Director of Education

COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM INC • West Palm Beach, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, Science Education, Museum Studies, Life Sciences, STEM-related field, or a closely related discipline required.
• 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.
• Valid and unexpired driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully pass a Level 2 background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with grant writing, fundraising, earned revenue development, exhibit development, capital projects, or organizational growth initiatives preferred.
• Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems, environmental education, robotics, technology education, and regional STEM initiatives preferred.

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 and exhibit teams to develop educational content, interpretive experiences, future exhibits, and expansion-related initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong 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 strategic objectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior