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Executive Director Science Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rolling Start, Inc

Executive Director

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Are You Ready to Lead a Powerful Center for Independent Living in California's Inland Empire? Become the Next Executive Director of Rolling Start, Inc. (San Bernardino, Inyo & Mono Counties) ABOUT ...

Fio Partners, LLC

... science, and the natural environment. The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is a vibrant 120 ... Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Directoris responsible for advancing the ...

Spirit League

Executive Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

The Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center -- an Oakland-based 501(c)(3) founded in the tradition of ... As chief executive, the Executive Director carries full nonprofit leadership responsibility ...

Yurok Tribe (CA)

Executive Director

Klamath, CA · On-site

$128K - $194K/yr

The Executive Director also provides directions and guidance to the Yurok Council as it carries out ... Science, Native American Studies, Business Management or related field; or a Bachelor's Degree in ...

Joyful Jobs

Executive Director

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Company Description EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY Center for Collaborative Learning Tucson, Arizona (On-Site) POSITION OVERVIEW The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CITY Center ...

Center for Law and Education

Executive Director Reporting to the Board of Directors Boston, Massachusetts (Hybrid) The Center for Law and Education (CLE) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ...

Joyful Jobs

Executive Director

Tucson, AZ · On-site

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY Center for Collaborative Learning Tucson, Arizona (On-Site) POSITION OVERVIEW The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CITY Center for Collaborative ...

Joyful Jobs

Executive Director

Tucson, AZ · On-site

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CITY Center for Collaborative Learning Tucson, Arizona (On-Site) POSITION OVERVIEW The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CITY Center for Collaborative ...

AHG MASTER

Executive Director

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

About the position The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and operational management of the treatment center. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the facility operates ...

TNC Community

Executive Director

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Executive Director Independence Center St. Louis, Missouri The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Independence Center to recruit the organization's next Executive Director. Organizational ...

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Executive Director Science Center information

See salary details

$36.5K

$101.4K

$185K

How much do executive director science center jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director science center in the United States is $101,436.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive director of a science center?

An Executive Director of a Science Center is the chief executive responsible for the overall leadership, strategic vision, and daily operations of the science center. This role involves overseeing staff, managing budgets, fundraising, developing educational programs, and fostering community partnerships. The Executive Director ensures the center fulfills its mission to educate and engage the public in science, technology, and innovation. They also serve as the public face of the organization, representing the center at local, regional, and national levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive director at a science center?

To thrive as an Executive Director at a Science Center, you need a background in science education or museum management, strong leadership experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with fundraising platforms, grant management systems, and educational program design tools is important. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and relationship-building skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies ensure effective organizational leadership, robust community engagement, and sustainable growth for the science center.

What are some common challenges faced by an executive director at a science center, and how can they be addressed?

Executive Directors at Science Centers often face challenges such as securing sustainable funding, balancing educational goals with operational demands, and fostering community engagement. Addressing these challenges requires strong relationship-building with donors and partners, effective team leadership, and innovative programming to attract diverse audiences. Staying informed about trends in science education and leveraging partnerships with schools, businesses, and other institutions can also help ensure the center's long-term impact and growth.

What is the difference between Executive Director Science Center vs Program Manager Science Center?

AspectExecutive Director Science CenterProgram Manager Science Center
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in science, management experienceBachelor's or Master's degree in science or related field, project management experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing entire center, strategic planningManaging specific programs or projects within the center
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, science centers, non-profitsResearch organizations, educational institutions, science centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Executive Director Science Center holds a higher leadership position, responsible for overall strategy and management, while the Program Manager Science Center focuses on managing specific programs or projects within the center. Both roles require relevant science credentials, but the Executive Director has broader responsibilities and strategic oversight.

What are popular job titles related to Executive Director Science Center jobs?

For Executive Director Science Center jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Executive Director Science Center job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,436 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Executive Director

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

Rolling Start, Inc
See more jobs at Rolling Start, Incexternal

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Are You Ready to Lead a Powerful Center for Independent Living in California’s Inland Empire?
Become the Next Executive Director of Rolling Start, Inc.
 (San Bernardino, Inyo & Mono Counties)

ABOUT ROLLING START, INC.

Rolling Start, Inc. is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living (CIL) that has served people with disabilities for nearly five decades. Incorporated in October 1977, Rolling Start was founded by two individuals with spinal cord disabilities, Nick Hambrick and David Ritter, and began as a grassroots advocacy organization led largely by volunteers with disabilities.  From its earliest days, Rolling Start has been a strong voice for disability access and inclusion, helping achieve important community improvements such as the installation of blue curbs in downtown San Bernardino and wheelchair lifts on local public transit buses. Rolling Start’s mission is to empower and educate people with disabilities to achieve the independent life of their choice. Today, Rolling Start serves approximately 1,500 consumers annually across an expansive service region of more than 33,000 square miles, covering San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties.
 Rolling Start delivers core independent living services including:
 • Independent Living Skills Training
 • Information and Referral
 • Individual and Systems Advocacy
 • Peer Support
 • Transition Services
 • Assistive Technology Services
 • Employment Support and Job Club
 • Housing Assistance and Referrals
 • Personal Assistant Referrals and Training
 • Transportation Advocacy and Support
 
 Rolling Start believes in the power of advocacy, independence, and opportunity—and has earned recognition and awards from government and community leaders for its impact and leadership.
The Opportunity
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a proven disability rights and nonprofit leader to become the next Executive Director of Rolling Start, Inc.—a respected, mission-driven Center for Independent Living with deep roots in California’s disability community.
 The next Executive Director will inherit an organization with a proud history of advocacy, direct services, and community leadership. Rolling Start is well-positioned for its next era of growth and impact, and the new Executive Director will play a critical role in strengthening organizational capacity, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring Rolling Start continues to be a powerful voice for disability rights and independent living. The successful candidate will be a visionary and strategic leader who brings strong management skills, excellent communication ability, and a deep commitment to the Independent Living philosophy. Rolling Start’s Board and staff place a high value on a leader who is self-aware, committed to disability and social justice, collaborative, transparent, open to shared learning, genuinely compassionate. and dedicated to empowering both consumers and staff.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director serves as Rolling Start’s chief executive and is responsible for leading the organization in alignment with its mission, strategic priorities, and Independent Living philosophy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide leadership across all aspects of the organization including advocacy, program development, fiscal oversight, staff supervision, fundraising, and external relations. The Executive Director must be an inspiring ambassador for Rolling Start, building relationships across diverse communities and serving as a trusted leader with government agencies, funders, partners, consumers, and stakeholders.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe Executive Director will:
·        Provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance Rolling Start’s mission and Independent Living philosophy.
·        Partner closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational goals and long-term strategy.
·        Oversee all Rolling Start programs and ensure high-quality, consumer-driven service delivery across the service region.
·        Support fundraising, grant development, and donor engagement to strengthen financial sustainability.
·        Lead, supervise, and support staff while fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
·        Serve as Rolling Start’s chief spokesperson and a visible leader in the disability rights and independent living community.
·        Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, funders, and key stakeholders.
·        Lead systems advocacy efforts and represent Rolling Start in public policy and community forums.
·        Ensure strong fiscal management, operational effectiveness, and organizational compliance.
·        Promote Rolling Start’s public presence through effective communication, outreach, and community engagement.
QualificationsRequired Education and Experience
The ideal candidate MUST have strong management and disability rights leadership experience and bring strong leadership experience and a commitment to disability justice and independent living.
 
 
1.     A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
2.     Nonprofit management experience of 5-7 years is necessary, preferably in a disability rights or independent living setting.
3.     Knowledge of the civil rights movement for people with disabilities, including current trends and issues, and federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. Systemic advocacy experience is preferred.

4.     Experience working with non-profit volunteer board. 
5.     Documented experience in employee supervision including a successful track record of recruiting and retaining a diverse team.
6.     Strong budgeting, financial oversight, and operational management skills.
7.     Lived experience with disability and deep connection to the disability community is strongly valued.
8.     Demonstrated fundraising and/or grant development experience 
9.     Excellent coalition-building skills.
10.  Excellent organizational development skills.
11.  Superior communication skills, including written communication.
12.  Exceptional presentation skills.
13.  Strong analytic skills.
14.  Ability to influence others and educate policy makers.
15.  Ability to travel within the state and nationally.
 
Personal Characteristics
The ideal Executive Director will be:
 • A mission-driven leader committed to disability rights and full inclusion
 • A strategic thinker with strong organizational judgment
 • An empathetic and approachable leader who listens well
 • A strong communicator and relationship-builder
 • A collaborative partner who leads with integrity and transparency
 • A leader who values staff development and supports a healthy workplace culture
 • Passionate about empowering people with disabilities to advocate for their needs and achieve independence
Location
This is a full-time, in-office position located at Rolling Start’s San Bernardino office with weekly visits to the Victorville Office for the first three months of employment. The Executive Director is expected to work on-site and provide day-to-day leadership to staff and operations. Rolling Start serves a large region across San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties, covering approximately 33,000 square miles. The Executive Director must be able to engage with the communities served and travel throughout the service area as needed.
 
Compensation and Benefits
Commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, the salary range for the position is $90,000 – $100,000 annually. In addition to generous paid time off, Rolling Start provides an excellent benefits package. 
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, serious candidates should submit applications, on or before, August 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applications should contain a resume and thoughtful cover letter that must describe how your skills and experience meet the qualifications and personal characteristics stated above and in the job description. Email application and any request for accommodations to Christine Griffin, cgriffin@benderconsult.com with Rolling Start Executive Director Search in the subject line. Please include how you heard about the search.
Rolling Start has retained the executive search firm and certified woman with a disability-owned business enterprise, Bender Consulting Services, Inc. to conduct this search, www.benderconsult.com. 
Rolling Start Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
Rolling Start, Inc. is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. Rolling Start encourages applications from people with disabilities and individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and lived experience backgrounds. Rolling Start does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Rolling Start is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities.