Head of Education
University of Nebraska State Museum
Lincoln, NE
Salary: $55,000-$65,000
Application Review Date: 02/07/2025
This position provides strategic leadership and management of the museum’s educational and public programs in support of UNL’s Carnegie Engagement status, Office of Research and Innovation (R&I) research impact strategies, and the museum’s mission and strategic goals for its three public sites: Morrill Hall (Lincoln, NE), Ashfall Fossil Beds (Royal, NE), and Trailside Museum (Crawford, NE). A key managerial position, this position is responsible for the successful oversight and delivery of educational programs to 35,000 K12 students annually (onsite gallery, planetarium, and digital learning, distance programs) in support of national and state science and social studies standards. This position is also responsible for successful oversight and growth of extended learning opportunities (discovery day camps, overnights, community events, other activities), adult programs (OLLI, volunteer), and public programs for the 90,000-100,000 annual visitors at Morrill Hall. Public programs include the signature annual Dinosaurs and Disasters event and Sunday with a Scientist monthly series in partnership with campus faculty. This position collaborates with the supervisors at Ashfall Fossil Beds and Trailside Museum to provide appropriate educational activities and public programs at their sites. This position oversees the strategy for science communication training of UNSM students, staff and volunteers.
This position regularly evaluates the impact of the Education Department’s portfolio which includes content delivery in the physical sciences (astronomy, physics, earth sciences), biological sciences (natural history, evolution, genetics), world cultures and related disciplines (anthropology, history, social studies). As appropriate, older curricula and public programs/events will be revised or ended.
This position collaborates with Exhibits to ensure that permanent and temporary exhibits have age-appropriate, inquiry-based, interactive elements to enhance the visitor experience. The person provides expert advice and directs the implementation of educational exhibit components. This position is responsible for staffing oversight of two discovery exhibit gallery areas, the Marx Discovery Center, and Science Exploration Zone.
In consultation with administration, this position sets and implements strategic direction and business plans. The position manages 4 FT, 2 PT and on-call staff, manages an annual department budget of over $400,000, secures and administers grants and contracts to fund activities, and cultivate UNL partners (e.g., TLTE, Extension, 4H) and external community partnerships (e.g., LPS, Astronomy Society, Informal Science Network, Lincoln STEM ecosystem).
As a University-based museum, UNSM is a resource for faculty teaching (formal University classes) and a resource for science communication training for the UNL campus (faculty, students) in partnership with ORI staff and Extension, with efforts centered on broader impacts and public engagement. The museum provides opportunities for UNL students to gain experience in museum careers and Education hosts 4-7 donor-funded student education interns annually.
This position works with the museum director to cultivate campus partners and community partners across Nebraska. This position supports CEHD preservice teachers and in-service teachers through professional development programs. Collaboration with the Educational Service Units (ESU) and similar entities to develop and support science and social studies curriculum is expected.
This position contributes to effective communication and coordination among museum departments and divisions, which is central to the museum’s success. The position works closely with the Director and Associate Director to achieve a fiscally sustainable portfolio of programs through earned revenues, philanthropy and grants. They work with the chief of communications director to ensure effective marketing and promotion of education events. Assistance with grant-writing and cultivating donors is expected.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
To find out more about the required and preferred qualifications, as well as to apply for the position, please visit: https://employment.unl.edu/postings/95131
Categories: Job Postings