Deputy Director

REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

SUPERVISES: DIRECTOR OF VISITOR SERVICES, EDUCATION COORDINATORS 

CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT  SALARIED: $72,800 annually 

Position Summary: 

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (MSDC) is a New England air and space museum which serves as New Hampshire's official memorial to space pioneers Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard and a STEM education portal for children and families. MSDC’s mission, since we launched our nonprofit museum in 2013, has been to inspire every generation to reach for the stars, through engaging, artful, and entertaining activities that explore astronomy, aviation, earth, and space science.  

The Deputy Director is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operations and continuous improvement of the Discovery Center. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff, this role plays an essential part in driving organizational success. The Deputy Director will manage multiple functions within the center, including development, marketing, facilities, exhibits, and educational programming. This role also ensures the smooth integration of operational processes, resource management, and organizational strategy, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and sustainability. 

Essential Functions and Basic Duties 

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership and Supervision (20%) 

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director to ensure the alignment of organizational strategies with the center’s mission and vision. 
• Oversee the Director of Visitor Services, ensuring high-quality customer service and a welcoming experience for all visitors. 
• Supervise two Education Coordinators, providing leadership, guidance, and support for program development and execution. 
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and productive team culture across the organization. 
• Develop and implement project plans, workflows, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure operational efficiency and continuous improvement. 

Development & Fundraising (20%) 

• Serve as an active member of the Board Development Committee and Staff Leadership Team, supporting fundraising strategies and donor cultivation. 
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective and confirmed donors, including appointment-setting, follow-up, and reporting. 
• Write smaller grants and assist the Executive Director with foundation, state, and federal grant submissions. 
• Coordinate fundraising events and campaigns, including bi-annual appeals and the spring/fall fundraising dinner, in collaboration with the Board and volunteer committees. 
• Manage the Discovery Center’s Blackbaud donor database and provide information for financial reporting, working closely with the Executive Director. 
• Actively cultivate corporate sponsorship relationships and oversee the corporate sponsorship programs. 

Exhibits & Programs (25%) 

• Oversee the staff responsible for exhibit maintenance, repair, and the development and delivery of educational programs. 
• Lead the development of a long-term interpretive plan for exhibits and educational programming, ensuring alignment with the center's mission. 
• Identify funding and in-kind opportunities to enhance exhibits and educational materials. 
• Manage exhibit prototyping, evaluation programs, and the creation of a yearly exhibit budget to update content on the exhibit floor. 
• Supervise contractors involved in exhibit component fabrication and development. 

General Support and Administrative Functions (15%) 

• Work closely with the CFO to manage billing, payroll, and HR functions, ensuring accurate processing of financial transactions. 
• Support mission-based events and participate as needed. 
• Oversee minor repairs to exhibits and contribute to basic janitorial duties when necessary. 
• Ensure compliance with center policies, as well as state and federal health and safety regulations. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall operation of the center. 

Marketing (10%) 

• Proof press releases and other external communication to ensure consistency with the center’s messaging. 
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to manage museum advocacy efforts that align with our mission and build visibility. 

Facilities Management (10%) 

• Coordinate with the Facilities Manager to ensure the proper maintenance and repair of the building. 
• Manage relationships with state agencies to ensure regulatory compliance. 
• Oversee OSHA-related safety training and ensure workplace safety, including managing the fabrication areas. 
• Supervise custodial services and sanitation procedures for the center. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education:  

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., non-profit management, business administration, museum studies, education, or finance) preferred. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership or management role, preferably in a non-profit or educational setting. 
• Proven experience in supervisory roles, with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team. 
• Experience working closely with financial and HR functions, including budgeting, payroll, and employee benefits. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and externally with partners and donors. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.) and experience with financial and HR software. 
• Strong public speaking and communication skills to engage and build relationships with the public, partners, and donors. 
• Knowledge of the non-profit sector, science education, and community engagement. 

License/Certification: Valid driver’s license (New Hampshire or equivalent) or access to reliable transportation. 

Desired Characteristics  

• Self-starter, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. 
• Creative, adaptable, and flexible, with a strong ability to resolve conflicts effectively. 
• Enjoys challenges and respects learners of all ages and backgrounds. 
• Comfortable working with IT/AV technology and other educational tools. 
• Previous experience in facilities management is a plus. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to carry and transport equipment, furniture, and exhibit components weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or working on a computer. 
• Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends, as required for events or projects. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. 
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plan options. 
• Paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. 

Disclaimer 

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an inclusive, supportive, and diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.