Employment

Classification: Exempt 
Reports To: President/CEO 
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO the Vice President Science Learning is an integral part of the leadership for SCI and will play a key role in defining the future of the organization and advancing STEM learning programs for all audiences.

The VP Science Learning will oversee all aspects of planning and operations for the educational programs and the participant experience at the Science Center of Iowa. The position is charged with building on the organization’s history and accomplishments to establish SCI as Iowa’s leader in free- choice science learning. SCI serves a diverse range of lifelong learners and is committed to meaningful partnerships with PK-12 schools, academia and business partners to advance science learning throughout Iowa. The position has broad responsibility for the oversight of the planning, research, development, implementation and evaluation of all education programs, outreach and participant programs.

SCI has an active science demonstration program and is in the early planning stages for significant improvements and updates to all of its exhibit and programming areas. SCI also operates a science- based preschool with enrollment of over 120 students. Staff work closely with statewide efforts to improve STEM education and is positioned as a leader in these efforts. The VP will oversee, grow and improve these areas of the operations.

Responsibilities

• As a member of the executive team, proactively manage the institution with SCI’s Core Values of Copassion, Innovation, Integrity and
• Provide leadership for SCI's educational mission through a strong understanding of effective approaches in STEM education and learning
• Responsible for planning, developing and implementing programs and projects in support of the Strategic Plan and fulfilling the goals of the annual operating plan
• Oversee the development of annual business plans and budgets, and manage their successful implementation to ensure the timely, cost-effective and high-quality execution of projects and programs
• Provide ongoing leadership and development of SCI's educational mission through a strong understanding of effective approaches in STEM education and learning
• Cultivate relationships with other regional cultural institutions, colleges/universities, school districts and community partners to promote collaboration and engagement
• Work in close partnership with schools, districts and educators to develop programs that align with the needs of Iowa students
• Oversee the development and implementation of teacher professional development programs
• Oversee the SCI Preschool
• Oversee the exhibits department
• Work closely with the Communications Department to develop promotion and public relations strategies for all SCI programs
• Work closely with the Community Engagement Team to support fundraising and grant application efforts
• Promotes and supports professional development of team members through effective coaching and performance management
• Directs research regarding exhibition and programs as it relates to STEM and informal learning
• Represent SCI as needed in cultivating relationships with national organizations such as NSTA, NASA, NSF, AAAS, ASTC, AAM,
• Represent SCI before other museum organizations, museum Boards, funding agencies, businesses, government agencies and general public as necessary

Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree required, in educational field with STEM background; nonprofit or museum field highly desirable; advanced degree preferred or equivalent 7-10 years’ related experience
• Minimum five years in a supervisory and management position
• Demonstrated leadership ability and ability to manage multiple departments/units and staff
• Proven ability to direct large and extensive projects; direct multi-team efforts on creative projects
• Demonstrated understanding of fiscal management
• Experience with the development and implementation of informal science learning programs
• Proven ability to incorporate informal learning methods into exhibits and programs
• Minimum three to five years’ experience in operational and strategic budget development and management
• Exemplary oral and written communication skills; proven ability to translate and communicate complex scientific and inquiry-based information
• Must excel in a team oriented, cross-functional environment with an emphasis on pursuing a shared vision

Working Hours

This position is regular full-time hours including some occasional weekends. Must be able to attend meetings and events on nights and weekends as needed.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to brendav@sciowa.org.

Classification: Exempt 
Reports To: CFO & VP of Administration 
Direct Reports:Yes

Position Overview

The Director of Visitor Services oversees several areas to ensure an excellent customer experience for all our guests, including those at the box office, the A-Ha(!) gift shop, school group attendees, birthday party guests and participants in other groups and events.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Oversee a unified visitor services team that includes box office, gift store and other visitor service offerings and events to create a WOW experience for all of our guests
• Develop strategies, implement tactics, and manage SCI’s customer experience to reach goals
• Make sure customer service standards are established and maintained by all visitor services employees through education, training and development
• Develop and maintain the visitor services budget; works to prepare a budget for the department and review financial reports to address any variances
• Responsible for food service operations for the preschool; ensure the best quality is maintained and contracts and budgets are adhered to
• Maintain SCI branding standards throughout all visitor services areas in conjunction with the Marketing department
• Serve as Manager on Duty and help resolve issues or problems with visitors regarding their experiences at SCI
• Oversee purchasing of merchandise for the A-Ha! Gift Store to ensure merchandise available meets or exceeds visitor expectations and aligns with budget goals
• Lead and provide general guidance to volunteers assigned to the visitor services areas
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises all employees in the Visitor Services department. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, assigning and directing daily work, conducting performance reviews and providing developmental feedback, facilitating conflict resolution and taking corrective action with employees when deemed appropriate based on performance or conduct.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or 5 years of experience in related field
• Minimum 3 years of management/leadership experience
• Customer service experience
• Effective problem solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Flexibility in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a vision for opportunities to enhance the success of SCI
• Experience managing budgets
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The role is active and requires prolonged standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. This position also will also have periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. They will primarily be Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional local travel may be needed.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Department: Development
Reports To: VP of Community Engagment
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Purpose

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for coordinating and implementing all fundraising and development activities. This position will cultivate existing and new relationships to build SCI’s visibility and financial resources for long-term sustainability. The Director of Philanthropy will oversee the capital, endowment and operating campaigns by coordinating and cultivating individual, corporate, government and foundation support.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop and implement fundraising plans to support the SCI strategic and operating plans through capital campaigns, annual campaigns, special projects, sponsorships, grants and government funding.
• Communicate the donor plan tactics and goals to the Vice President of Community Engagement to ensure the plan is accepted and incorporated into the overall fundraising plans and operations.
• Expand and diversify SCI’s donor base, donor pipeline and work closely with other team members to secure funding for new initiatives and exhibits
• Lead and implement major fundraising campaigns that advance the organization mission.
• Develop appropriate metrics and reports to advance department goals and relationships.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the SCI Board of Directors, community leaders, philanthropists and government officials to cultivate support for all SCI projects
• Develop and write proposals, grants, copy and agreements to accomplish goals and objectives
• Contact by phone, in writing or in person the individuals and entities appropriate to accomplish organizational goals and objectives
• Mentor philanthropy throughout the organization from staff to volunteers
• Professionally represent SCI in all contacts with donors, volunteers, community representatives, corporate and foundation representatives
• Utilize the approved messaging and brand of the Science Center of Iowa to promote the amenities of the campaign in order to elevate the organization and position it for success.
• Propose and develop new projects and innovative ideas to expand fundraising
• Lead major annual fundraising event
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises employees in the Development department. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing and hiring, assigning and directing daily work, conducting performance reviews and providing developmental feedback, facilitating conflict resolution and taking corrective action with employees when deemed appropriate based on performance or conduct.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field
• Extensive fundraising preferred with 3 – 5 years of experience securing major gifts, grants, sponsorships and annual contributions; media relations
• Deep, passionate commitment to the science center’s mission and the ability to communicate its objectives enthusiastically to potential donors.
• Be well-organized, attention to details and be able to work independently
• Able to contribute constructively to various teams as an active participant and productively engage with others throughout the organization
• Strategic mindset and ability to develop plans to maximize philanthropic giving.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the success of SCI
• Able to work on multiple projects and proposals simultaneously and to meet established deadlines
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential donor information
• Must be flexible
• Proficient with computer software with preference to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and donor data base management

Physical Demands

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer but is occasionally active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. A Monday - Friday schedule is typical, with standard hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Up to 50% travel required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To:  Director of Early Childhood

Position Purpose

A Master Teacher recognizes that the education process is about much more than sharing content. It's about creating independent learners who have the critical thinking skills to grow and thrive. These educators put their students first and adapt the curriculum to their learners' needs. Master teachers hold their students to the highest expectations. They conduct regular progress monitoring, adjust their teaching approach as needed, and empower their students to take ownership of their education.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Plan and carry out lesson plans each day in the classroom in alignment with Teaching Strategies GOLD or Iowa Early Learning Standards
• Provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use, including general cleaning duties and notifying proper staff of additional cleaning needs
• Meet with co-teacher to develop daily plans and prepare materials for use in the classroom
• Create and design classroom activities and investigations as needed
• Communicate regularly with parents through a variety of ways (email, newsletter, website, verbal)
• Write and compile individual assessments of each child's development; complete daily inventories, child attendance, and related reports; communicate with students’ families about ongoing progress
• Prepare and conduct parent/teacher conferences twice a year
• Meet with preschool staff regularly for professional development and collaboration on center-wide events
• Mentor less experienced teachers and student employees; model expert teaching practices, and provide feedback for improving teaching and enhancing parent and student relationships
• Attend and assist with all parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Follow DHS, NAEYC, and ECERS regulations for ratio, environment, and safety
• Attend training and carry out PBIS in classroom
• Attend training and carry out The Project Approach in classroom
• Accommodate schedule changes and cover other staff when needed
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• Current certification from the State of Iowa Board of Education
• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Acquire 10 continuing education hours each year
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Creative, curious, innovative and is passionate about learning
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Obtain and maintain a Chauffeur’s License
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

 Preferred:

• Teaching experience in the public school systems and/or preschool teaching experience
• Deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally life and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule:

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily a Monday through Friday schedule. Occasional travel will be required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Seasonal Full-Time / Non-Exempt (Temporary)
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Camp Manager
Direct Reports: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

Position Overview:

The Camp Educator position is responsible for implementing camp curriculum with exciting, hands-on activities around selected science topics in a fun and safe learning environment. A focus of this position will be providing daily supervision and mentoring of up to 25 children ranging from 4-14 years old.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Implement activity-based curriculum to facilitate inquiry based learning on a variety of science themes and concepts
• Present, teach and facilitate hands-on activities in a classroom setting
• Implement behavior management and time management skills in a classroom setting
• Create a supply list and daily schedule
• Follow the daily schedule in a timely manner
• Prepare, clean and maintain classroom for daily use
• Engages students and staff in a fun yet mature and professional manner
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements:

Required

• High School Diploma
• College coursework in Education or Science related fields
• General knowledge of, or interest in, science and education
• Comfortable with public speaking to children, parents, mentors and supervisors
• Demonstrates excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Organized self-starter
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Previous experience working with youth and parents
• Enthusiastic, energetic, hardworking, flexible, creative and timely
• Ability to acquire a Noncommercial Chauffeur’s License (Class D- Endorsement 3 in Iowa)

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position is primarily focused on time with children and will require prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the program space. The employee will also need to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch to be at eye level with children. The employee may be required to regularly lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Hours & Work Schedule

Hours will vary based on business needs and may include weekends, some evenings and holidays. Primarily a Monday through Friday schedule.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.