National Sciences Resource Center
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC
The National Science Resources Center (NSRC) is operated by Smithsonian Institution (SI). The National Science Resources Center’s mission is to improve the learning and teaching of science in school districts in the United States and throughout the world. Through its parent institutions, the NSRC has actively engaged the scientific, engineering, and education communities in all of its programs. The NSRC collects and disseminates information about exemplary science teaching resources, develops and disseminates research-based science curriculum materials, and helps school systems improve their K-12 science education programs based on research and best practices.
The Director will be a principal driver of the NSRC brand and product line. The incumbent will also spearhead NSRC’s mission to grow, both geographically and financially, science education publications throughout the United States and the world. The Director will have an entrepreneurial style and will articulate a clear vision and quantifiable plan for growth while maintaining prudent fiscal and operational control over the division. The Director will create and execute a marketing plan to achieve the short- and long-term goals of the NSRC, including the formation of strategic alliances in the educational and publishing communities as well as product-specific strategies to drive sales at the state, national and international levels.
This position reports to the Executive Director and is located in Washington, D.C. at the National Science Resources Center.
Duties:Direct and coordinate editorial, production, and art & design functions to ensure materials represent the standards of the NSRC and Smithsonian.
- Regularly review top competitors’ product lines and conduct marketing research.
- Recommend profitable product acquisitions, licensing, and co-development strategies with domestic and foreign publishers.
- Develop and negotiate product development contracts.
- Manage workflow to satisfy annual objectives related to schedule and quantity of planned publications. Establish work processes aimed at continuous improvement in reduction of cycle time and quantity of output.
- With Executive Director, develop and maintain annual product development budget. Manage the development and maintenance of product lines and associated costs.
- Maintain awareness of trends and developments in uses of educational technology, as well as in science and reading instruction.
- Hire, train, supervise, and maintain a highly competent product development staff, conveying a sense of vision and direction by establishing clear, realistic goals and action plans.
- Work collaboratively with other members of NSRC senior management team to develop and effectively implement the annual business plan.
- Represent the company professionally as curriculum/product spokesperson.
Desired Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred, specifically in science.
- History of successfully managing the development of best-selling research-based K-16 curriculum school products which met financial goals.
- Knowledge of K-16 science education and skill in applying this knowledge to generate innovative publications in these disciplines for students and teachers.
- Ability to write, edit, present, and market publications related to K-16 science education.
- Demonstrated track record in innovative product development.
- Achievements in interacting, directing, and monitoring development houses.
- Experience in developing, managing, and being accountable for budgets.
- Well developed interpersonal and communication skills in hiring and managing a staff and in working with internal and external contacts.
- Solid financial acumen and the ability to prepare sound new product budgets which result in acceptable internal rates of return.
- Knowledge of composition software.
- Classroom Science teaching experience a plus.
Background investigation is required.
How to Apply:
Send by email only cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to NSRC-HR@si.edu.
Please reference in the subject line of your email: Director of Curriculum and Communication.
No phone calls, please.
