leaders” aged 11 to 14. In addition to creating an intergenerational legacy of good will and excitement about science to the local community, it is dedicated to bringing science and informal science education to the multiple surrounding counties of Ithaca, home to an ethnically and economically diverse population. The Sciencenter is located in Ithaca, a small city in Central NY State and home of Cornell University, one of the country’s largest research universities. The Sciencenter has strong ties to university faculty, staff, and researchers, as well as students, who co-develop innovative, cost-effective and durable exhibits that engage and instruct a range of age groups. Bill Nye, a Cornell alumnus, and before him Carl Sagan, a Cornell faculty member, are but two scientists who have been actively engaged with the Sciencenter. In part because of Cornell University and also Ithaca College, the community of Ithaca offers many cultural, intellectual and educational opportunities to citizens of the area with almost daily concerts, lectures, and educational programs. There are a number of well-known museums in Ithaca, as well other cultural and informal education organizations, and the surrounding geography is ideally suited for outdoor activities. SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the institution. The Executive Director is responsible for its programmatic inspiration and for ensuring that it remains accessible and relevant to its communities, that it remains sustainable even as it grows in size and reach, and that it retains its place as one of the most beloved and respected institutions in the region. As the most visible representative of the organization, the Executive Director will interface with and influence the board, major donors, community groups, governmental agencies, the academic community and the general public. Page 1 Position Specification Executive Director Specific Responsibilities: The Executive Director has two broad areas of responsibility: Leadership Maintain the culture of the organization and ensure that its values toward informal science education, community service, entertainment and entrepreneurial spirit are maintained. Develop and support the staff, providing leadership by example and setting high standards of excellence and ethics. Provide the board with the information and direction to steward the organization as it responds to the ever-changing nature of the community and its constituents. Keep the Sciencenter as a recognized leader nationally among its peers and key partners in the museum field, including the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and among the national agencies that provide grants. Continue to nurture and strengthen the bonds with Cornell University, local and regional businesses and foundations, government agencies, and all stakeholders including but not limited to high-net-worth individuals. Set a vision for the future, ensuring that the institution anticipates community needs and is in a position to meet those needs. Maintain and grow a strong program for philanthropic support of the Sciencenter from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Champion the role of informal science education and ensure that the Sciencenter is a recognized force in the education of young people throughout the region. While honoring its foundation and legacy, introduce new ideas, concepts and innovations to the organization. Ensure that the Sciencenter is at the forefront of accessibility to all of its stakeholders, locally and regionally. Management Ensure the ongoing value of the physical assets and seek ways to expand the footprint and reach of the organization. Engage the board, advisory groups, volunteers and community groups in meaningful dialogue that encourages collaboration. Act as the chief marketing and fundraising representative of the organization, exemplifying the values of the organization and ensuring that it receives the financial and community support it requires. Develop and influence relationships with local academic communities. Provide oversight to the development and accountability of the strategic plan and annual budgets. Select, train, organize and encourage a highly functional, diverse management team. Leads the development of new sources of income while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture and energy that results in earned business income, innovative exhibits, and new business activities. Page 2 Position Specification Executive Director KEY SELECTION CRITERIA: Ten years of progressively responsible, nonprofit managerial experience (museum experience strongly preferred). Equivalent business experience with demonstrated understanding of nonprofit management and governance will be considered. A curious mind and entrepreneurial spirit as demonstrated by past achievements. Demonstrated ability to respond proactively, decisively, accurately, and courteously to challenges and opportunities. Proven track record in fundraising, particularly major gift fundraising, either as a nonprofit executive or volunteer. Proven track record in promoting positive public relations using a variety of methods and media for communicating with diverse audiences (e.g., electronic media, exhibits, radio, television, news articles, meetings, self-contained teaching packages). Demonstrated ability to establish and communicate meaningful goals and objectives and to nurture and motivate diverse teams to produce outstanding accomplishments. Demonstrated knowledge of effective management policies and procedures, including expertise in planning, budgeting, proposal writing, and human resources management. Ability to listen, to understand the needs of diverse audiences, and to apply these needs to the Sciencenter mission. Demonstrated human relations skills including the ability to organize, develop, and motivate staff, board, volunteers, committee members, community leaders, and the general public. A Bachelor’s degree is required. Because of the strong, interdependent relationship with the scientific community, knowledge of science, scientific principles and a demonstrated ability to be conversant in science is required. An advanced degree is preferred. PERSONAL / PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES: The successful Executive Director will have the emotional intelligence, maturity, sense of self and secure ego to follow a charismatic, well-loved, gracious and successful founder-director; a continuous learner and someone who embraces a diversity of ideas and points of view. Given the succession planning, timing and future plans for the current Executive Director, the next Executive Director will have the platform and mandate to lead the institution to new levels of success. A community minded, collaborative, thoughtful and highly ethical individual with strong personal values, commitment to others and an impeccable past record of success, will succeed in this position. COMPENSATION: Competitive Page 3 Position Specification Executive Director CONTACT INFORMATION: James Abruzzo Michele Counter Managing Partner, Global Non-Profit Practice Principal, Non-Profit Practice Washington DC Office DHR International DHR International T: 919-465-9354 280 Park Avenue, 43rd Floor West E: [email protected] New York, New York 10017 T: 212-883-6800 E: [email protected] Page 4 .
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