The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History seeks a new Head of Invention Education.
The Lemelson Center (https://invention.si.edu) engages, educates, and empowers the public to participate in technological, economic, and social change. We undertake historical research, develop educational initiatives, create exhibitions, and host public programming to advance new perspectives on invention and innovation and to foster interactions between the public and inventors.
The Head of Invention Education develops new invention education programs, leads the ongoing operation of Draper Spark!Lab, and oversees a growing national network of Spark!Lab sites across the United States. Spark!Lab is a hands-on invention space in NMAH for children around ages 6 to 12 and caregivers that incorporates displays of historical inventions, biographies of inventors, and information about invention as a process.
POSITION INVOLVES:
- Supervising a team of educators and facilitators to manage the daily operations of Draper Spark!Lab
- Overseeing and expanding the Spark!Lab National Network (8 sites at present)
- Identifying and building new national and international initiatives drawing on the Center’s research
- Developing relationships with donors and partners that lead to support for the Center’s educational programming
- Planning and managing budgets
- Writing proposals and reports
- Serving as a member on exhibition and public program teams
- Collaborating with cross-Smithsonian educational programs
QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful candidate must have an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in education, museum studies, or a scientific, engineering, or historical discipline, and 5 or more years of relevant work experience. Experience in leadership and developing partnerships for educational programs, a vision for informal invention education and how to inspire a sense of inventiveness among diverse audiences, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues on a variety of projects are required. Must be willing to travel up to 20% of the time.
The Lemelson Center has a distinctive organizational culture that seeks to emulate how inventors work. We experiment, iterate, learn, and aim to apply new methods for engaging audiences on the broadest scale. Team members work collaboratively, challenge one another, and make decisions with a high degree of autonomy. We strive for a startup culture while working inside a large organization with a highly valued brand and global reach.
SALARY INFORMATION:
This is a full-time, Trust (non-Federal) position at IS-13, Step 1. The annual salary is $96,970 with excellent benefits.
To apply, please send the following as a single .pdf document to Arthur Daemmrich at daemmricha@si.edu:
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the position, managerial and leadership experience, and vision for invention education.
- A resumé or concise c.v.
- Two writing samples (e.g., a program plan, a strategy document, a white paper, a popular press article, a new media essay, and/or a peer-reviewed publication).
- Contact information for three references.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (eastern), Friday, March 30, 2018.
The Smithsonian is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
