SEARCH THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR
EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE
THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Washington, DC
“an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge…” -James Smithson, 1826
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH or Museum) invites applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Visitor Experience (ADEOVE). As the nation’s premier museum of natural history, the NMNH works to inspire a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for science and the natural world among all of the audiences who visit and who access the resources of the Museum. It also seeks to play an expanded role in facilitating public dialogue on important issues such as evolution, climate change, biodiversity, and global health.
Under the new leadership of Secretary Lonnie Bunch, the entire Smithsonian Institution has focused its efforts on engaging and inspiring a larger audience while catalyzing critical conversations on issues that are currently affecting our nation and the world. The NMNH is uniquely positioned to fill a leadership role in the vital work of furthering public awareness of science and the scientific process and encouraging and facilitating dialogue between the general public and the scientific community. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Dr. Ian Owens, the ADEOVE will lead a department comprised of 50 staff and 20 contractors motivated by the belief that everyone can learn science. Under the ADEOVE’s leadership, this department will build on and expand its innovative education and outreach strategy, aimed at providing an
engaging experience for all of the NMNH’s visitors.
The Museum seeks an innovative, collaborative, and dedicated professional, with comprehensive informal education experience. The ADEOV will be an excellent communicator, with broad experience in leading, retaining, and recruiting an extensive staff. As a leader at a major natural history museum, the ADEOV should be intellectual curios and well-equipped to work alongside science experts in helping them to engage with diverse audiences. Finally, the ADEOV should expect to be a creative and innovative leader in the management and development of the NMNH’s financial resources.
NMNH has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this recruitment. All applications, inquiries, and nominations, which will remain confidential, should be directed via www.imsearch.com/7538 .
The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed on the search website. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.