Director of Maker & Innovation Lab

At Pacific Science Center, our mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Our colleagues are passionate lifelong learners who live our mission every day. Each of us commits to bring an inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) focus in every aspect of our work. Join our collaborative team and help steward our warm, welcoming, community-learning environment at PacSci.


As part of our ongoing commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we’re invested in building teams with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. If you have some of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and you share PacSci's values and support our mission, we encourage you to apply.


Position Title: Director of Maker & Innovation Lab
Division: Exhibits
Reports To: Vice President of Exhibits
Location: Seattle, WA
Pay Class: Full-time Regular
FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt

Position Summary
Pacific Science Center’s mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. We seek a mission-driven, visionary leader to serve as Director of the Maker & Innovation Lab (MIL), guiding the development and operation of facility that will extend the curiosity and exploration at the heart of scientific discovery to the creative problem-solving at the center of engineering, innovation, and design. From the outset, this role requires balancing the simultaneous demands of developing and operating the Lab, holding a clear, forward-looking vision while navigating day-to-day responsibilities. Development will be rooted in an iterative process of prototyping with daily visitors, “designing by doing,” ensuring that the MIL evolves responsively and creatively. This space will combine elements of a community makerspace with hands-on experiences for PacSci visitors, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and learning.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Guide the development and implementation of visionary plans and strategies for the Maker & Innovation Lab.
• Provide short- and long-term direction as a member of the Management Team.
Collaboration & Partnerships
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners to ensure MIL responds to community needs and occupies a meaningful niche in the Maker ecosystem.
• Work closely with cross-functional departments and teams, especially Fundraising, Exhibits Studio, Education, and Guest Services.
Program Development & Execution
• Lead execution of grant-funded projects, such as collaborations with Tribal Community Artisans and advisors.
• Model and promote collaborative efforts across internal teams and external stakeholders to create engaging guest experiences.
Team Leadership & Management
• Hire, supervise, and mentor staff and external vendors; actively support professional growth and development to build a high-performing, innovative team.
• Model collaborative leadership by fostering open communication, shared problem-solving, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Advocate for team resources and foster a culture of curiosity, inclusion, and calculated risk-taking.
Financial & Operational Oversight
• Establish departmental budgets and oversee grant management and reporting analysis.
• Assist in developing attendance goals and strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
IDEA Commitment
• Champion Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) initiatives to attract and engage a workforce and partnerships that reflect the community we aim to serve.

Position Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Exhibit design and development methodology; evolving trends in experience development and technology use.
• Operational, safety, and maintenance needs of interactive spaces.
• Agile practices in experience development.
• Principles of administration, budgeting, and project management.
• Strategic planning and effective community engagement.
Skills & Abilities:
• Passion for educational possibilities in Makerspaces and drop-in visitor experiences.
• Demonstrated familiarity with common Makerspace tools and technologies, coupled with a personal maker mindset and hands-on experience.
• Strong project management and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative leadership with the ability to inspire and mentor teams.
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and interperson