NYSCI is at a critical inflection point as it enters into its next 5-year strategic planning process. It is in this context that NYSCI is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and results-driven change agent to serve as the institution’s next President and CEO and to propel the institution into its next phase. Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the President and CEO will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, amplifying NYSCI’s global impact, fostering community engagement, ensuring operational excellence, and continuing to build the institution’s reputation as a global leader in STEM learning.

The President and CEO will provide leadership for all aspects of NYSCI, including fundraising and revenue generation, organizational and programmatic leadership, financial stewardship, and external engagement with the broader civic and educational community. Working with the Board, staff, funders, community stakeholders, and other key partners throughout Queens, the City of New York, and beyond, the President and CEO will inspire and drive NYSCI to achieve its mission locally as well as nationally and globally. The President and CEO will also drive strategic objectives. This individual will work closely with the Board and senior staff to secure NYSCI’s financial future through fundraising, development of new revenue streams, and strategic grant opportunities. The President and CEO will represent NYSCI’s interests to its diverse constituencies and will enthusiastically embrace a visible leadership role in the local, national, and international community, and will galvanize support for NYSCI from these constituencies. Additionally, the CEO will continue to advance NYSCI’s digital footprint and will ensure that the Center’s technology, systems, and operations support the Center’s mission and enhance the visitor experience, whether in-person or online.

Specific responsibilities of the CEO include:

1. Visionary Leadership

• Develop and articulate a compelling vision for NYSCI's future, aligning with its mission and values.
• Set ambitious and achievable goals that drive growth and impact in STEM education and community engagement.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement within the organization.

2. Strategic Planning and Execution

• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and leadership team to develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for NYSCI's growth and sustainability.
• Work closely with the Board’s Co-Chairs and Executive Committee to establish annual goals and to ensure that all Trustees are well informed and positioned to provide the support and commitment needed for NYSCI to thrive.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for expansion, partnerships, and collaborations that enhance the organization's reach and influence.
• Monitor and evaluate progress toward strategic objectives and adjust plans as needed.

3. Financial Management

Oversee the financial health of NYSCI, ensuring prudent fiscal management and accountability.

Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and senior management team to develop and adhere to budgets, allocate resources effectively, and increase and diversify funding streams.

4. Fundraising and Development

• Act as the primary ambassador and advocate for NYSCI, cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• In close collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, lead fundraising efforts to secure financial support for the organization's programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

5. Marketing and Business Development

• In collaboration with the Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, implement data-driven marketing strategies that enhance NYSCI's brand visibility and promote its mission.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations to drive revenue growth and expand NYSCI's impact.

6. Research, Exhibits, and Program

• Work closely with the Chief Learning Officer to ensure high-quality and innovative programs and exhibitions that align with the organization's mission and resonate with visitors.
• Leverage the use of digital technologies to amplify NYSCI’s work and impact beyond the walls of the science center.
• Engage with diverse audiences to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance in all aspects of NYSCI's programmatic.

7. Government Relations and Community Engagement

• Foster strong ties with the local community, educational institutions, government entities, and elected officials to promote NYSCI's mission and encourage participation.
• Work to foster and strengthen NYSCI’s clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in shaping and executing its mission.

8. Staff Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership and guidance to a diverse team of professionals, nurturing a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Encourage professional development and growth opportunities for staff to enhance their expertise and contributions.

9. Advocacy and Policy

• Represent NYSCI at public forums, conferences, and industry events to advocate for the importance of STEM education and science literacy.
• Stay informed about relevant policy issues and trends in science education and advocate for supportive policies and funding.

The President and CEO of NYSCI will be a visionary leader, inspiring others and reflecting deep passion for its mission to educate, entertain, and inspire. The successful candidate will have significant and proven strategic leadership and management experience in a complex for-profit or non-profit organization with multiple internal and external stakeholders. This leader will have successfully guided an organization through periods of growth and change and will bring a track record of refining business models and introducing new revenue models or pathways for growth. The successful candidate will be a resilient problem-solver, a leader who loves solving puzzles and doesn’t shy away from the unknown. They are an inspirational and passionate advocate for the power of experimentation, innovation, and discovery, and will have an appreciation for and understanding of all disciplines across the STEM spectrum. This leader will be a lifelong learner with a growth mindset.

This leader will be a compelling communicator and galvanizing force, bringing deep passion for building significant and long-term impact in diverse communities. The successful candidate will understand that leveraging the unique opportunities that reside in the diverse communities of Queens is a distinctive foundation from which to advance NYSCI’s approach to STEM learning and engagement. Importantly, the ideal candidate will possess a global mindset with demonstrated experience working with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. They will be a strong leader who is both visible and approachable to staff, Board, and community, portraying humility, honesty, enthusiasm, a sense of humor, resilience, and a strong work ethic especially in times of change and challenge.

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

• Highly creative thinker who develops innovative and winning organizational strategies
• Dynamic leader who can create a compelling vision for the future with a positive “can do” mindset
• Experience guiding and substantially contributing to the articulation and execution of an organization’s mission, strategy, and values
• Proven experience setting priorities, creating, and achieving an annual plan and leading organizations to success
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work with the senior leadership team, the Board, and partners to establish and pursue goals
• Experience driving programmatic excellence while maintaining commitment to an established and well-planned budget
• Successful experience promoting digital transformation and other changes leveraging technology

• Track record of success cultivating donors and raising funds in support of institutional goals
• Experience identifying, recruiting, and cultivating revenue partners to maximize tangible and intangible assets
• Track record of growing revenue and earned income in a cultural institution, nonprofit, educational organization, or business
• Experience identifying and developing new earned income streams and building partnerships to maximize impact

• An articulate, dynamic, and effective communicator skilled in articulating an organization’s direction and strategy, both internally and externally, on a one-to-one level as well as with large audiences; existing relationships with media and social media influencers a plus
• Able to promote NYSCI’s programs to advance the development of key partnerships in support of the mission, locally, regionally, and nationally
• Knowledge of the New York City community and understanding of its educational landscape is advantageous as is experience working with Government leadership and agencies; this includes experience working with lobbyists, attorneys and related third parties
• Experience building multi-sector partnerships and collaborations in the broader community on behalf of an organization, company, or cause
• A track record of success building impactful formal and informal relationships for an organization with underserved populations

• Extensive experience and success managing people and resources
• Ability to integrate a culture of creativity and innovation with successful business operations and strong financial performance
• Track record of attracting, retaining, and motivating diverse top talent
• Ability to be decisive in setting priorities, delegating responsibilities, assuring accountability and allocating resources to ensure results

• Shows a demonstrated passion for NYSCI’s mission and a commitment to its core values
• Strong passion and commitment to promoting STEM education and fostering scientific curiosity among diverse audiences
• Demonstrates collaborative leadership and fosters a culture of engagement and empowerment throughout the organization
• Encourages transparency, openness, and mutual respect among staff, Board members, volunteers, and partners
• Actively engages and energizes local and national stakeholders, Board members, event committees, partnering organizations, funders, the media, and sponsors

NYSCI’s goal is to compensate for this position at a competitive level. The estimated salary for this position is in the $350,000 range, although the salary and total compensation of the finalist selected for this role will be determined based on various factors, including, but not limited to, scope of role, level of experience and stature in the industry, accomplishments, internal equity, budget, and subject to Fair Market Value evaluation. The base compensation range listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation as a component of the total compensation for the role at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future.

Russell Reynolds Associates has been exclusively retained for this search. Given the need for confidentiality throughout this process, prospective candidates are invited to reach out directly to our search consultants at NYSCI@russellreynolds.com with a resume and brief explanation of interest.

The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is New York City’s premier interactive museum of science and technology, a global leader in STEM education, and a laboratory for new forms of learning. Founded during the 1964 – 1965 World’s Fair, NYSCI is recognized for groundbreaking exhibitions, innovative educational programs, youth development and mentorship, teacher professional development initiatives, and small- and large-scale events that draw children and adults into experiential STEM learning. From Pre-K to college and beyond, NYSCI is creating a trajectory of STEM learning experiences to develop diverse pathways of opportunity for the problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (alongside Citi Field, Flushing Meadows, and BJK Tennis Center), in the borough of Queens, NYSCI welcomes 500,000 visitors annually, provides professional development for more than 2,500 local teachers, and offers 2,000 high school and college students mentoring opportunities with STEM professionals. Over the last three decades, 95 percent of the more than 4,000 young people participating in NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder program have gone on to college, and 70 percent of their alumni work in STEM fields. The cultural vibrancy and diversity of the audiences with which NYSCI engages is one of the science center’s greatest assets and informs the institution’s commitment to ensuring that exhibits and programs are accessible and relevant to all.

NYSCI’s mission to nurture generations of passionate learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens—through an aspirational approach to learning called Design, Make, Play--exemplifies this commitment. The organization encourages hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, iterative problem-solving, and design experiences that enable all young people to feel confident and empowered as STEM learners, an approach that has equity and inclusion baked into its core.

NYSCI’s drive to make STEM education accessible to all starts at home in Corona, Queens, one of the most diverse and underserved communities in the country. The museum collaborates with community members, local schools, and community-based organizations to develop learning opportunities that improve access to STEM in fun and exciting ways. NYSCI hosts free weekly Community Hours and delivers hands-on science and engineering activities at events throughout the local area. Their free family workshops make STEM available to parents in culturally relevant ways so they feel more comfortable and confident in supporting their children’s learning.

Opened in Fall 2022, the Mosaic Pre-K Center (PS 369Q) on NYSCI’s campus provides a unique opportunity to engage and inspire the littlest learners through a unique suite of experiences, curricula, and science coaching that will inform early childhood learning across the nation. Through this unique partnership with the city, NYSCI educators are working with the school’s leadership and faculty to ensure that science is an integral part of the curriculum. Literally just a few steps away, NYSCI is a permanent resource for the school, and teachers are using NYSCI as a routine part of the children’s learning experiences.

NYSCI is more than a world-class destination for learning and play. It is where exhibits inspire visitors, where young scientists get their start, where community members come to learn, and where critical STEM education research occurs. Their mission extends far beyond each visit, through the work NYSCI does to make STEM exciting, appealing and inviting to anyone. The work both within and beyond the museum’s walls complement each other, and is supported by leading foundations, funders, and advocates for the importance of STEM today.