Executive Director

Position Overview The Executive Director is the chief executive and visionary leader of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America and STEAM Science Center, a dynamic cultural and educational institution dedicated to exploring the intersections of art, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. The Executive Director will lead all aspects of organizational growth, including strategic planning, fundraising, operations, programming, marketing, and community engagement, while ensuring the museum’s mission to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation. This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader to guide a museum and science center that is both a regional cultural anchor and a national destination. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision Provide strong, inspirational leadership to achieve the museum’s mission and strategic goals. Lead the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans that enhance the museum’s visibility, impact, and sustainability. Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization, strengthening relationships with donors, partners, educators, artists, scientists, and community leaders. Foster strong board relations, ensuring clear communication and alignment on goals and priorities. Lead organizational change to adapt to emerging educational trends, digital engagement, and evolving visitor needs. Establish goals, performance metrics, and evaluation frameworks to measure impact and success. Fundraising & Development Design and lead comprehensive fundraising strategies to diversify and grow revenue streams, including grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, major gifts, and capital campaigns. Entrepreneurial approach to earned income streams (ticket sales, retail, events, membership). Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors on development initiatives. Operations, People Management & Financial Management Skilled in team leadership, inspiring staff and volunteers. Oversee facilities, daily operations and visitor services, ensuring smooth management of facilities, exhibitions, events, and visitor experiences. Develop and manage the annual budget; ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency. Hire, supervise, mentor and develop staff, fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture. Oversee risk management, governance, compliance, and safety protocols. Crisis management and problem-solving ability. Programming, Exhibitions & Visitor Experience Support the development of innovative exhibitions, programs, and events that highlight the intersections of art, science, and technology and appeal to diverse audiences. Collaborate with education and exhibit teams to create engaging STEAM-based learning opportunities for students and the public. Collaborate with artists, scientists, and cultural organizations to expand programming and partnerships. Integrate best practices in museum pedagogy, informal science education, and visitor experience design, including digital engagement and outreach. Community Engagement, Communication & Marketing Strengthen the museum’s role as a cultural, educational, and community hub for Pueblo, Southern Colorado, and beyond. Build partnerships with schools, universities, cultural organizations, local government, and industry. Champion equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion across programs and staffing. Serve as a dynamic public representative, with strong skills in storytelling, media relations, and public speaking. Cultivate stakeholder alignment through clear communication, interpersonal skills, and effective negotiation. Lead efforts to expand the museum’s brand visibility through marketing, public relations, and community outreach. Personal Attributes Visionary and pragmatic - able to think boldly while managing resources responsibly. Collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive leadership style. Resilient and adaptable in response to funding, societal, or institutional shifts. Deep passion for science, history, education, and public engagement. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, nonprofit management, arts administration, business administration, education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). Minimum of seven years of senior leadership experience in a museum, science center, cultural institution, or nonprofit organization. Proven track record in fundraising, development, and strategic planning. Strong financial management and budgeting experience. Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills. Experience cultivating community partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders. Passion for STEAM education, history, cultural enrichment, and the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci. Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking abilities. Preferable residency in Pueblo County, Colorado. How to Apply Submit a cover letter, resume, Key Selection Criteria, and three professional references to l.davincimuseumna@gmail.com with the subject line “Executive Director Application – Leonardo da Vinci Museum.” Applications close 31st October 2025. Key Selection Questions 1. Strategic Leadership and Vision Please provide examples of how you have demonstrated visionary leadership and developed or implemented long-term strategies that guided an organization through growth or change. 2. Fundraising and Development Please provide examples of your experience in securing diverse revenue streams (such as philanthropy, sponsorships, grants, or earned income) and how have you built and sustained strong donor or stakeholder relationships. 3. Operations, People Management & Financial Management Please provide examples of how you have managed complex operations, including budgeting, staff leadership, facilities oversight, and compliance, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and organizational sustainability. 4. Programming, Exhibitions & Visitor Experience Please provide examples of how you have supported or led the development of engaging and innovative exhibitions, programs, or educational or cultural experiences that served and attracted diverse audiences. 5. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Please provide examples of strategies you have used to build strong partnerships with community groups, educational institutions, cultural organizations, government, or industry, and how have you embedded equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in your work. 6. Communication and Public Presence Please provide examples of how you have used public speaking, media engagement, or storytelling to effectively represent your organization and connect with diverse audiences.

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