Overview: 

One of the leading hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place brings science, nature, and design together to create transformative experiences that enable the community to understand, enjoy, and apply science to their lives. Through a network of four museums, Discovery Place Science in Uptown, Discovery Place Nature, Discovery Place Kids Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids Rockingham, plus virtual and in-person learning experiences outside of our Museums, Discovery Place has been a leader in STEM education for 75 years. Today, Discovery Place serves over 750,000 people a year, shaping a future where people embrace science to create opportunities, build hope, solve problems, and bring positive change for our world. Discovery Place has an annual budget of $14+m, 180 full and part time staff, and has 14,000 member households. Discovery Place is a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers, (ASTC), the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) serves as the lead staff member for all programs, experiences, exhibits, management, staffing and related activities for Discovery Place Kids (DPK) and leads the growth efforts to expand the DPK museum network.  S/he also provides content support in early learning to the science and nature museums.  S/he is responsible for creating an inspirational climate for learning and discovery and supporting the dissemination of the brand through educational programs and experiences with our audiences and communities.  This includes the planning, organization, coordination and implementation of educational programs, programmatic and capital projects, professional development, partnerships, initiatives, exhibitions and other visitor experiences as well as evaluation efforts to meet strategic needs of Discovery Place. As a senior leader, the CLO is a valued member of a nine-member senior team and leads a team comprised of museum site directors and early childhood program professionals.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with DP’s leadership, including staff, trustees and CEO to build the business model to advance the DP KIDS network of museums.

• Lead the development and growth of early learning content, expertise, educational programs and initiatives.  Provide advice and expertise in early learning to DP Nature and Science as needed.

• Lead and guide the educational framework and operations of the DPK network.

• Build relationships and partnerships internally and externally to advance DP’s expertise in early learning and professional development.

• Develop and manage external relationships with civic partners in the development and management of the DPK museums, including but not limited to the development of new locations and re-investment of museums.

• Develop, advance and expand educational initiatives to address the needs and opportunities for our communities using various strategies including, but not limited to grants, contracts, earned revenue and partnerships.

• Foster an environment for attracting, developing and retaining qualified staff and external partners.  Develop growth plan for staff and DPK organization.

• Provides senior level leadership and support for early learning, professional development and distributed management of a multi-site network.

Responsibilities in Partnership:

• With the CEO, works closely with a project team to oversee the design, construction, content, interpretation and operational plans for expanded DPK network.

• With the head of Chief Science Officer, works as a reciprocal partner to provide and receive educational content and plans between the DPK’s and DPN/DPS.

• With the Chief Advancement Officer, identify needs for external support, co-develop proposals, and build relationships with external funders and partners. Collaborates on plans for campaigns to fund renovations and new DPK’s.   Participates actively in meetings with donors, civic administrators and elected officials, and other partners.

• With the Chief Marketing Officer, collaborate on educational priorities and audience needs/interest to offer a dynamic portfolio of programs, events, experiences, as well as expansion to new communities.   

• With the Director of Research and Evaluation, develop plans for the role of evaluation in key areas of DPK network and develop strategies to implement a continuing effort in this area.

Qualifications: 

Senior level leader in children’s museums with expertise in early childhood education and experience in building relationships and external stakeholders to provide mutually beneficial partnerships.  Experienced in working with senior community leaders and trustees, planning educational and development projects, developing children’s museum exhibits and partnering in capital projects. Innovates to find ways to create win-win-win partnerships and collaborations. MA/MS in early childhood education or related experience with at least 10 years in working in leadership roles in museum and community-based education.

Benefits:  

Discovery Place offers a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including retirement, health and dental insurance, opportunities for growth and development within a larger museum system.