(Archived) Executive Director, WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology (Bloomington, Indiana)

This is a Charitable Advisors supported search process. Interested candidates are invited to contact Bryan Orander at Bryan@CharitableAdvisors.com with questions.

Executive Director, WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology (Bloomington, Indiana) – Do you want to be immersed in a fun, lively environment, a gallery of hands-on science exhibits, and work with a committed, creative staff dedicated to building curious and creative problem solvers? Are you passionate about science education? Do you remember being a curious kid? If so, you might be a great candidate for the next WonderLab Executive Director. The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and direction for the organization, ensuring that it meets its mission and objectives while fostering a culture of excellence in science education.

This role requires a dynamic leader who will bring a passion for science/STEM education with experience leading a capable team, building relationships across the community, and attracting financial support. The Executive Director will work closely with the board of directors, staff, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:
• Leadership and Vision: Partner with the Board of Directors to lead WonderLab’s strategic direction, ensuring that the museum continues to serve as a hub for innovative, hands-on science education, and community engagement.
• Science Advocacy: Develop and promote a vision that emphasizes STEM education and scientific literacy, cultivating partnerships with the greater Bloomington scientific, educational, and business communities.
• Donor Cultivation and Fundraising: support and work closely with the WonderLab Director of Philanthropy and the Development Department in fundraising efforts, with a focus on cultivating and expanding relationships with major individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and grant-making institutions.
• Member/Audience Development: Ensure the resources and strategic direction that enable WonderLab staff to create compelling and engaging exhibits and programming that builds long-term relationships across the community.
• Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including university scientists, educators, and other local organizations, to ensure WonderLab remains a vital community resource. Expand audiences, advance strategic goals of increasing Belonging for all individuals and communities.
• Financial & Operational Oversight: Ensure financial sustainability and efficient operations.
• Equity and Inclusion: Work with the museum’s staff to ensure equity and inclusion for all staff, volunteers and visitors to the museum.

Qualifications:
• Passion for Science and STEM: A deep commitment to STEM education and science literacy, coupled with past experience in science/science education.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading and managing teams, with strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
• Community Connector: Ability to forge strong relationships with local scientific communities and other stakeholders.
• Nonprofit Experience: Experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in museum management or educational organizations, is highly desirable.
• Experience with fundraising and grant-writing, especially major gifts and fundraising campaigns.
• High level of professional and personal ethics.
• Budgeting and financial management experience.
• Familiarity with the Bloomington community is ideal.
• A bachelor’s degree or applicable experience; advanced degree is preferred.
• Ability to use and leverage technology. Software proficiency: Mac/Apple, Zoom, Google, CRM database such as Blackbaud Altru (or similar).

Work setting: In-person. WonderLab values a healthy work/home balance. Executive Director will spend time in the community and the museum/office with flexibility to work from home when needed.

Compensation: $75,000 - $82,000 annually.

Benefits: Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance. Long-term Disability Insurance. Life Insurance. 3% Retirement Match. Generous time off.

About WonderLab: At Wonderlab, our mission is to ignite a love of science through learning that is experiential, inclusive and fun, and amplifies the role science plays in the world. We are a family-focused science museum with fun, inclusive, and interactive exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage discovery and inspire lifelong learning. We also live our values everyday:

PLAYFUL LEARNING - We know play is the best form of learning
EMPOWERMENT - We can change the world through science
BELONGING - Science is for everyone
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE- Quality in all we do
SUSTAINABILITY- We take the long view

In 2023, we began our 3-year Strategic Plan, focused on Staff Development, Diversity/Equity; Community Engagement and Audience Expansion; Expanding Revenue; and Environmental Sustainability. See a plan summary

The Community: WonderLab is located in a vibrant college community close to Lake Monroe and Brown County State Park. WonderLab benefits from its close proximity to Indiana University, a world-class research institution, as well as thriving biotech and innovation centers. At WonderLab, science is always fun.

WonderLab has been serving the Bloomington community and south-central Indiana for 26 years, has a dedicated, talented staff of 30, with an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest by responding to the following questions/prompts:

1) Briefly share why the Executive Director role of WonderLab is a great match for you, including your experience and interest in science and STEM education.
2) Briefly share your leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, small business, or department (e.g., financial management, human resources/staff, programs, board relationships).
3) Share one or two recent successes that you’ve experienced in attracting financial resources or fundraising.