Pay range: $79,000 - $90,000 annually
This is a full timeposition.

Work Location: Bell Museum, University of Minnesota, St Paul Campus
Application Deadline: May 19, 2024

The Bell Museum is Minnesota's official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over 150 years, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond. With our move to a state-of-the-art public facility on the St. Paul campus in 2018, we have expanded our role to become a gateway to science and research at the University of Minnesota.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are both inspired by our mission to ignite and sustain curiosity for nature and the universe and share our vision for a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Position Summary
The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning (PESL) sets the tone and direction for the major interpretive initiatives at the Bell Museum. These initiatives leverage the resources of the Bell including extensive scientific, art and education collections and a talented team of educators, exhibit and program designers, and science communicators; the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science; and the larger University of Minnesota to engage diverse audiences in science. Major areas of interpretive oversight include: exhibitions, planetarium, K-12 science education, and public programs.

While the Bell celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022, our last few years have been characterized by a start-up mindset, where flexibility and adaptability were necessary to navigate the pace and magnitude of significant change. We have emerged on a stronger, more mature footing, with defined organizational priorities (including a deepened community commitment and emphasis on climate solutions) and a robust interpretive framework for on-site experiences. The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning will build on past success and use our current momentum to create and maintain an engaging, vibrant, and dynamic experience for Bell Museum visitors.

The Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning is an experienced and creative leader with a passion for science and education and demonstrated success in engaging the public with current science research. They will have a track record of innovation and successful collaboration/partnership in developing interpretive experiences for a diverse range of audiences. They will be attentive to and derive satisfaction in leading, supervising, motivating, and coaching a large, talented team. The PESL Director reports to the Bell Museum's Executive Director and serves on the museum's senior leadership team, where they will play a role in institutional decision-making, policy, budget, and strategy.

Major Areas of Responsibility
Strategy and implementation (50%)
- Manage the development and implementation of initiatives for maintaining a relevant, vibrant visitor experience in the public museum.
- Work collaboratively across museum departments (including Statewide Engagement, Operations, Business & Marketing, Development, Research and Collections) to share information, leverage resources, negotiate and mitigate conflict, and implement strategic priorities.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for exhibitions, planetarium, K-12 science education, and public programs, including the development and dissemination of long-range plans.
- Work closely with the Director of Statewide Engagement to coordinate content and educational experiences across the institution in ways that align with and support the museum's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
- Cultivate and manage partnerships with University, cultural, and community stakeholders and organizations to create and support learning experiences for museum audiences in a variety of formats.
- Lead efforts to evaluate the Bell's work (including education programs and visitor experience). Disseminate data-driven results and information about impact cross-departmentally, to ensure Bell activities are responsive, timely, and implemented with the highest quality.

Management and Supervision (30%)
- Supervise, coach and evaluate three full-time program managers (Education, Planetarium, Exhibits and Gallery Programs).
- Provide leadership and direction for the Public Engagement and Science Learning team, which in addition to program managers, includes 11 Full time staff, 9 part time staff (+ seasonal camp staff), and 50+ student staff.
- Support staff leadership and professional development, creating a collegial, collaborative, and supportive work environment.
- Support museum-wide initiatives related to diversity, equity, access and inclusion, ensuring these values are integrated into all aspects of the museum's internal and external work.

Budget, Fundraising and Income Development (15%)
- Develop and manage income and expenses budgets within the Public Engagement and Science Learning Departments; current annual budget is $1.5 million.
- Participate in fundraising activities including philanthropic proposal development and campaigns, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Director, to create programmatic sustainability and ensure deliverables are met.
- Facilitate the development and growth of earned income streams, in ways that are aligned with mission, strategic priorities, and target audiences.
- Manage external grant and gift awards to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and that objectives, deliverables, and reporting obligations are met on-time and according to plan.
- Collaborate with University researchers, including the museum's faculty curators, to support, develop, and implement relevant and engaging Broader Impacts plans, for NSF (National Science Foundation) and other federally funded grant proposals.

Stakeholder Engagement (5%)
- Represent the Bell in media interviews and through presentations to community and stakeholder groups.
- Liaise with the Bell Museum Advisory Board by supporting the Board's Program Committee and responding to inquiries.
- Create opportunities to listen to and solicit feedback from partners to support the planning and implementation of meaningful and inclusive interpretive initiatives and programs.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and 8 or more years related experience to include supervisory experience or Master's degree in related field and 6 or more years of experience to include supervisory experience
- Strategic thinking with an eye towards mission alignment, impact, and financial sustainability
- Creative problem-solver; demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to meet the moment
- Demonstrated success in fostering collaboration among stakeholders on a complex project (where key outcomes and deliverables were met)
- Experience in program development and implementation
- Knowledge of best practices and trends in informal science learning, science communication, and/or museums
- 6 or more years of management experience and ability to lead, motivate, and/or coach a large, diverse team in a professional or volunteer setting
- 3 years or more experience with successful budget management and accountability
- Approachable and authentic as a leader and collaborator
- Demonstrates lived or learned experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Ability to effectively engage diverse audiences and create a welcoming, inclusive environment
- Experience in long-range planning and evaluation for impact

Desired Qualifications
- Museum work history, with specialty in one or more areas: natural history, exhibitions, planetarium, science programs, events
- Experience navigating a major research university
- Experience leading an interpretive planning process
- Experience communicating with or engaging public audiences through media or other public formats

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell Museum envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.

The Bell Museum is Minnesota's official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

In addition to the online application, we ask that you submit a CV and a cover letter.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Questions about the position can be directed to Kate Sigurdson, ksigurds@umn.edu.

We believe it is essential to create an environment that welcomes and empowers people from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities to have equitable access to the museum's resources as well as opportunities to transform our work. We are committed to upholding the diversity, equity, and inclusion definitions and values set forth by the and the .

These values will be integrated in all aspects of the museum, including:

• Hiring, recruitment, retention, and advancement of staff and volunteers
• Selection and evaluation of program and exhibition content
• Providing meaningful opportunities to participate in planning and leadership

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).