Employment

Classification: Exempt
Department: Finance & Administration
Reports To: President & CEO

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the CFO & Vice President of Administration is an integral part of the leadership for SCI and will play a key role in defining the future of the organization.

She or he will continue to build and manage effective and efficient administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR) and retail operations.

As a member of the senior management team, the director will be involved in strategic planning and annual budget development, as well as planning for continued service to the community the Science Center delivers.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to policy making for and management of the Science Center. Attend meetings of the Board of Directors and, as appropriate, various Board Committees
• Responsible for management of finance and accounting, human resources, legal services, insurance, investments, training and annual planning
• Prepare and provide analysis of monthly financial statements for staff and Board of Trustees
  • Ensure reports are done timely, reviewed and analyzed
  • Anticipate cash flow needs
• Staff liaison to the Internal Affairs Committee of the Board of Directors
• Responsible for management of all legal and auditing issues of the Science Center. Chief liaison with external auditors and legal counsel
• Manage the preparation of and ongoing monitoring for all components of the Science Centers finances, the budget, special campaigns, and special projects
• Chief liaison with banking and trust institutions with respect to credit management, debt, cash flow, investments, and endowments. Manage banking relationships to optimize service and minimize cost to SCI
• Develop, maintain, and enforce finance policies and procedures
• Prepare, with senior staff, annual operating budget and ongoing monitoring of the budget
• Establish, recommend, and implement appropriate policies and internal controls procedures to safeguard the assets of SCI
• Responsible for daily receipts, bank deposits and cash funds
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards
• Review yearly financial audit and tax returns
• Maintain proper licenses and inspections
• Ensure all PP & E assets are secured
• Oversee the Retail Operations Department including the box office, sales, and retail
• Oversee sales office presence for schools, groups, web, and phone coverage
• Coordinate Manager On Duty (MOD) team, make sure there is always a trained MOD on site
• Maintain adequate insurance coverage for the Science Center at optimal price and deductibles
• Issue certificates of insurance for additional insured’s
• Send insurance company updates when new drivers or vehicles are added
• Follow up on any open insurance claims and meet with any adjusters
• Responsible for work comp claims and coverage
• Inform Board or Committees of changes in coverage or any dropped coverage
• Maintain Directors and Officers coverage for SCI
• Resolve conflicts between personnel and SCI in an efficient manner, thereby preventing unnecessary legal action
• Work on benefit plans to ensure best coverage for employees and optimized cost for SCI
• Ensure compliance with labor laws
• Conduct annual review of benefit packages
• Test for competitive and fair salaries and benefits
• Ensure employees are properly enrolled in benefit plans
• Maintain an orientation plan for new hires
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 10 plus years previous experience
• B.A. or B.S. in financial field required, M.B.A. or C.P.A. preferred
• Supervisory experience required, retail experience helpful
• Highly motivated individual with strong managerial and organization skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team; demonstrated excellence in managing financial resources and developing open and inclusive relationships with staff and board; sophisticated understanding of operational aspects of an entrepreneurial non-profit organization
• The successful candidate with exhibit outstanding leadership, analytical skills, and organization ability with extensive use and knowledge of computerized accounting application and spreadsheet software

Working Hours

Primarily weekdays, may need to work some holidays and weekends.

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

Classification: Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Exhibits Manager

Position Overview

The Exhibits Coordinator assists with exhibit development, design, construction/fabrication, installation, maintenance/repairs, and theatrical lighting. This position will serve as an audience advocate, and serves visitors by providing and maintaining engaging science experiences in exhibits.

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.

• Assist with maintaining appropriate levels of exhibit materials and supplies
• Implement approved solutions for improvements to existing exhibits
• Collaborate and communicate project progress across departmental teams
• Complete work in a timely manner so projects meet deadlines and within budget
• Participate in the installation and strike of exhibits
• Implement and maintain exhibit lighting
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and work spaces
• Ensure that identified exhibit goals, objectives and key messages are clearly documented, reviewed, achieved in the exhibits, evaluated and addressed by remediation
• Assist with the prototyping, formative evaluation and fabrication of exhibits components
• Provide support on program and project development
• Work alongside volunteers with some training responsibilities
• Function as a direct representative from the science learning team to the public
• Be an active participant in the visitor experience including some programming and assist with special events and projects
• 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

• Equivalent combination of education and experience in design, engineering, art, theatre or specific trade/skill, High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s Degree desired
• Experience with drafting and design software such as Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite and/or SketchUP
• Experience with tools and working knowledge of woodworking tools and shop safety practices
• Experience with and a willingness to learn fabrication techniques with a variety of materials
• Creative, curious, innovative and passionate about learning
• Flexible in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun, exciting and interesting fashion; high enthusiasm is required
• Highly motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Organized with the ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
• Valid Driver’s License
• Successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Graphic Design experience and skillset
• Familiarity with Universal Design, Accessibility, and User Experience Design concepts
• Technical skills or aptitude for coding/computer science, electrical, theatrical lighting, and A/V
• Basic knowledge of museum experiences (exhibits and programs), science, technology, engineering and math
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Knowledgeable on evaluation methods and data collection
• Proactively able to identify and improve product quality and development

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must be comfortable working at heights and physically able to climb ladders, bend, or crawl into awkward spaces. Must be able to lift, bend, twist, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 75 pounds at a time. Use their hands to grasp, move, handle, control, assemble or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements. See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. 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. Typically, this is a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Minimal travel will be required.

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

Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood

Position Overview

The Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program and other SCI early childhood programs. 

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.

• Greet all customers in a professional, friendly, and timely manner, including answering phones drop in visits and directing inquiries
• Assist with maintaining SCI’s NAEYC accreditation standards including uploading digital files into the accreditation system
• Teach and direct classroom activities when assigned
• Prepare, clean and maintain classrooms and office space for daily use
• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies and timely placement of orders
• Basic office duties such as data entry and organize, file and maintain documents or records
• Attend and assist with parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Manage and organize supplies and teaching materials
• Follow all policies and procedures of the Science Center and the Preschool
• Assist with oversight of children to ensure they are safe and engaged in the programming
• Actively participate on various internal and/or cross-functional teams as needed in furtherance of SCI’s goals and objectives
• Plan and carry out other EC programs and activities with in SCI as assigned
• 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

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Has a passion and love for all young children and their families
• Possesses character qualities such as patience, creativity, flexibility, joyfulness and endurance
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every 2 years
• Successfully pass a background check and DCI fingerprinting

Preferred

• Clerical and office experience
• Para associate I and II or CDA or AA in Early Childhood

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 days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primarily Monday through Friday schedule. Typically, no travel will be required.

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