OBJECTIVE: Building off of our widely successful and critically acclaimed inaugural COSI Science Festival, COSI is seeking a Director of this signature program to oversee and direct all aspects of this program. The COSI Science Festival best exemplifies COSI's vision and mission of engaging, inspiring, transforming lives and communities by being the best partner in science, technology, and industry learning, and this Director role is instrumental in: Providing project management and strategic direction of the COSI Science Festival; including cultivating and coordinating key marketing and promotional events leading up to the festival; directing 110+ community events during the festival; overseeing the culminating event called the Big Science Celebration; and maintaining excellent collaborative relationships with festival partners before, during, and after the festival.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS / EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Ideal candidate possesses strong organizational and communication skills; is able to work independently; demonstrates the ability to manage numerous stakeholders and deadlines simultaneously; and can effectively communicate ideas in writing and/or visually. A Bachelor’s degree is required in management, communications, marketing, education or related field. 3+ years of experience in large-scale event planning and partnership management is required. Must show initiative, have excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, be flexible, adaptable, and a team player. Proficiency in MS Office Suite and database development is strongly desired.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:
A. Work alongside the VP of External Affairs, Strategic Initiatives & Business Development, and the VP of Exhibits & Programs, to develop and lead the strategic plan for the COSI Science Festival.
B. Serve as the champion of the COSI Science Festival strategic plan, develop and implement unique experiences for the festival, and create innovative formats and techniques for engaging the public which work to address community challenges such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce development, build beyond the building, explore new partnership opportunities, expose the public to science where they live, learn and lounge, and serve diverse audiences.
C. Manage the development and implementation of the COSI Science Festival, including organization and development of project work plans, use of resources, schedule, budget, asset management and activities supporting the project goals and timeline. Produce status reports, descriptive narrations, updates, and summaries as required.
D. Collaborate with the Department of Philanthropy to coordinate and develop a strategies around COSI Science Festival donor engagement.
E. Assemble and manage the project team, partners, and contractors to complete project objectives and tasks to specifications within the established budget, scope, and schedule. Coordinate with cross-institutional teams to ensure quality guest interactions and daily operations.
F. Recruit and assist in the organization and implementation of science-related events planned for the Central Ohio area. These events could include science-themed talks, tours, trivia, open houses, workshops, block parties, etc.
G. Administer the work of the COSI Science Festival Community Committee, which helps to develop and execute the COSI Science Festival community events.
H. Oversee the Big Science Celebration, the culminating event surrounding COSI that draws 25,000+. This includes actively selling exhibitor booths, which will provide hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations for festival attendees. As well as recruiting food trucks, managing stage programming, overseeing all setup/strike, etc.
I. Actively seek vendors, negotiate contracts, and serve as contact for contractors. Support and coordinate with contractors with regard to executing contract obligations and meeting the needs of festival partners, promotions, and attendees.
J. Support fund-raising efforts through implementation and fulfillment of obligations of funders. Complete reports, track expenses, coordinate evaluations, produce narratives, etc. as required.
K. Manage promotional spending, overseeing the COSI Science Festival brand and fostering collaboration between the festival, promotional partners, and COSI’s marketing needs.
L. Collaborate with the Manger of External Affairs in the execution and management of the COSI STEM Star program, which involves recruiting nominations and coordinating up to 19 off-site presentations in the months leading up to the festival.
M. Collaborate with the COSI Volunteer Department, the deployment of volunteers needed to activate the COSI Science Festival community events, and Big Science Celebration.
N. Plan a high quality celebration/thank you event after the completion of the festival for all stakeholders to attend.
O. Support COSI’s mission, values, and strategic plan as well as ensure those goals are integrated into COSI’s Science Festival.
P. Support general COSI operations through participation in meetings as appropriate.
Q. Serve as an example to other COSI Team Members and Volunteers in matters of appearance, attitude, and performance in a manner best serving COSI paid and Volunteer Team Members and Guests.
R. In accordance with COSI's Guest Services Strategy, and as opportunities present themselves, provide excellence in Guest Services by assuring Guest safety, using courtesy to drive each Guest interaction, by delivering the COSI show, and by keeping operations efficient.
S. Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Floor Experiences.