Director of the Science Triangle

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is seeking to hire a Director of the Science Triangle. The Director will provide visionary leadership, strategic coordination, and administrative oversight for Science Triangle programs and initiatives while collaborating closely with university leadership, academic units, community partners, and Science Triangle stakeholders to advance the mission and strategic goals. The Science Triangle integrates three major public-facing scientific and educational assets of the university: Shellam Flake Planetarium, UA Little Rock Observatory, and the Museum of Natural History. The Director will unify these facilities under a shared mission focused on STEM education, public engagement, science outreach, experiential learning, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary programming. The position will strengthen the university’s role as a regional center for science communication, STEM education, and public scientific literacy while supporting academic initiatives across Arkansas. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a STEM field, museum studies, natural sciences, STEM education, public administration, or a related discipline
Demonstrated leadership experience in science outreach and STEM education programming
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Experience developing partnerships and collaborative programs
Experience managing educational or public-facing scientific facilities, programs, or initiatives
Ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences
Strong commitment to public engagement and science literacy
Ability to develop innovative educational and outreach programs
Ability to manage multiple facilities and collaborative initiatives simultaneously
Strong interpersonal and partnership-building skills
Commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible STEM education opportunities
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment

Nice To Haves

Earned doctorate in a STEM field, museum studies, natural sciences, STEM education, public administration, or a related discipline
Experience directing or managing a planetarium, observatory, museum, science center, or public outreach program
Experience securing external funding through grants, sponsorships, or philanthropy
Experience working with K–12 educational systems and community organizations
Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and coordinating public programming
Familiarity with STEM outreach technologies, museum exhibits, and experiential STEM learning models

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic vision for the Science Triangle initiative.
Lead the implementation and periodic updating of the Science Triangle strategic plan.
Create synergies among the planetarium, observatory, and museum facilities to enhance educational and community impact.
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, students, educators, and external partners.
Position the Science Triangle as a premier regional destination for science outreach and STEM education.
Expand public programming including lectures, exhibitions, astronomy nights, science festivals, workshops, and K–12 outreach activities.
Develop initiatives that increase community participation and scientific literacy throughout Central Arkansas.
Build partnerships with schools, museums, libraries, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations.
Serve as a public ambassador for the Science Triangle and the university at local, regional, and national events.
Develop and manage volunteer engagement programs and advisory groups that support Science Triangle initiatives.
Support curriculum-connected educational experiences for K–12 students, undergraduate students, and lifelong learners.
Coordinate hands-on learning opportunities involving STEM disciplines and emerging technologies.
Create opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in outreach, science communication, informal STEM education, and public programming.
Encourage experiential learning opportunities for students through internships, outreach activities, and facility operations.
Develop teacher-training programs and educational resources aligned with Arkansas STEM education priorities.
Support and participate in scholarly activities related to STEM education, informal science learning, outreach assessment, and public engagement.
Oversee operational coordination among the planetarium, observatory, and museum-related activities.
Assist in scheduling, program development, visitor engagement, and facility utilization strategies.
Work collaboratively with technical staff, educators, faculty, and volunteers to ensure high-quality programming and visitor experiences.
Support the maintenance and modernization of scientific equipment, exhibits, and educational technologies.
Work with the University Advancement Office to cultivate donors and secure philanthropic support for Science Triangle initiatives.
Pursue external funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, and public-private partnerships.
Develop relationships with donors, scientific organizations, cultural institutions, and industry partners.
Collaborate with university advancement and research offices to support long-term sustainability and growth.
Support Science Triangle advisory committees and stakeholder groups.
Identify opportunities for regional and national visibility through collaborative initiatives and special events.
Manage budgets, reporting, strategic planning, and performance assessment for the Science Triangle initiative.
Establish measurable goals related to visitor engagement, educational impact, outreach effectiveness, and partnership development.
Develop and communicate evidence-based assessments of educational, community, and economic impact.
Ensure compliance with university policies and safety procedures.
Supervise personnel, student workers, and volunteers associated with the initiative.