Director, Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, National Museum of American History

*Please download PDF for full description. 

About Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation

The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation has led the study of invention and innovation at the Smithsonian since 1995, empowering the public to solve problems, navigate challenges, and effect real change in their lives and communities. Lemelson Center staff build collections related to invention, advance scholarship, share stories about inventors and their work, and nurture creativity and innovation in young people. In all their work, Center staff pursue the core values of innovation, embracing creativity and innovative thinking and the potential rewards of intellectual risk-taking.

For more information on Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, please visit invention.si.edu.

The Opportunity

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (Lemelson Center), part of the Division of Public History at the National Museum of American History (NMAH).

The National Museum of American History’s mission is to “empower people to create a just and compassionate future by exploring, preserving, and sharing the complexity of our past.” In alignment with this vision, the Lemelson Center engages, educates, and empowers the public to participate in technological, economic, and social change. Through original historical research, dynamic educational initiatives, compelling exhibitions, and innovative public programs, the Center advances new perspectives on invention and innovation, spurs interactions between the inventors and audiences, and fosters a public spirit of inventiveness.

The Director of the Lemelson Center sets the vision and mission for the Center, providing strategic and creative leadership across all areas of operation. The incumbent oversees and manages the Center’s programs, staff, and budget—including stewardship of an endowment of approximately $25 million. This role directs research, fundraising, and public engagement efforts for both permanent and temporary exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, and special projects. The Director serves as a key advocate to advance invention education at NMAH and across the Smithsonian Institution, shaping how the story of innovation is explored and shared with audiences nationwide and around the world.

To review the major responsibilities of this role, please download the Position Profile.

Candidate Profile

We recognize that there is a spectrum of experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

Strategic Leadership

• Ability to develop and advance strategic planning, in alignment with the National Museum of American History’s (and broader Smithsonian’s) mission and goals
• Capacity to navigate a complex organization
• Skill in setting priorities, allocating resources, and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to think critically and creatively, anticipating challenges and opportunities
• Knowledge of the museum field, including procedures and best practices, management and leadership strategies, challenges and trends
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Strong work ethic and a leadership style marked by integrity, empathy, curiosity, clarity, accountability, and humor

Passion for Invention Education

• Strong understanding of education principles and ability to inspire an inventive mindset among audiences
• Experience designing educational programs or curricula related to innovation or STEM fields
• Knowledge of current trends in invention education research
• Knowledge of the history of science and technology, invention and innovation

Fundraising and Development

• Proven track record of securing funding from diverse sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders
• Skill in writing and creating fundraising/sponsorship proposals
• Experience in managing budgets and financial report
• Ability to communicate the impact and value of interpretive programs to funders and partners

Collaboration and Partnership-Building

• Ability to build trust and establish strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, educational institutions, and businesses
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from community members to senior leadership
• Capacity to navigate complex networks and systems to achieve partnership goals

Communication and Ambassadorship

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to synthesize and communicate research findings through varied media formats to engage diverse audiences, from scholars to the general public
• Skill in crafting compelling narratives about the power of interpretive work and its impact
• Ability to serve as institutional spokesperson at public events, conferences, and meetings with stakeholders
• Knowledge of media relations principles and practices, skill as public spokesperson, and ability to build relationships with media representatives and influencers

Adaptability and Flexibility

• Ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems
• Capacity to adapt and navigate in uncertain environments
• Experience in managing change initiatives

Education and Experience

Advanced degree in relevant field and 5 years of experience leading teams are required 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $168,000 - $195,000. The Smithsonian Institution provides a generous and comprehensive benefits package. Note: Washington, DC-area residency required. This position is NOT remote and requires a primarily in-office work schedule.

Contact

DSG | Koya, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Tenley Bank, Stephen Milbauer, and Naree W.S. Viner of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials here: talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22637 or email Tenley directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.