Director, Teaching and Learning - San Francisco, CA

 
The Director of Teaching and Learning is responsible for creating a strategy and operating plan that supports the Exploratorium’s historic role of developing educators, tools and unique learning experiences for formal and informal settings while fulfilling the new challenge of developing state-wide K-12 science education impact. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and engaging leader who has significant educator professional development experience, strong strategic skills, a passion for educational innovation and proven ability to actively engage internal and external stakeholders with the Exploratorium’s vision. Additionally s/he must be an articulate and effective communicator and presenter and be knowledgeable about the current trends, significant thinkers and the broad landscape of the field of science education at the state and national level.

The Exploratorium works with educators and educational leaders at the local, national and international level who seek to expand opportunities for inquiry-based learning in school and out-of-school settings. This work includes nationally recognized teacher professional development programs, the Institute for Inquiry and the Teacher Institute, designed to promote inquiry-rich experiences in K-12 science classrooms. The Informal Learning Cluster develops methodologies, strategies and educator professional development for supporting Tinkering-based STEM learning programs in out-of-school programs. Each program creates models, strategies, knowledge, tools and research that support expansion of inquiry-based learning opportunities, with a continuous commitment to educational equity and 21st Century learning skills. The Director of Teaching and Learning reports to the Associate Executive Director of the Exploratorium.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

Guide and contribute to the development, articulation and implementation of the overall vision and strategy for the Exploratorium’s work with formal and informal educational systems

Guide the strategic development and articulation of the Exploratorium’s new statewide professional development initiative, serving K-12 science educators across the state of California

Provide direction and supervision for the Exploratorium Teacher Institute staff serving middle and high school science teachers, teacher leaders and professional learning providers

Provide direction and guidance for the educator professional development leadership team, senior scientists and researchers; and articulate vision and direction for a staff of 36 including educators, scientists, artists, and program leaders working in the museum, in schools and classrooms, in out-of-school settings and in the community

Articulate and lead a research agenda that supports the Exploratorium’s educator professional development work

Communication & External Relations

Represent the work of the Exploratorium at the local, national and international levels with school districts, county offices of education, government officials, funders and community partners

Actively cultivate and engage statewide, national and international educational system stakeholders, partnering organizations, board members, prominent educators, education policy leaders and funders

Finance and Development

Work with the Exploratorium’s Institutional Advancement department to write proposals, facilitate proposal development and fundraising efforts for projects and programs

Collaborate closely with other Exploratorium divisions to support and expand capacity for education program development

Responsible for a $6M+ annual program budget, funded by a diverse portfolio of private foundations, contracts, and government agencies

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in a related field and 10 years of leadership experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience, required

Experience with professional development and teaching practices in STEM, or related research experience, is required

Proven ability to manage senior staff and provide them with clear vision and guidance

Knowledgeable about current trends and landscape in education (including informal education)

Successful track record in fundraising, including developing and securing project awards and grants, with budgets over $1M per year

Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written; excellent public speaking skills

Demonstrated ability to think and plan at a broad-based strategy level, problem-solve and work collaboratively within a team

Experience working with staff at all levels in a complex, collaborative environment; ability to promote and sustain positive workplace values, relationships and communication

Ability to travel nationally and internationally to attend meetings, and present at conferences; ability to participate in Exploratorium programs and events that may occur outside of normal working hours

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This is a regular, full-time, exempt management position that includes benefits. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job.

The Exploratorium is committed to providing equal employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran’s status or any other class protected by applicable law.

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