Executive Director

Science Vortex of the Verde Valley is an established, growing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for learners of all ages. Serving more than 8,000 children, families, and community members annually, Science Vortex provides hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education through school partnerships, visiting classes, camps, public events, and community outreach throughout rural Northern Arizona. We are seeking a passionate, resourceful, and community-minded Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter.

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of Science Vortex, working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, schools, donors, and community partners.This position is ideal for someone who enjoys both big-picture leadership and hands-on involvement in educational programming. The successful candidate will strengthen financial sustainability, cultivate partnerships, oversee operations, and help shape the organization's future.

• Leadership & Operations: Lead organizational operations, supervise staff and volunteers, and collaborate with the Board of Directors on strategic priorities.
• Educational Programming: Oversee hands-on STEAM programs, school visits, camps, and community events while participating in educational activities as needed.
• Fundraising & Development: Secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships. Build and maintain donor relationships.
• Financial Management: Oversee budgets, nonprofit compliance, financial planning, and organizational resources.
• Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout the Verde Valley.
• Marketing & Outreach: Guide communications, marketing, public relations, and community outreach.
• Strategic Growth: Identify opportunities to expand programs, increase organizational capacity, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
  

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to accessible STEAM education and community engagement.

Preferred Experience:

• Nonprofit leadership, education, museum administration, or community organization management.
• Grant writing, fundraising, donor stewardship, and financial management.
• Classroom teaching, science education, or informal STEAM programming.
• Staff supervision and volunteer management.
• Community partnerships and public relations.
• Nonprofit administration, including IRS Form 990 preparation or oversight.
• Google Workspace and Canva.

Additional preferred qualifications include teaching certification, a master's degree in a related field, or experience leading a nonprofit organization.

Teaching certification is preferred but not required. Candidates with relevant nonprofit leadership or informal education experience are encouraged to apply.

This position offers significant scheduling flexibility, with the autonomy to organize the workweek according to organizational needs. Occasional evenings and weekends are required for programs and community events. Science Vortex does not currently offer an employee benefits package. The incoming Executive Director will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Board of Directors to strengthen financial sustainability and explore future benefits as funding allows.

The ideal start date is mid-January 2027, with flexibility for the right candidate.

The selected candidate will initially serve as Co-Director alongside the current Executive Director and founder, allowing for a thoughtful transition before assuming full leadership on May 15, 2027.

Application Deadline: November 18, 2026

To be considered, applicants must complete the Science Vortex online application and submit a current resume.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/nB6D1uV37q84rRkt9

Applications will be reviewed by the Science Vortex hiring committee. Selected candidates will be contacted regarding next steps.

Join Science Vortex and help inspire the next generation through hands-on STEAM education!