Overview
SUMMARY
Are you a creative problem-solver? Do you love thinking about organizational structures and people-centered processes that pave the way for great work? Are you a systems thinker who thrives in bringing order to chaos? Do you easily move between high-level strategy and in-the-weeds detail? Are you someone who is looking for an opportunity to apply your considerable organizational skills to a mission-driven non-profit? If so, please consider applying for the role of Senior Administrative Director. We will consider applicants from non-traditional backgrounds who possess an appropriate mix of skills and experiences.
The Science, Arts, & Research and Public Programs groups comprise a team of scientists, artists, Project Directors, Program Developers, and visitor researchers who are collectively responsible for animating the Exploratorium’s museum floor and stewarding the visitor experience. Science, Arts, & Research staff drive the content strategy for the museum floor and focus heavily on R&D of innovative learning experiences. This group also conceptualizes, writes, and directs large federal and foundation grants (portfolio of $10M) across content areas such as the social sciences, climate science, and living systems. The Public Programs team currently curates and produces 2-3 temporary exhibitions per year, including the annual summer show and GLOW, the centerpiece of the museum’s holiday campaign. This team is responsible for the museum’s art and programming portfolios, including artist installations and exhibitions, the artist in residency program, an award-winning cinema arts program, and more than a hundred programs and events, including the popular weekly series After Dark and weekend family programming. The group is currently developing a programmatic and growth strategy for the future. In partnership with the development team, this department has a robust funding strategy that includes grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and several major national and regional foundations and corporate sponsorship. Also, it works with individual donors on programmatic concepts.
The Senior Administrative Director works closely with the SAR and PP Directors and team, as well as stakeholders across the organization to support programmatic planning efforts and department initiatives, as well as budget, HR, and other administrative functions. The position requires a hands-on, proactive administrative leader experienced in managing processes, projects, and people, with outstanding problem-solving and communication skills. The ideal candidate is flexible, adaptable, and thrives in a collaborative and complex environment, working with creative staff. The Senior Administrative Director reports jointly to the Director of Science, Arts, & Research and the Director of Public Programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership & Management
- Provide administrative leadership and guidance to the Science, Arts, & Research and Public Programs teams at both the individual and systems level; work as a thinking partner to the Directors and managers to support the priorities, strategic initiatives, and programmatic and financial goals of the groups
- Support the Directors in developing and coaching team members to cultivate a cohesive, creative, and inclusive working environment
- Champion institutional diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the SAR and PP teams, continually integrate DEI thinking into the evolution and dissemination of administrative systems and processes, and embrace the Exploratorium’s efforts to counteract and interrupt structural racism
- With the Directors, evolve thinking around program evaluation and measurement and help articulate impact
Budget, HR, & Administration
- With the Directors, lead the operating plan and budget development for the groups; work closely with program and finance staff in the budget and forecasting process
- Support Project Directors in drafting proposal budgets for grant projects submitted to federal, foundation, or corporate funding sources; support Project Directors and Project Managers in managing in-hand grant or foundation awards, including financial reporting
- Provide high-level administrative oversight of all programs and projects in the groups and serve as a key liaison with stakeholders across the organization
- Supervise and/or support SAR and PP administrative staff such Project Managers/Coordinators or Administrative Managers/Coordinators
- Lead inclusive recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts in close partnership with managers and Organizational Development, with an explicit focus on DEI
Communication & Collaboration
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the institution to develop, improve, and implement systems and processes to enhance organizational effectiveness
- Foster team communication; support staff in communicating with internal stakeholders, including Institutional Advancement, Organizational Development, Finance and across programmatic areas
- Work closely with the SAR and PP Directors to facilitate team meetings and lead staff engagement efforts
- Run point on special projects as needed
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 5-8 years of experience in a position of administrative management; experience working in a non-profit, cultural, or education institution preferred
- Experience creating and managing $1M+ multi-year grant, contract, or organizational budgets; strong preference for federal grants experience
- Intermediate spreadsheet skills (Excel, Google Sheets); fluency in project management and team collaboration software such as Basecamp, Smartsheet, Confluence/JIRA a plus
- Strong project management skills
- Demonstrated success developing, iterating, and driving adoption of administrative systems, processes, and tools
- Demonstrated ability to work with staff at all levels in a complex, dynamic environment; ability to foster and sustain inclusive workplace values and relationships with emotional resilience
- Experience managing inclusive recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes for new staff
- Exceptionally strong communication skills; demonstrated strength in clear, persuasive writing
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities
- Willingness to participate in occasional Exploratorium programs, events and receptions that may occur outside of normal working hours
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS
- Skill in coaching and mentorship
- Background in temporal programs or events a plus
- Experience reviewing contracts and working with vendors a plus
- Experience with program evaluation a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to work at computer for extended periods of time, utilize general office equipment, lift and carry up to 20 pounds short distances
- Work location is currently hybrid, with flexibility
APPLICATION DEADLINE
This position is open until filled
HOW TO APPLY
This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, non-union position that includes benefits. The salary range is $113,000 – $118,000, depending on skills and experience. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.
Please include a cover letter with your application telling us about your interest in the position and how your experience makes you a great candidate.
We will begin reviewing applications on September 6th.
Condition of Employment: Willingness and ability to provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination will be required. All medical or sincerely held religious belief exemptions regarding vaccination status will be considered.
As a group dedicated to creating impactful, empowering, and inspiring work intended for all audiences, especially underserved audiences, we believe that a range of lived experiences, voices, and perspectives directly contributes to the success of our team.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Exploratorium
Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please
The Exploratorium is committed to a diverse workforce.
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