[Nhcoll-l] Position Description - Chief Scientist at the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences

[Kathy Leacock]

*BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES POSITION DESCRIPTION*

*Chief Scientist*



*Inspiring Curiosity through Exploration *

*Valuing Nature’s Wisdom*



*Department: *Collections

*Position Title: *Chief Scientist

*Primary Reporting Responsibility: *Deputy Director

*Status: *Full Time/ Exempt



*Overview:* At the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, we believe that
science creates opportunities and shapes our world. We take pride in
providing an environment that inspires curiosity, self-directed learning,
and fun for our guests of all ages. We know that when you mix GREAT SERVICE
with GREAT PEOPLE, the result is LASTING MEMORIES for our guests.

*Summary of Position: *The Chief Scientist is responsible for directing and
advancing the Society’s mission through the communication, development, and
integration of scientific content and delivery in exhibits, experiences,
and programs.  Working across the organization, they have accountability
for ensuring the accuracy of scientific content in programs and exhibits
and play a critical role in the selection of science topics that are
presented to our community. The Chief Scientist is the liaison between the
Society and the academic, scientific, and educational communities and
delivers content in accordance with our educational pedagogy, which is rich
in inquiry-based user directed discovery, and fun.



*Essential Functions:  *

   - Support the Society’s Strategic Plan and harness the collective skills
   and resources of the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve to
   be the leading cultural voice for science in our region
   - Ensure access to appropriate depth of science content, emerging
   science information, and the evolving role of science in society
   - Facilitate hands-on programs and communicate science to diverse
   audiences prioritizing the Society’s special brand of informal STEM
   learning which makes science exciting, accessible, and fun
   - Provide scientific oversight in the development of exhibits,
   experiences, and programs
   - Assist in developing grant proposals by providing content area
   expertise
   - Manage and nurture the relationships between the Society and its
   affiliate organizations and research associates
   - Be the public face of “science” for the Society
   - Actively pursue and maintain local, regional, statewide, and national
   partners for science content expertise and research
   - Serve as the primary staff member supporting the Society’s Science
   Advisory Committee, and other ad-hoc advisory groups
   - Assist the Chief Development Officer with corporate, foundation, and
   individual appeals as necessary
   - Contribute fully to cross departmental teams on special projects as
   called upon by the President & CEO

*Education, Experience, Skills, and Qualities Required:*

   - A Doctorate in a scientific or closely related field required
   - A working knowledge of basic and general sciences, the scientific
   process, and the ability to interpret academic topics for a general
   audience
   - Classroom education experience desired
   - Experience in effectively and energetically communicating science
   content to a variety of audiences
   - Solid evidence of creativity and innovation in presenting science to
   the public
   - Exemplary critical thinking skills and decision-making practices
   - Competency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, and Excel)
   - Experience working collaboratively and ability to foster multiple
   partnerships
   - Position requires occasional evening and weekend hours
   - A passion for lifelong learning and a natural sense of curiosity





*Physical Demands:*

   - Reading printed material and computer screens regularly


   - Hearing and talking with people inside and outside the organization
   - Moving around and between the Society’s sites and program/partner
   locations
   - Valid NYS driver’s license



The Society’s culture is one of collaboration, collegiality, and teamwork.
The Chief Scientist must have a desire to work in a mission-first and
audience-centered culture following the Society’s core values of integrity,
engagement, diversity, and knowledge. The Chief Scientist must intend to
produce products and experiences of exceptionally high quality and to enjoy
work and colleagues.



The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate
the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this
position. This job description is not intended to be interpreted as a
comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications,
and work conditions of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole
discretion to add or modify the duties of this position and designate other
functions as essential at any point in time.



The salary range for this position is mid-to-high $70,000s, commensurate
with experience.



*Equal Opportunity Employer*: At the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences,
we believe that to achieve the greatest potential in opportunity,
innovation, and discovery, as well as to reach the highest level of
effectiveness and well-informed decision making, diversity of experience
and viewpoints is paramount. Further, as a mission-first organization that
seeks to be a welcoming and welcomed resource for all in our community, the
Society strives to reflect the great diversity of those living in western
New York. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and
life experience. The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences is an Equal
Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.



Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names of three reference to
careers at sciencebuff.org









KATHRYN H. LEACOCK

Deputy Director

Overseeing Collections, Staff Engagement, and Special Projects

Buffalo Museum of Science, Tifft Nature Preserve

1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, New York 14211

OFFICE  716 896 5200 x376 |  MOBILE 716 870 1679

*Website <http://www.sciencebuff.org/>*
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