Head of Education

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.

Position Information

Working Title: Head of Education

Department: University Museum-0932

Requisition Number: S_250015

Posting Open Date: 01/08/2025

Application Review Date: 02/07/2025

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Description of Work

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, 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 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 cultivates 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.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in physical, biological or anthropological science OR a Bachelors degree with a minor/concentration in the physical, biological or anthropological sciences and 3 years of experience developing and delivering programs in informal science education settings (museum, science center, 4H, extension). 1 year of experience in providing adult education (public programs, college guest lectures/teaching, workshops, etc). 1 year of experience with digital learning technologies (apps, educational interactives) and/or distance learning technologies (blended learning classrooms, educational websites, green screen programs, live programs, etc.). 2 years of experience managing budgets, contracts and/or grants. 2 years of experience as a supervisor and managing staff in a museum, science center or other informal science educational setting. Demonstrated experience working with curators, faculty or other scientists to create educational programs or products (educational websites, workshops, curricula, etc.). Experience assisting with grant-writing, grant-reporting and producing outcomes (programs, publications, workshops, etc). Experience assisting with stakeholder or donor cultivation.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters in education, museum studies or a science-based discipline (or equivalent certification) or Ph.D. in museum studies or related field. 5 years of experience developing and delivering programs in informal science education settings (museum, science center, 4H, extension). 3 years of experience in providing adult education public programs, college guest lectures/teaching, workshops, etc). 3 years of experience with digital learning technologies (apps, educational interactives) and/or distance learning technologies (blended learning classrooms, educational websites, green screen programs, live programs, etc.). 4 years of experience managing budgets, contracts and/or grants. Excellence in written, verbal and oral presentation communication skills. 5 years of experience managing staff in a museum, science center or other informal science educational setting. Ability to create budgets. Ability to create evaluations and track performance metrics of programs and staff; experience with managing and providing for the professional development of staff; provide annual evaluations. Experience leading grant-writing, grant-reporting and producing outcomes (programs, publications, workshops, etc). Ability to assist with database creation for internal museum needs, citizen science or other projects. Museum studies certification preferred. Discipline-based certification that augments formal degree(s) (e.g., certification in volcanology, effective pedagogy, informal science learning environments, etc). Secondary science teaching certificate.

How to Apply

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Ember Welsch, Human Resources Coordinator Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
ewelsch2@unl.edu

Job Category

Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Location

Lincoln, NE

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Posted Salary

$55,000/yr. minimum