Vice President of Science and Education

Description

SUMMARY

The Vice President of Science and Education provides strategic leadership and vision for the Saint Louis Science Center’s science, education, and learning experiences, advancing our mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. The Vice President provides strategic and operational leadership for galleries and exhibits, educational programs and content, collections, special exhibitions, and the McDonnell Planetarium.

As a core member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President works closely with the President and CEO and other organizational leaders to advance institutional strategy, foster innovation and collaboration, build meaningful community partnerships, and ensure that Science Center experiences are engaging, accessible, scientifically sound, and relevant to the communities we serve. The Vice President also plays a key leadership role in advancing the Science Center’s Comprehensive Framework and strengthening the institution’s role within the region’s STEM community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the President and CEO and senior leadership team to advance the Science Center’s strategic direction, with leadership responsibility for science, education, exhibits, and learning experiences.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for galleries and exhibits, educational programs and content, collections, special exhibitions, and the McDonnell Planetarium.
• Lead the development of engaging, innovative, and inclusive science experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and make science relevant and accessible to diverse and multigenerational audiences.
• Guide educational philosophy, learning frameworks, curriculum, interpretation, and exhibit development using current research and best practices in informal science learning and audience engagement.
• Provide leadership for the science and education components of the Science Center’s Comprehensive Framework, helping translate its vision into compelling exhibits, programs, and learning environments.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with schools, universities, scientists, STEM industries, community organizations, and others, positioning the Science Center as a convener and connector within the region’s STEM ecosystem.
• Ensure the scientific integrity, educational quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of Science Center experiences, using evaluation, audience feedback, and other data to continuously improve impact.
• Partner with Brand and Guest Experience and Institutional Advancement to integrate educational experiences with the overall guest experience, strengthen audience engagement, support fundraising, and fulfill grant and donor commitments.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing, priorities, and resources, ensuring strong stewardship and alignment with organizational goals.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a talented, collaborative team while fostering an inclusive, high-trust culture that values curiosity, creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Represent the Saint Louis Science Center with community partners, educators, scientists, funders, and professional organizations, while staying current with emerging developments in science, technology, education, museums, and audience engagement.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in science, education, museums, informal learning, or a related field. Experience in a science center, museum, cultural institution, or similar organization strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of informal science learning, museum education, exhibit development, and best practices for engaging diverse and multigenerational audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational vision into innovative and compelling programs, exhibits, and learning experiences.
• Proven success building partnerships with schools, universities, scientists, STEM industries, community organizations, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing multidisciplinary teams, managing significant budgets and resources, fostering a collaborative and high-trust culture, and contributing effectively as a member of a senior leadership team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to work for extended periods at a computer and in meetings, as well as regularly move throughout the Science Center’s galleries, offices, Planetarium, and other facilities.
• Ability to remain standing or walking for extended periods during programs, events, tours, and other activities.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works in a dynamic museum environment that includes offices, public galleries, educational spaces, the McDonnell Planetarium, and occasional off-site locations. The role requires regular interaction with staff, guests, community partners, donors, and other stakeholders.

The position may require occasional evening and weekend work to support programs, special events, community engagement, and other Science Center activities, as well as occasional local and out-of-town travel.