Description

• Job Title: Deputy Director
• Organization: Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America & STEAM Science Center (Opening SPRING 2026)
• Location: Pueblo, Colorado 
• Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Overview

The Deputy Director supports the President in providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of North America and STEAM Science Center, an emerging cultural and educational start-up organization  dedicated to exploring the intersections of art, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.  The museum is actively in development and working toward a public opening in Spring 2026.

This role is responsible for helping build and launch the museum by coordinating day-to-day operations across departments, advancing institutional goals related to organizational growth, strategic planning, fundraising, programming, marketing and community engagement, and helping establish the systems, policies, and practices needed for long-term organizational effectiveness.  The Deputy Director acts as a key internal leader, helping translate the museum’s mission of igniting curiosity, encouraging exploration, and inspiring creativity into executable programs and operational practices.

This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader to help shape and guide a museum and science center in its formative stage, positioning it to become both a regional cultural anchor and a national destination.

Key Responsibilities

     Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President in planning, goal setting, and execution of the museum’s mission, vision and strategic goals.
• Assist in the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans that enhance the museum’s visibility, impact, and sustainability.
• Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for the organization, strengthening relationships with donors, partners, educators, artists, scientists, and community leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture. Guide organizational changes necessary to align with strategic plan with flexibility to adapt to emerging educational trends, digital engagement, and evolving visitor needs.
• Establish goals, performance metrics, and evaluation frameworks to measure impact and success.

     Fundraising & Development

• Assist in designing and leading comprehensive fundraising strategies to diversify and grow revenue streams, including grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, major gifts, and capital campaigns.
• Entrepreneurial approach to earned income streams (ticket sales, retail, events, membership).
• Assist in cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

     Operations & Management

• Skilled in team leadership, inspiring staff and volunteers.
• Oversee daily operations, facilities, and visitor services, ensuring smooth management of exhibitions, events, and visitor experiences.
• Hire, supervise, mentor and develop staff, fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with museum standards, ethical guidelines, risk management, governance, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols.
• Crisis management and problem-solving ability.

     Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Support budgeting, financial planning, and expense monitoring in collaboration with leadership
• Assist in grant reporting, contract management, and institutional compliance
• Monitor departmental performance against approved budgets and work plans
• Participate in risk management and long-range operational planning

     Programming, Exhibitions & Visitor Experience

• Support the development of innovative exhibitions, programs, and events that highlight the intersections of art, science, and technology and appeal to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with the education team to create engaging STEAM-based learning opportunities for students and the public.
• Collaborate with artists, scientists, and cultural organizations to expand programming and partnerships.
• Integrate best practices in museum pedagogy, informal science education, and visitor experience design, including digital engagement and outreach.

     Community Engagement, Communication & Marketing
      Assist in:

• Building the museum’s role as a cultural, educational, and community hub for Pueblo, Southern Colorado, and beyond.
• Building partnerships with schools, universities, cultural organizations, local government, and industry.
• Championing accessibility, equity, and inclusion across programs and staffing.
• Being a dynamic public representative, with strong skills in storytelling, media relations, and public speaking.
• Cultivating stakeholder alignment through clear communication, interpersonal skills, and effective negotiation.
• Leading efforts to expand the museum’s brand visibility through marketing, public relations, and community outreach.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary and pragmatic - able to think boldly while managing resources responsibly.
• Collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive leadership style.
• Resilient and adaptable in response to funding, societal, or institutional shifts.
• Deep passion for science, history, education, and public engagement.

Key Selection Questionnaire

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision
   Please provide examples of how you have demonstrated visionary leadership and developed or implemented long-term strategies that guided an organization through growth or change.
2. Fundraising and Development
   Please provide examples of your experience in securing diverse revenue streams (such as philanthropy, sponsorships, grants, or earned income) and how have you built and sustained strong donor or stakeholder relationships.
3. Operations, People Management & Financial Management
   Please provide examples of how you have managed complex operations, including budgeting, staff leadership, facilities oversight, and compliance, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and organizational sustainability.
4. Programming, Exhibitions & Visitor Experience
   Please provide examples of how you have supported or led the development of engaging and innovative exhibitions, programs, or educational or cultural experiences that served and attracted diverse audiences.
5. Community & Stakeholder Engagement
   Please provide examples of strategies you have used to build strong partnerships with community groups, educational institutions, cultural organizations, government, or industry, and how you have embedded equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in your work.
6. Communication and Public Presence
   Please provide examples of how you have used public speaking, media engagement, or storytelling to effectively represent your organization and connect with diverse audiences.

How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, answer Key Selection Questionnaire, and provide three professional references to l.davincimuseumna@gmail.com with the subject line “Deputy Director Application – Leonardo da Vinci Museum.” Applications close 28th February 2026.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, nonprofit management, arts administration, business administration, education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in a museum, science center, cultural institution, or nonprofit organization.
• Proven track record in philanthropic fundraising, development, and strategic planning.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience cultivating community partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for STEAM education, history, cultural enrichment, and the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking abilities.
• Preferable residency in Pueblo County, Colorado.