Director of Education

Reports to: Chief Experience & Education Officer
Department: Education
Status: Full Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Cox Science Center is seeking an innovative, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its Director of Education. This senior leadership position is responsible for advancing the Center’s educational vision, programs, partnerships, community impact, and revenue-generating initiatives while ensuring exceptional STEM learning experiences for diverse audiences.

As the Center prepares for significant growth and expansion, the Director of Education will play a critical role in developing innovative educational programs, earned-revenue strategies, grant-funded initiatives, sponsorship opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support organizational growth, financial sustainability, and community engagement. The Director will work closely with senior leadership to position the Center as a premier destination for science education, technology, innovation, and lifelong learning while helping drive the Center’s long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all educational programs, initiatives, staff, and departmental operations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of educators, program staff, interns, volunteers, and docents.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, financial forecasts, operational plans, performance metrics, and program evaluations to ensure organizational effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative earned-revenue strategies, including camps, workshops, after-school programs, technology initiatives, memberships, premium educational experiences, corporate partnerships, and fee-based community programs.
• Identify, cultivate, and support grant funding, sponsorships, philanthropic partnerships, and other revenue-generating opportunities that advance the Center’s mission and long-term sustainability.
• Partner with senior leadership to increase educational program participation, earned income, community engagement, and overall organizational growth.
• Design, implement, and evaluate engaging educational programs, including school programs, camps, outreach initiatives, homeschool offerings, teacher professional development, and lifelong learning experiences.
• Collaborate with senior leadership andexhibitteams to develop educational content, interpretive experiences, future exhibits, and expansion-related initiatives.
• Build andmaintainstrong relationships with schools, universities, community organizations, government agencies, industry partners, and professional associations.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Center through public speaking, community engagement, media opportunities, conferences, and stakeholder relations.
• Support organizational planning, accreditation efforts, policy development, expansion initiatives, and other strategic priorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable educational standards, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Center’s mission and strategicobjectives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Science Education, Museum Studies, Life Sciences, STEM-related field, or a closely related disciplinerequired.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in education, museums, science centers, cultural institutions, or related informal learning environments.
• Demonstrated success in educational program development, curriculum design, audience engagement, team leadership, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, financial resources, revenue-generating programs, grants, sponsorships, fundraising initiatives, or other financial sustainability efforts.
• Experience managing professional staff, budgets, and complex projects.
• Knowledge of current trends in STEM education and informal learning.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships and community engagement initiatives.
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with grant writing, fundraising, earned revenue development,exhibitdevelopment, capital projects, or organizational growth initiatives preferred.
• Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems, environmental education, robotics, technology education, and regional STEM initiatives preferred.
• Valid and unexpired driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully pass a Level 2 background screening.

Physical Requirements and Work Schedule

• Ability to move throughout the facility for extended periods, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift, carry, transport, andassistwith setup and operation of educational equipment, exhibit materials, and robotics systems (including humanoid and quadruped platforms) weighing up to 80 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have a valid an unexpired driver license
• Ability tooperateCenter-owned vehicles and travel locally for programs, outreach, meetings, and events.
• Must be available toworkoccasional evenings and weekends in support of programs, events, and community engagement activities.
• Ability to work across a variety of environments, including classrooms, exhibit spaces, outdoor areas, and event venues.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Director of Education may be required to perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission, operations, expansion, and strategic priorities of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Cox Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.