President and Chief Executive Officer

The Saint Louis Science Center seeks an experienced and innovative leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Science Center through an era of transformation and community engagement. The President will direct a passionate team in leading the premier science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education organization in St. Louis. The Science Center is a well-respected institution that is a catalyst in building a more curious and scientifically informed community. 

With over 300,000 square feet of space, the Saint Louis Science Center is one of the largest and most popular science centers in the country. With an average of about 525,000 guests annually, it has consistently ranked among the top five science centers in the nation and one of the best free museums in the nation according to USA Today. The award-winning Science Center engages people through on-site experiences, including more than 750 hands-on exhibits, an OMNIMAX® Theater, one of just nine IMAX® Laser Dome theaters in the world, and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium featuring the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the Science Center educates, engages, and entertains more than 12,000 community members annually through outreach and education programs. In the science museum field, the Science Center has earned a reputation for award-winning educational programs and successful partnerships in the local community as well as nationally. 

The next President will join the Center at an opportune time for innovation. The organization has benefitted from an engaged board and a cohesive leadership team building out a strong operational and cultural foundation for the future. This is an exciting inflection point, as the President will be tasked with charting a rejuvenating course for the future and pursuing the philanthropic resources and community connections to make these ambitions a reality. Transforming the Science Center’s spaces, programs, and overall guest experiences will be an exciting priority for the next President. A community-focused institution supported by the Zoo Museum (ZMD) District and philanthropy, the President will enhance existing offerings, and bring in fresh ideas that showcase historical and cutting-edge innovations in science and technology. The President will collaboratively steward experiences that are exciting, interactive, and relevant to the scientific questions and issues of today and tomorrow. Guiding the work of the President and their team is an exciting mission—to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. 

Reporting to the Board of Commissioners, the next President will lead the Center’s momentum in sustaining the Science Center’s position as an innovative leader in science education and an exemplary civic and cultural institution in St. Louis. The Science Center has a legacy of inspiring diverse audiences to pursue education and careers in the sciences—a responsibility the President should be passionate about. Utilizing strong managerial expertise, attending to the operational and financial needs of the organization, generating excitement and growth for the Science Center, and leading philanthropic and community engagement efforts, the President will have the rare opportunity to build and execute bold and visionary plans in one of the premier science museums in the nation.

All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed electronically below.

Andy Lee is leading this search with Ivan Ceballos.

The Saint Louis Science Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.