Assistant Director for Education and Operations, Northern Virginia Science Center

Virginia Information Technologies Agency

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Science Museum works to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. We create compelling and thought-provoking experiences that connect our community with the science all around them. For almost 50 years, the Science Museum has been curating relevant science stories that are delivered through engaging exhibits, programming, demos, workshops, films, content and more. As we look toward our 50th anniversary as an institution, we’re pushing ourselves to be even more important in our community’s life to elevate science as the answer to our complicated world. The Science Museum is unlike others in our field. We are state agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia that benefits from state operating support as well as private funds raised through our Foundations to help support the mission. This support provides operational stability and growth opportunities as we evolve to not only meet the needs of our community, but also increase our impact. Our flagship location in Richmond and our satellite in Danville have reached two straight years of record attendance. The opening of our Northern Virginia campus in 2027 is poised to push annual visitation over 800,000, extending our reach and impact across the Commonwealth as we empower Virginians to see science not just as knowledge, but as a vital tool for shaping a better future.

The opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center is the largest project in the Science Museum’s history. We are seeking an innovative and strategic Assistant Director for Education and Operations with proven informal science learning leadership who will contribute to the success of the Science Center. This role will be central to delivering compelling, inclusive experiences that connect guests with the science shaping their everyday lives.

Working in close collaboration with the Deputy Director for Education, cross-functional colleagues, community partners and volunteers, the Assistant Director will manage the development and delivery of dynamic exhibitions and educational programs. This role will drive instructional strategies, outreach opportunities and research approaches to ensure experiences are engaging, relevant and grounded in best practices for informal science learning.

In addition to delivering on the agency’s programmatic vision, the Assistant Director will oversee key operational functions, including staff leadership, budgeting, scheduling and resource management. The role ensures that programs and experiences are executed in alignment with the Science Museum’s mission, annual work plans and strategic priorities—contributing to both immediate goals and long-term impact.

This position will also play a critical role in day-to-day operations, serving as acting lead in the absence of the Operations Director and ensuring seamless coordination across all Science Center teams to support a meaningful guest experience.

While the position is primarily weekday-based, flexibility is essential. As part of a vibrant, guest-centered institution, this role requires regular availability on evenings, weekends and holidays to support operations and ensure a consistently exceptional experience.

The Science Center is slated for a spring/summer 2027 opening. The position will be based in Northern Virginia, but will participate in robust training in Richmond throughout the summer/fall 2026 until the Science Center is fully constructed. To learn more about the Science Center, please visit https://www.novasci.org/about-novasci.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of science content areas and educational methodologies.
• Experience delivering educational programs in both formal and informal science settings, including planning, developing, and implementing hands-on activities.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Supervisory and project management experience.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, motivate teams, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation, including budget and personnel management.
• Experience coordinating and supervising diverse administrative functions.
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software, including distance learning platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet, and programs such as Google Docs and Excel.
• Flexibility, patience, resourcefulness.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to engaging children, families, and adults in a positive, friendly, and accessible manner.
• Ability to present to large groups and interact one-on-one with visitors of all ages.

Nice To Haves

• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License is a plus.
• Experience in a science center or similar environment showing progressive responsibility is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development and delivery of dynamic exhibitions and educational programs.
• Drive instructional strategies, outreach opportunities and research approaches to ensure experiences are engaging, relevant and grounded in best practices for informal science learning.
• Oversee key operational functions, including staff leadership, budgeting, scheduling and resource management.
• Ensure that programs and experiences are executed in alignment with the Science Museum’s mission, annual work plans and strategic priorities.
• Serve as acting lead in the absence of the Operations Director and ensuring seamless coordination across all Science Center teams to support a meaningful guest experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program.
• Generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 13 paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed