Williams Wells Chair of Science

The Williams WellsChair of Science provides strategic leadership for the Museum and will have responsibility for ensuring SMM is an industry leader in science and science literacy. The Chair of Science will have extensive science research and knowledge of current scientific best practices and methodologies to ensure our resources are best aligned with the SMM’s mission. Reporting directly to the VP of Science, Equity and Education, the Chair of Science will work in partnership with Sr. Directors within the division and throughout the institution. 

This position is an in-person rather than remote role

This position will close to applicants on Friday, November 14 at 11:59pm

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic vision and direction for the Museum’s science initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Sr. Directors and Senior leadership to align direction with the mission, vision and strategic goals.
• Familiarity with institutions, national and international, offering similar or related initiatives.
• Provide leadership and enable the access to, analysis and utilization of data to support critical business decisions within the science division.
• Act as a liaison to other senior level staff and their departments  regarding the Museum’s work around science research and initiatives. 
• Ensure our science programs have the appropriate controls, policies, procedures, and reporting systems in place to capture a complete and holistic view. 
• Provide leadership, support, and coaching to the groups and individuals  supporting the Museum’s science initiatives.
• Represent SMM to engage external organizations in SMM led science initiatives.
• Design and implement strategies to build and engage a diverse and inclusive workplace.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

1. Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others and ensures that information is shared with others who should be informed.
2. Collaboration: Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
3. Customer Service: Demonstrates an understanding of the SMM mission by ensuring that their own interactions with internal and external customers consistently support the mission. 
4. Fostering an Inclusive Community: Contributes to a museum environment, and people, that reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community (internal and external).
5. Results Orientation: Focuses on providing a best in class visitor experience through work outcomes by meeting personal and organizational work objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent demonstrable experience (as determined by hiring manager) required
• Experience: The ideal candidate for this position will be a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the leadership areas outlined previously. Career experience can come from a private, non-profit, or public sector background or a combination thereof. Candidates should bring a proven record of accomplishment in a professional education or community engagement environment, preferably with a focus on STEM equity, with 10+ years of experience and 7+ years of leading and motivating a team
  • Can enthusiastically live the values of the SMM.
  • Ability to articulate and inspire others around SMM’s mission and impact, to gain the respect of and persuasively communicate with people at all levels of the organization and with stakeholders in the community.
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve goals, creatively address unexpected issues, and course correct as needed.
  • A collaborative management style that builds and develops teams and includes a high level of communication with peers and direct reports.
  • A high level of energy and intellectual capacity to partner effectively with the CEO, Board of Trustees, senior team, all staff, and community.
  • Ability to motivate staff to achieve and exceed goals, and a willingness to empower others to get the job done while providing support and guidance.
  • Strong decision-making skills and the ability to see things from a strategic perspective, yet operate in a hands-on capacity.
  • Experience building a diverse and inclusive workplace that draws on the strengths of all employees by cultivating a diversity of thought to drive innovation and improve decision-making.
• Certifications:  No formal certifications are required.
• Work Environment: Hybrid work environment, where some regular on-site work is required.

STARTING COMPENSATION: $120,000 - $150,000/year (depending on qualifications)

The job duties describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list. For some positions, detailed procedures may be outlined in supplemental documents.