Executive Director

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors

About the Science Mill

Opening in 2015, the Science Mill is a nonprofit science museum dedicatedto engaging all students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through hands‑on, interactive exhibits and remotely delivered programs. Kids learn by doing, experimenting, discovering and, most importantly, by being curious.

The Science Mill is a place of minds‑on participation, fully experiential, where curiosity is the primary currency and the intentional chaos of active learning is celebrated. Through our interactive museum, camps, offsite programming and virtual resources, students gain confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills

Our vision is a world where all kids - regardless of economic status, location, gender or race - have equitable access to STEM programs and are able to imagine themselves in a future STEM workforce and a participant in a science literate community.

Operating primarily in Texas, which includes a 50 exhibit museum in Johnson City, the Science Mill has successfully delivered STEM programs in other states and countries.

The Opportunity

The Science Mill seeks an accomplished, dynamic and visionary full‑time Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and statewide impact. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader who is passionate about informal STEM learning environments and committed to expanding equitable access to high‑quality educational experiences. As Executive Director, you will serve as the organization’s senior leader and primary ambassador, connecting students, educators, donors, partners, and community leaders to a compelling vision for the future of STEM education in Texas. You will lead ambitious growth plans, strengthen financial sustainability and position the Science Mill as a premier center for innovation in STEM education. The successful candidate will bring both vision and execution—balancing long‑term strategy with hands‑on leadership.

The Board is seeking a leader who can:

• Strengthen financial sustainability
• Increase fundraising capacity, donor engagement and grant application success
• Build, lead and inspire a high‑performing staff team
• Ensure operational efficiency, museum quality and program impact
• Act as a STEM Champion and serve as a visible and trusted leader within the STEM and Education communities

Key Responsibilities

Visionary & Strategic Leadership

• Provide bold, forward‑thinking leadership that advances the Science Mill’s mission, values, and long‑term strategic goals.
• Lead organizational strategy, planning, prioritizing and execution to expand the Science Mill’s reach, relevance, and impact across the region and state.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Lead all fundraising strategy and execution and serve as the organization’s chief external representative with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, education and public‑sector stakeholders.
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit high‑level philanthropic relationships, effectively connecting donors to the Science Mill’s mission and measurable impact.
• Lead the development of compelling narratives, proposals, grant applications, and presentations that inspire transformational investment.
• Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and adjust strategies to ensure long‑term financial sustainability.
• Ensure the Mill’s financial health through prudent management of all organizational assets, including financial oversight, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
• Ensure disciplined budgeting, financial controls, monitoring and transparent reporting.
• Identify opportunities to optimize contributed and earned revenue and control costs.

Organizational Management

• Lead and mentor a high‑performing leadership team capable of supporting organizational growth and operational excellence.
• Foster a supportive, collaborative work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent in a mission‑driven organizational culture.
• A Balanced Leader: Results‑driven with perspective, humility, and trust‑based relationships to motivate and enable teams.
• Oversee all day‑to‑day operational functions including programs, facilities, exhibits, fund‑raising and administrative systems managed by the Leadership Team.
• Ensure program quality, innovation, and alignment with best practices.
• Oversee marketing and administrative functions to ensure quality, efficiency, compliance and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Expand the Science Mill’s footprint through strategic partnerships, outreach initiatives, new program delivery models and prospective capital expenditures.
• Champion excellence in every student experience, with a strong focus on serving underserved and marginalized communities.

Board Partnership & Governance

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to support effective governance, transparency, and accountability.
• Provide timely, accurate communications to enable effective board decision‑making.
• Support board engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and strategic initiatives.

Experience & Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a proven senior leader. Experience in science, museums, or STEM education is desired however the Board is primarily focused on a track record of fundraising success, financial acumen, leadership capability, and operational excellence.

Leadership & Experience

• 5+ years senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, operations, personnel development and organizational growth.
• Experience in a STEM related field or a non‑profit is an asset.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue development, including major gifts, foundation support, corporate partnerships, grant applications as well as overall program and admissions growth.
• Proven track record working with boards, donors, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong connections and networking within Texas for fundraising and program growth is a plus.
• BSc or BA in business, management, finance or a STEM related area
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is a plus.
• Experience strengthening an institution financially by working successfully with individual donors, foundations, corporate stakeholders and suppliers.
• A Balanced Leader: Results‑driven with perspective, humility, and trust‑based relationships to motivate and enable teams.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire audiences ranging from donors and policymakers to educators and students.
• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset who is comfortable navigating ambiguity while wearing multiple hats.
• Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and lead high‑performing teams.
• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Flexibility: Hybrid and remote work options available.

How to Apply

This search is being conducted on behalf of the Board of Directors. All inquiries will be handled confidentially. Please submit a resume and letter of interest outlining your passion for The Science Mill’s mission, your fund raising accomplishments, skills, as well as leadership and management experience to

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