Operations Director, Northern Virginia Science Center

The Science Museum of Virginia is seeking an experienced Operations Director to help launch and lead the new Northern Virginia Science Center. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the operations of a major new science destination, overseeing visitor experience, facilities, operational planning and day-to-day performance ahead of the centre's opening.

About the role

The Operations Director will play a key role in the successful launch and long-term operation of the Northern Virginia Science Center, helping establish a high-performing, visitor-focused organisation from the ground up.

Working as part of the leadership team, the successful candidate will oversee visitor services, facilities, safety, operational planning and staff leadership while collaborating closely with colleagues across exhibitions, education and other operational functions. The role will help ensure the Science Center delivers engaging, accessible and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

This is a unique opportunity to join the project at an exciting stage of development and help shape the future of one of Virginia's newest science destinations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead operational planning for the Northern Virginia Science Center.
  
• Develop operational policies, procedures and service standards.
  
• Oversee visitor services, facilities management and security operations.
  
• Recruit, develop and lead operational teams.
  
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and regulatory requirements.
  
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to prepare the Science Center for opening.
  
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  
• Deliver an exceptional visitor experience across all areas of the Science Center.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring significant operational leadership experience within museums, science centres, visitor attractions or other public-facing organisations.

You will likely have experience in:

• Leading multidisciplinary operational teams.
• Managing visitor experience and front-of-house operations.
• Facilities and building management.
• Health, safety and risk management.
• Strategic planning and operational delivery.
• Budget management and resource planning.
• Building collaborative relationships across departments.

You will be an organised and inclusive leader with excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

About the Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia is a leading science museum dedicated to inspiring curiosity and encouraging lifelong learning through interactive exhibitions, educational programmes and immersive experiences. Based in Richmond, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages while promoting the importance of science, technology and innovation.

Through its leadership of the Northern Virginia Science Center project, the museum is expanding access to hands-on science learning, creating an exciting new destination that will serve communities across Northern Virginia for generations to come.