Senior Director, SF Discovery Center
21 hours ago
Colorado Springs
Job Description POSITION: Senior Director, Space Foundation Discovery Center DEPARTMENT: Space Foundation Discovery Center REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE: The Senior Director of the Space Foundation Discovery Center (SFDC) is a mission-driven leader responsible for advancing the strategic vision, impact, programmatic excellence, and operational effectiveness of SFDC. This role oversees all onsite, offsite, and virtual education programming while ensuring seamless operations and alignment of the Discovery Center with the Space Foundation’s enterprise-wide strategic objectives. The Senior Director serves as the primary point of accountability for the Discovery Center's performance, growth, and national impact. RESPONSIBILITIES: The following briefly describes the representative responsibilities of this job, but it is not intended to be a complete or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this position: • Leads and evolves SFDC as the premier national hub for immersive, experiential space education., • Translates strategic objectives into execution plans across all modes of programming—onsite, offsite, and virtual., • Champions a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence across all program and visitor touchpoints., • Partners with Space Foundation’s cross-functional leadership to align SFDC with the Space Foundation’s strategic objectives., • Oversees and drives development, delivery, and continuous improvement of onsite programs, exhibits, and interactive learning labs; offsite and teacher programs; and virtual learning platforms and hybrid education experiences., • Collaborates with curatorial and education teams to conceptualize, design, and implement innovative exhibits and interactive experiences., • Ensures high-quality, consistent, and scalable programs that drive measurable learning and engagement outcomes., • Leads day-to-day Discovery Center operations, including guest services, facilities, volunteer coordination, and safety, to ensure a world-class visitor experience., • Ensures alignment with grant, contract, and philanthropic requirements and reporting standards., • Optimizes resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective operations across all areas of the Discovery Center., • Collaborates with marketing, partnership, and growth teams to elevate SFDC’s visibility, value proposition, and fundraising efforts., • Represents SFDC publicly and cultivate relationships with schools, educators, industry leaders, and community organizations., • Supports donor engagement and funding strategies that expand reach, deepen impact, and position SFDC as a national leader in space STEM education., • Other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities • Oversees the work of assigned personnel by setting priorities, coaching for development, and managing performance to achieve individual and team success in alignment with organizational goals. Budgetary Responsibilities • Develops and manages the program or department budget, ensuring adherence to budgetary standards, proactively tracking expenditures, and communicating deviations to Finance in a timely and transparent manner. COMPETENCIES: • Familiarity with the space industry and workforce development landscape., • Experience managing grant-funded or contract-based program operations., • Excellent communication, collaboration, and change leadership skills., • Team building skills that unite a team around a shared vision, build trust, and drive momentum toward measurable outcomes and continuous improvement., • Demonstrates strong alignment with the mission and vision of the Space Foundation, and is passionate about advancing space science and education while cultivating early interest in career pathways within the space industry. QUALIFICATIONS: • 8+ years of leadership experience in museum management, informal STEM education, or experiential learning environments, including 3+ years in a senior leadership or executive role., • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Museum Studies, STEM, or related field preferred., • Demonstrated success managing diverse teams and complex education operations., • Proven ability to deliver mission-aligned programs that are scalable and measurable., • Demonstrated experience supporting or contributing to the building, launching, or growth of organizational endowment and fundraising activities. BENEFITS: Space Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, • Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage, • Short- and long-term disability insurance, • 401(k) plan with employer contribution, • Paid holidays and generous paid time off, • Access to employee assistance program (EAP) PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position involves extended periods of sitting or standing at a workstation and frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement, including walking, lifting, or carrying items up to 15 pounds, may be required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This role is primarily based in an office environment, with access to standard equipment and furnishings. The employee may occasionally be required to participate in offsite meetings or events, including potential travel as needed. The work environment is generally quiet to moderate in noise level. Space Foundation maintains a hybrid work policy that allows for up to two days of remote work per week, subject to business needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities. JOB STATUS: • FLSA Classification: This position is exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay., • Full- or Part-Time: This position is full-time in nature. An individual in this position will regularly work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week., • Work Location: This position’s primary work site is the headquarters location in Colorado Springs, CO. The nature and responsibilities of this position are such that it is eligible for alternative worksite arrangements, such as working from home or telecommuting, on an occasional, infrequent and/or as needed basis. Space Foundation’s current hybrid policy allows for two work-from-home days per week., • Regular Schedule: The position's usual business days are Monday through Friday, and its usual business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in the time zone in which it is located.