Opening in 2015, the Science Mill is a nonprofit science museum dedicated to engaging all students in STEM through hands-on, interactive exhibits and remotely delivered programs. Kids learn by doing, experimenting, discovering and, most importantly, by being curious.
The Science Mill is a place of minds-on participation — fully experiential, where curiosity is the primary currency and the intentional chaos of active learning is celebrated. Operating primarily in Texas with a 50-exhibit museum in Johnson City, the Science Mill has successfully delivered STEM programs in other states and countries.
Our vision: A world where all kids — regardless of economic status, location, gender, or race — have equitable access to STEM programs and can imagine themselves in a future STEM workforce and science-literate community.
The Science Mill seeks an accomplished, dynamic, and visionary full-time Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and statewide impact. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader passionate about informal STEM learning environments and committed to expanding equitable access to high-quality educational experiences.
As Executive Director, you will serve as the organization's senior leader and primary ambassador — connecting students, educators, donors, partners, and community leaders to a compelling vision for the future of STEM education in Texas. The successful candidate will bring both vision and execution, balancing long-term strategy with hands-on leadership.
- Provide bold, forward-thinking leadership that advances the Science Mill's mission, values, and long-term strategic goals.
- Lead organizational strategy, planning, prioritization, and execution to expand reach, relevance, and impact across the region and state.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Lead all fundraising strategy and execution; serve as the organization's chief external representative with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Cultivate, steward, and solicit high-level philanthropic relationships, connecting donors to the Science Mill's mission and measurable impact.
- Develop compelling narratives, proposals, grant applications, and presentations that inspire transformational investment.
- Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and adjust strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Ensure the Mill's financial health through prudent management of all organizational assets, including oversight, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
- Ensure disciplined budgeting, financial controls, monitoring, and transparent reporting.
- Identify opportunities to optimize contributed and earned revenue and control costs.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing leadership team capable of supporting organizational growth and operational excellence.
- Foster a supportive, collaborative work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent in a mission-driven culture.
- Lead with results-driven perspective, humility, and trust-based relationships that motivate and enable teams.
- Oversee all day-to-day operational functions including programs, facilities, exhibits, fundraising, and administrative systems.
- Ensure program quality, innovation, and alignment with best practices.
- Expand the Science Mill's footprint through strategic partnerships, outreach initiatives, and new program delivery models.
- Champion excellence in every student experience, with a strong focus on serving underserved and marginalized communities.
- Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to support effective governance, transparency, and accountability.
- Provide timely, accurate communications to enable effective board decision-making.
- Support board engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and strategic initiatives.
The ideal candidate will be a proven senior leader. Experience in science, museums, or STEM education is desired — however, the Board is primarily focused on a track record of fundraising success, financial acumen, leadership capability, and operational excellence.
- 5+ years of senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, operations, personnel development, and organizational growth.
- Experience in a STEM-related field or nonprofit is an asset.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue development, including major gifts, foundation support, corporate partnerships, and grant applications.
- Proven track record working with boards, donors, and diverse stakeholders.
- Strong connections and networking within Texas for fundraising and program growth is a plus.
- BSc or BA in business, management, finance, or a STEM-related area.
- Strong financial acumen; Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is a plus.
- Experience strengthening an institution financially through individual donors, foundations, corporate stakeholders, and suppliers.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire donors, policymakers, educators, and students alike.
- Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable navigating ambiguity while wearing multiple hats.
- Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and lead high-performing teams.
This search is being conducted on behalf of the Board of Directors. All inquiries will be handled confidentially. Please submit a resume and letter of interest outlining your passion for the Science Mill's mission, your fundraising accomplishments, and your leadership experience.
Apply at info@sciencemill.org For more information, visit sciencemill.orgThe Science Mill is seeking dedicated, energetic individuals to join our Education team as Education Specialists. In this position, you will engage with museum visitors of all ages, teach students in a classroom setting, and facilitate our educational programs at the Science Mill and in area schools and communities — with a focus on STEM career opportunities.
If you are a high-energy, driven relationship builder interested in providing solutions to improve educational quality and equity, we want to meet you!
- Facilitate Science Mill educational programs for visiting school groups and organizations in the classroom lab, using established curriculum and hands-on learning approaches.
- Collaborate with the Education team to ensure consistent, high-quality visitor experiences across all programs.
- Assist with data collection, feedback, or basic reporting as needed to support program evaluation and improvement.
- Engage museum guests of all ages on the exhibit floor by explaining scientific concepts, encouraging exploration, and connecting activities to real-world STEM careers.
- Adapt facilitation style and content to meet the needs of diverse audiences, including different age groups, learning styles, and backgrounds.
- Deliver off-site programs at area schools, community events, and partner locations, leading interactive STEM activities and representing the Science Mill in the community.
- Willingness and ability to travel locally to schools, community events, and partner sites as needed.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to transport basic program materials.
- Support the setup, breakdown, and care of program materials, exhibits, and supplies.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing schedules and environments.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, school holidays, and occasional evenings.
- Experience working with children or youth in a formal or informal learning environment (classrooms, museums, camps, afterschool programs, or community programs).
- Ability to confidently facilitate hands-on educational activities for groups of varying sizes and ages, from early learners through adults.
- Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain STEM concepts in clear, engaging, and age-appropriate ways.
- Comfortable engaging the public in an interactive museum setting, including initiating conversations with visitors and adapting to different learning styles.
- Background or coursework in STEM or STEAM fields, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related area.
- Two or more years of experience working with K–8 or K–12 students in formal or informal education settings.
- Background in STEM or STEAM education, including experience facilitating hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities.
- Experience teaching or facilitating programs for diverse audiences, including students from economically disadvantaged, rural, or historically underrepresented communities.
- Comfort connecting STEM concepts to real-world applications and career pathways in engaging, age-appropriate ways.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Experience supporting or leading outreach programs, community events, or off-site educational programming.
- Familiarity with Texas education standards or informal science education best practices.
Send your resume and cover letter telling us about your experience with students and your passion for hands-on STEM education.
Apply at info@sciencemill.org For more information, visit sciencemill.orgThe Science Mill is seeking dedicated, energetic individuals to join our Visitor Services team as Exhibit Explainers. In this position, you will engage with visitors of all ages, helping to interpret our interactive STEM exhibits while emphasizing STEM career opportunities — and helping maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all guests.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced setting, loves interacting with both adults and children, and brings genuine enthusiasm for science and discovery. No previous experience required — we'll train you!
- Explain STEM exhibits to guide exploration for kids of all ages, both inside the museum and in the outdoor Science and Arts Park.
- Provide the highest standard of customer service to all museum visitors.
- Share enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, art, and math in every interaction.
- Turn on exhibits and prepare the museum for the day at opening.
- Turn off exhibits and clean public spaces at close.
- Sanitize and clean exhibits throughout the day to maintain a safe environment for all guests.
- Encouraging, professional attitude and strong communication skills.
- Passion for working with children and a genuine interest in STEM subjects.
- Willingness to learn new skills and help teach visitors about our unique exhibits.
- Ability to multitask, work hard, and be a team player.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Previous customer service or hospitality experience is a plus.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs is a plus.
- No previous experience required — on-site training will be provided.
Send your resume and cover letter and tell us why you'd love sharing the excitement of science and discovery with our visitors every day.
Apply at info@sciencemill.org For more information, visit sciencemill.org