Director, PK-12 Teacher Professional Learning - Exploratorium

SUMMARY

The Exploratorium has been a professional home and hub for pK-12 teachers and leaders and a local laboratory for global science learning for decades. Our education pedagogy of inquiry-based learning is foundational to the work of the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium Teaching and Learning team works to impact science teaching and learning in formal systems and to create and facilitate transformative learning experiences for learners worldwide. We prioritize the San Francisco Bay Area and California contexts and the specific needs of critical, under supported groups of teachers, leaders, and learners.

The Director, pK-12 Teacher Professional Learning will manage a team of PhD scientists, educational researchers, and veteran classroom teachers in developing and implementing programs for pK-12 science educators and will steward the future vision for the museum’s work supporting teaching and learning in formal public education systems. This position reports to the Chief Teaching & Learning Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Management

• Articulate and implement the overall vision and strategy for the Exploratorium’s work in formal pK-12 public science education
• Oversee, implement, and support all programs, projects, and initiatives offered to pK-12 teachers and leaders
• Define and work to operationalize a developmental trajectory of cohesive professional learning experiences for pK-12 teachers and leaders, targeting the articulated needs of critical communities of teachers and leaders, and especially pK-5 teachers
• Steward the strategic development of new Exploratorium exhibits, snacks, briefs, and other resources that promote policy and practice grounded in essential pedagogies
• Provide direction, oversight, and supervision to Teaching and Learning team, including teachers, scientists, and administrative staff

Fundraising & Budget

• Oversee and manage the $3M annual budget supporting pK-12 systems work, funded by a diverse portfolio of private foundations, contracts, and government grants
• Lead proposal development and fundraising efforts for pK-12 projects and programs, including California statewide and state-funded projects designed to implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) across California

Communication & Collaboration

• Provide the Teaching and Learning team and the Exploratorium with guidance on educational equity, anti-racist science education, and science content and pedagogy
• Represent the work of the Teaching and Learning team and the Exploratorium at the local, regional, and national levels, e.g. with funders, Board members, the larger science community, etc., and maintain relationships with external evaluators and partners
• Work closely with other Directors and the Chief Teaching & Learning Officer to provide visionary and strategic leadership for the Exploratorium’s work with formal pK-12 education systems in California and the U.S., and in the development, iteration, and articulation of innovative science teaching and learning experiences globally

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in science, science education, teacher education, or in a related field, and minimum 10 years’ experience in a position of formal leadership and supervision, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience and demonstrated success in managing staff and providing them with vision and guidance in the field of science teacher professional development
• Demonstrated commitment to improving science teaching and learning in the pK-12 public education system, with preference for experience in California’s pK-5 system
• Knowledgeable about current trends in secondary science education, including having significant experience in educational equity and anti-racism, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), professional learning design, teacher induction, and teacher leadership
• Successful track record in fundraising, including developing, securing, and administering project awards and grants, preferably with annual budgets over $1M
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written; excellent public speaking skills
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically at a broad level, problem-solve effectively, collaborate, and motivate a highly experienced, knowledgeable, and creative team
• Demonstrated 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, run workshops, and present at conferences; ability to participate in Exploratorium programs and events that may occur outside of normal working hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional experience in the design and implementation of science teacher professional learning
• Experience working in museums

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to move from place to place, work at computer for long periods of time, use general office equipment, and lift and carry up to 25 pounds short distances
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt non-union position that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $152,326 to $157,326 DOE. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect.  We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to a diverse workforce.

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