Welcome.
The experience of being the Interim Director of the Kirby Science Discovery Center has been a dynamic one. Every day presents new opportunities. Because the Washington Pavilion is a multifaceted facility, not only do I get to take part in programming and strategic planning for the Science Center, but I also get to participate in and experience the Visual Arts Center, the Community Learning Center, and the Husby Performing Arts Center.

The Kirby Science Discovery Center is poised to take a giant leap forward as we have just completed a Master Planning process which involves implementing cutting edge science that is taking place in our own backyard. As we start down the road to creating new galleries and partnerships with our science community - from the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Lab in Homestake, to the state-of-the-art farming techniques that are created here but used globally - the KSDC has limitless possibilities.

With any job there are challenges; however, the challenges presented at the Kirby Science Discovery Center are not obstacles to your outcome, but opportunities that are only limited by your vision.

Nancy Kirstein, Interim Driector of the
Kirby Science Discovery Center

From the Desk of Stan:

The Kirby Science Discovery Center is located within the beautiful Washington Pavilion, downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. You can learn more about KSDC by visiting www.washingtonpavilion.org. But here are a few thoughts:

KSDC is a very popular science discovery place for children and families. Now in its 10th year, the center is looking at many exciting options to revamp, re-organize, add new, and other exhibit initiatives to make it even better!  The new Director will be at the forefront of it all. 

Recently, a child said to me..."if the science center went away, I think I'd die...". The devotion of children to the science center is strong and heartwarming....they care about the center and cannot wait to return.

The center boasts numerous long-standing favorites amongst its exhibits, but features many newer ones, too. These exhibits have local or regional connection to life and science, but many are of national and international connection, too.

The future of the center is unlimited. Through creativity, innovation, and dedication, the Director can bring leadership to a cherished part of the Washington Pavilion and something beloved in our community. 

Stan, the T-Rex Dinosaur
Visit my Facebook page!

 

Washington Pavilion Management, Inc.
Director, Kirby Science Discovery Center ver 10-14-09

I. Basic Function
The Director is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Kirby Science Discovery Center. This is also an externally-focused position that will reach beyond the doors of the museum to make substantial and valuable connections. The Director also provides strong leadership that fosters a positive visitor experience and encourages Board involvement to ensure exhibit and program offerings that are exceptional in education and entertainment quality.

II. Organizational Relationships
    A. Line
    · Responsible to the Washington Pavilion Executive Director and CEO and KSDC Advisory Board Chair for the successful performance of assigned responsibilities.
     · Serves as staff liaison on KSDC Advisory Board.
     · Directly supervises the following positions:
                · KSDC Floor Staff Supervisors
                · KSDC Exhibit Technicians

     B. Team
     · Consults frequently with Executive Director and other senior staff to provide unified programs, services, policies and procedures.
     · Serve as member of Washington Pavilion Management Team.

III. Specific Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
    A. Vision
     · Develop a shared vision and mission for KSDC and its role within the Washington Pavilion with KSDC Advisory Board, Board of Trustees, and Executive Director.
     · Serve as primary enthusiast of KSDC programs and activities.
     · Develop and successfully implement short- and long-term strategies and tactics to fulfill KSDC statement of purpose and Washington Pavilion mission.
     · Develop and successfully implement plans for self-directed informal science permanent and traveling exhibits, films and other programs.
     · Support vision, leadership, and development of KSDC Advisory Board.
     · Challenge staff to create exciting, engaging, and educational experiences for visitors.

    B. Operational
     · Develop and implement plans for facilitated informal science education programs.
     · Seek and achieve programming collaborations with other Washington Pavilion departments and external organizations.
     · Develop KSDC staffing plan to support strategies and fit available resources.
     · Develop and manage KSDC departmental budget.
     · Develop, maintain and enhance earned income strategies, including exhibit and film admissions, retail sales, and fee-based programs.
     · Develop programming and contract negotiations for the Wells Fargo Cinedome.
     · Develop and implement plans for the KSDC permanent and traveling exhibits.

    C. External
     · Identify and solicit private and public support for the KSDC in cooperation with the KSDC Advisory Board and the Development Department.
     · Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for KSDC and the Washington Pavilion with the media and key constituencies in cooperation with the Marketing Department.

    D. Other
     · Perform any special projects as directed by the Executive Director and CEO, KSDC Advisory Board, or Board of Trustees.
     · Represent institution as Director of the Day on specified weekends and holidays.
     · Represent KSDC and the Washington Pavilion in local, regional and national professional activities, including participation in the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the Large Format Cinema Association.
     · Develop and maintain relationships with key personnel from important KSDC and Washington Pavilion constituencies and current and potential supporters, including the Sioux Falls School District, the City of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and others.

IV. Qualifications
A bachelor's degree is required and an advanced degree in science or education is a plus. This position requires a minimum of five years experience in successively responsible positions in a related field. Science and/or education experience is preferred, as is museum-related experience. Program, project, and strategic planning experience are essential.

The Director must have demonstrated leadership and business management experience as well as a passion for science and an ability to instill that passion in others. S/he will be an externally-focused leader who will reach out beyond the doors of the museum to make substantial and valuable connections for the Kirby Science Discovery Center and the Washington Pavilion.

Specific qualifications include:
 · Proven dynamic leadership style
 · A team-oriented management style; a positive, high-energy personality that demonstrates a solid work ethic.
 · Good judgment and solid reasoning. The ability to collect data and information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
 · An understanding of the role of systems and technology and basic computer proficiency.
 · Previous experience working with or sitting on a Board is desired.
 · Must possess exceptional relationship-building skills. Ability to actively engage the outside community. Should have a successful record of cultivating individual and corporate donors as well as program partners and collaborators.
 · Must have a strong marketing focus. Clearly understand the mission of the institution, the audiences of the science center and its constituencies.
 · Passion for science and education and an understanding of the value they play in our lives. Experience with informal education is desired.
 · Outstanding written and oral communication skills; strong public speaking skills. Experience communicating in both formal and informal settings.
 · Well-versed in general financial matters, strong track record of fiscal responsibility including experience in managing a balanced budget and growing revenue streams. Project management experience desired.
 · Education: This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a related field. The successful candidate will most likely have an advanced degree in education, business, the sciences, or museum/arts administration.
 · Experience in managing large, complex exhibit projects is preferred.

Please send resume, list of 3 professional references, salary requirement, and a cover letter summarizing your experiences in nonprofits/science/education, what skills you believe you can bring to the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and why you are interested in this position to:
KSDC Executive Search Committee
Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science
301 S Main Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

or

E-mail mnelson@washingtonpavilion.org

Accepting resumes until December 1, 2009
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