Northern Nevada’s largest hands-on science center, The Discovery, is in the search for a fundraising President & CEO to expand its facilities, programs, impact, audiences and base of philanthropic support.

The Discovery’s mission is to inspire and it is the place to experience science for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and interests. Opened in 2011, today The Discovery provides engaging exhibitions, programs, and playful, joyful learning experiences that connect nearly 200,000 visitors annually to scientific phenomena and methods. Although The Discovery began as a children’s museum and retains playful learning as a core value, it has been transformed to a science museum with exhibitions and programs for learners of all ages. While the museum’s primary audience is families, it has increasingly become a gathering place for adults as well. Maintaining a balance that engages both children and adults is important to the museum’s earned income and financial strength. The Museum encompasses 67,000 square feet with nearly 32,000 square feet of exhibition and programmatic space. The next CEO’s objectives include expanding the building, installing new and evolving current exhibits, and developing programs that engage 300,000 visitors annually while ensuring that the museum is financially strong.  The Discovery is ideally located in downtown Reno close to the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum.

The City of Reno – “The Biggest Little City in the World” – has experienced rapid population growth the past few years and is expected to continue due to the influx of tech, energy/geothermal, and manufacturing businesses moving into the area due to the favorable tax benefits. Reno has a population of ~275,000. The surrounding cities of Truckee, Sparks, Carson City have a combined population of ~200,000. Nearly 88% of the museum visitors are residents of the Reno-Tahoe area; however, about 15M visit Lake Tahoe annually, making The Discovery a must-visit when one needs a break from slopes or a day off from the lake.

The Discovery employs 18 full-time staff and 20 part-time staff. It is governed by a ten-member board of directors. The museum’s annual operating budget is about $3.5M, of which nearly two-thirds is funded through earned income, and roughly one-third through contributions. There is a sense that future growth can come from both earned and contributed revenue sources.

The CEO will lead and financially strengthen The Discovery as it continues its evolution as a unique institution that engages individuals through play and exploration of science, invention, innovative thinking and Nevada’s landscapes. This is the beginning of a key chapter at The Discovery. The CEO will be an inspiring, charismatic and diplomatic leader who is active in the community and engages new and existing supporters through consistent outreach, programs that engage, and by positioning the museum as a central asset to Greater Reno, its residents, visitors and businesses. The complete position description may be found here.

For additional information or to apply, please contact Lisa Grossman, Mark Oppenheim & Kevin Redick at info[at]moppenheim[dot]com.