The Vice President of Educational Programs is an integral member of the senior leadership team and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the Museum. This position is responsible for the oversight and fiscal accountability of departments critical to our educational programming, visitor experience and the development of the organization’s strategic goals. This position works to build Science Museum Oklahoma’s public educational interface, community partners and services.

The VP, Educational Programs has primary responsibility for establishing and implementing the educational infrastructure needed to fulfil the Museum’s mission of “spark curiosity and encourage learning by exploring the wonder and relevance of science.” This is accomplished through exemplary program leadership, efficient staff management, community relationships, and creative activity development, implementation and evaluation. This position will oversee over 80 full and part time staff members, and manage a large part of the museum budget.

The VP, Programs is responsible for overseeing the strategic operations of Education and Training, Gardens, Network/ Outreach, and Planetarium departments.

Team Leadership, Administration, & Operations

• Collaborative leadership: Lead and empower a team of museum educators to deliver high-quality programs aligned with our mission and strategic goals
• Academic Excellence: Ensure that information presented to the public has been thoroughly vetted and represents the highest of scientific accuracy
• Innovation: Drive creativity and innovation within supervised departments (Education and Training, Gardens, Outreach, and Planetarium), generating new ideas, partnerships, and programs to enhance the Museum's educational offerings, and by association, financial stability of the departments
• Financial Management: Accountable for the development and management of a nearly $5M annual budget, ensuring revenue targets are met and expenses are controlled by monitoring financial performance and preparing regular reports for review
• Program Oversight: Develop and ensure appropriate implementation of hands-on, inquiry based, and/or process-based programs, including appropriate staffing, activities, evaluation, and reporting; oversee educational grants and reporting
• Efficiency: Ensure departmental efficiency in operations and maintain appropriate staff/work output balance
• Performance Evaluation: Regularly assess staff performance and departmental progress against short-term and long-term objectives
• Educational Celebrations: Work with public program staff to plan annual events and develop high-profile programs that engage and inspire our audiences
• Exhibition Collaboration: Participate with Museum teams responsible for planning and developing exhibitions, integrating educational components to enhance visitor experiences
• Professional Development: Lead the development of innovative educational materials and professional development opportunities for staff and outside educators
• Strategic Responsibility: Create strategic vision, goals, and objectives for the Museum’s programs, and identify key partnerships and collaborations to further the Museum’s goals
• Clear Communications: Professionally and respectfully communicate and represent priorities to a variety of constituencies including: Museum staff and Board, funders, community groups and schools
• Strategic Communications: Prepare reports for the Board, funders, and other stakeholders as needed
• Professionally represent the Museum: Exemplify Museum culture throughout all operations
• Perform other appropriate duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field, education, or non-profit management; masters preferred
• Minimum 5 years of directorial or executive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization

Additional Requirements

• Passion for science, art and creativity and communicating accurate, vetted information to the public
• Demonstrated leadership of large teams, preferably experience managing a team of over 50
• Previous experience managing large budgets (at least $100,000)
• Provide examples of growth of a program or organizational department
• Unwavering commitment to quality educational programs and excellence in organizational and project management with the ability to achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience in recruitment, management, and development of a strong team of staff
• Community-driven mindset, with commitment to diversity, placemaking and service
• Strategic thinker that can make on-demand tactical decision based on natural changes in a fast paced learning environment
• Exceptional customer service skills, with guest-centered focus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Proofreading and editing skills are necessary for success
• Personable, outgoing and pro-active leader with work ethic to take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time
• Professionally represent the museum, it’s mission, culture and values
• Passion for Science Museum Oklahoma’s mission

Working Conditions

This position typically works in a climate-controlled office setting and may be subjected to a fast paced decision making environment. This position also works in an active and busy museum setting and may require working on a computer for long periods of time, using a keyboard, viewing a digital screen, including occasional lifting (up to 10 pounds of computer equipment or paper supplies).

This position may require the employee to drive for business purposes in either their own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the Museum. Employees that drive for business purposes must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and provide proof of insurance and a valid license to drive on an annual basis.

Employee must be able to meet physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position supervises the following positions/Programs: Education and Training, Gardens, Network/ Outreach, and Planetarium. This position must maintain positive working relationships with management, employees, applicants, vendors and the general public.