DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (BAS) serves as the outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, engaging the public with work at the top oceanographic institution in the country. BAS’s growing portfolio of programs and exhibits currently serves approximately 500,000 public visitors and 50,000 K-12 students. BAS has new strategic initiatives that bring people to the frontiers of scientific discovery and inspire them to co-create a healthy, thriving planet. BAS promotes active learning, exploration and play at the intersection of science, technology and art. BAS leverages partnerships across our top-tier UC San Diego and the community at large, and connects understanding our planet with real pathways toward regional and global sustainability.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Director of Education will:

Establish an ambitious vision and direction for Education and Volunteer Resources that advance the mission of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Direct, manage, supervise, and mentor professional staff members and volunteers, maintaining the University’s commitment to excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and ensuring adherence to UC policy, procedures and Principles of Community.

Drive innovation, particularly targeting the connection of understanding and protecting our planet. Oversee implementation, evaluation, assessment of impact, and continuous improvement. Apply learning theory and experience in STEM educational practice to connect people with nature and Earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences and technology development at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Direct and oversee operations and resources toward an effective self-supporting Education Department, including but not limited to budgets, grants and gifts, marketing, scheduling, reporting, personnel and departmental organization. Analyze relevant data and research to inform direction and day-to-day decisions. Lead with a mission-driven spirit of collaboration, community service, and entrepreneurialism. Promote effective collaboration and communication up, down, and across the organization.

Report to Senior Director of Learning Design and Innovation.

Collaborate to develop and implement the Aquarium’s overall strategic plan. Communicate and work effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders within BAS, Scripps Oceanography, UC San Diego, with professional communities and communities at large, to achieve strategic goals.

• Must be able to flex schedule to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS/BA in Science, Education, or an allied field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five years experience leading and implementing educational programs in any STEM field
• Minimum five years experience managing operations and staff to provide educational programs in any STEM field
• Demonstrated experience interpreting complex science and/or technology to engage and inspire public audiences
• Demonstrated cultural competency in current or previous educational projects.
• Demonstrated professional history reflects a commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• Strong knowledge of training development and / or learning strategies, and program and educator assessment.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication and strong leadership skills.
• Strong budget and project management skills.
• Broad knowledge of museum education field, industry standards, technologies and current trends, and ability to apply knowledge to planning and operational practices.
• Strong supervisory and demonstrated leadership skills and abilities.
• Strong program coordination skills, including short and long range planning skills.
• Strong knowledge and skills in teaching in a university setting.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising, donor cultivation and / or grant writing.
• Proven ability to drive innovation resulting in an organization that is a leader in its field.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background, DMV and fingerprint checks required.
• Must have valid CA driver’s license.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.