Director, Professional Learning

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin MSI exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI's mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibits and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting on day one of employment, a progressive employee wellness program, hybrid work modality for eligible positions, free parking in Griffin MSI's garage, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Director, Professional Learning manages teams that develop and implement science-focused programs for K-12 education professionals to extend the Museum's impact in the Chicagoland community and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision for and direct strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation to a team of educators in the professional learning division who develop and implement Next Generation Science Standards-based programs, with a special focus on equity, empathy, and excellence in serving traditionally marginalized populations and communities
• Drive department efforts toward achieving equity and accessibility across program areas; including training and other professional developments, needs assessments, program audits, program design, and implementation; in alignment with division priorities and Museum values
• Lead and build capacity in program models for earned revenue for educator training and professional development, in alignment with the Education Earned Revenue Plan. This includes creating fee- and contract-based models of current programs and exploring new revenue opportunities, in collaboration with the other leaders in the division
• Optimize the resources and capabilities of the department to meet current and future needs; this includes attention to staff, volunteers, material resources, and budget
• Identify, remain current in, and apply best practices in formal and informal science education, with a focus on elementary and middle grades
• Collaborate with the Museum’s Research and Evaluation team to investigate the efficacy and impact of department programs; use findings to guide program development, document audience impact and inform the broader fields of formal and informal science education
• Serve as one of the Museum’s primary liaisons with key strategic partners, including Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Public Library, Chicago-area youth and STEM providers, external researchers, and the local and national museum community
• Partner with Griffin MSI’s External Affairs team to cultivate the donor base through a shared grant application and report writing, as well as meetings and presentations for corporate, foundation, individual, and Federal funders
• Represent the Museum with external local, national, and international stakeholders, including speaking engagements, conference presentations, advisory committees, etc., as needed
• Provide consistent, mission-focused, and values-aligned leadership, prioritizing trusted relationships and professional development opportunities for all employees
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in science, education, or related discipline and 7-10 years' experience developing and leading education programs for K-12 science educators
• Awareness of and demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of equity that impact science education and engagement for diverse learners, including issues of race, gender, wealth, language, accessibility and others
• Experience working with large urban school districts
• Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills; an ability to work on multiple projects and deadlines.
• Deep familiarity with and passion for K-12 science education, educator professional learning, and learning in informal environments.
• Tangible record of program design and implementation
• Demonstrated experience leading high-quality, high-impact educational programming, from development through implementation
• Management experience that includes a history of building, mentoring, and developing strong, diverse, interdisciplinary teams
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and ability to successfully work with diverse teams
• Strong analytical, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• MS Office proficiency and skilled in using digital media & technology in education/programmatic settings
• Experience with leading fundraising efforts form a variety of sources, including federal, corporate and foundation is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Language:
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization
• Mathematical:
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as basic math calculations
  
  

• Reasoning:
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form
• Physical:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Work Environment:
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$105,000.

This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
• 10 Company Holidays
• Ability to work in a hybrid modality
• 401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
• Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
• Free onsite garage parking
  
  

Position created on February 5th, 2025

Our DEAI Mission

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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