Director of Maker & Innovation Lab

PacSci•Seattle, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Science Center’s mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. We seek a mission-driven, visionary leader to serve as Director of the Maker & Innovation Lab (MIL), guiding the development and operation of facility that will extend the curiosity and exploration at the heart of scientific discovery to the creative problem-solving at the center of engineering, innovation, and design. From the outset, this role requires balancing the simultaneous demands of developing and operating the Lab, holding a clear, forward-looking vision while navigating day-to-day responsibilities. Development will be rooted in an iterative process of prototyping with daily visitors, “designing by doing,” ensuring that the MIL evolves responsively and creatively. This space will combine elements of a community makerspace with hands-on experiences for PacSci visitors, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and learning.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership in exhibit, interactive, or entertainment-style industries, with at least 5 years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated success managing large projects from concept through implementation.
Experience adopting and implementing new technologies.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, majority of work hours onsite.
Knowledge of: Exhibit design and development methodology; evolving trends in experience development and technology use. Operational, safety, and maintenance needs of interactive spaces. Agile practices in experience development. Principles of administration, budgeting, and project management. Strategic planning and effective community engagement.
Skills & Abilities: Passion for educational possibilities in Makerspaces and drop-in visitor experiences. Demonstrated familiarity with common Makerspace tools and technologies, coupled with a personal maker mindset and hands-on experience. Strong project management and ability to manage multiple priorities. Collaborative leadership with the ability to inspire and mentor teams. Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal. Ability to embrace ambiguity, lead through change, and maintain an innovative mindset. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and file-sharing platforms (e.g., SharePoint).

Nice To Haves

Experience with grant proposal development and oversight.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision: Guide the development and implementation of visionary plans and strategies for the Maker & Innovation Lab. Provide short- and long-term direction as a member of the Management Team.
Collaboration & Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with community partners to ensure MIL responds to community needs and occupies a meaningful niche in the Maker ecosystem. Work closely with cross-functional departments and teams, especially Fundraising, Exhibits Studio, Education, and Guest Services.
Program Development & Execution: Lead execution of grant-funded projects, such as collaborations with Tribal Community Artisans and advisors. Model and promote collaborative efforts across internal teams and external stakeholders to create engaging guest experiences.
Team Leadership & Management: Hire, supervise, and mentor staff and external vendors; actively support professional growth and development to build a high-performing, innovative team. Model collaborative leadership by fostering open communication, shared problem-solving, and cross-functional teamwork. Advocate for team resources and foster a culture of curiosity, inclusion, and calculated risk-taking.
Financial & Operational Oversight: Establish departmental budgets and oversee grant management and reporting analysis. Assist in developing attendance goals and strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
IDEA Commitment: Champion Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) initiatives to attract and engage a workforce and partnerships that reflect the community we aim to serve.