Position Profile for President and CEO

About the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science)

Frost Science is a leading, world-class science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Located in the heart of Downtown Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District and open 365 days a year, Frost Science features the unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, and science museum spread across four acres. The museum incorporates leading-edge advancements in technology throughout its campus, from the aquarium experience to the immersive media of the Frost Planetarium to the interactive virtual Everglades of River of Grass. The building itself is an exhibition and much of its technology is accessible to the public. The museum serves the community in a myriad of ways – not only by inspiring people to enjoy science and understand its power to positively impact our world – but by being a champion for science learning and research, community access, environmental conversation, and animal care and rehabilitation.

Founded in 1949 as Miami’s only science museum, Frost Science has received over 3.1 million visitors since opening its new, state-of-the-art facility in May 2017, including over 70,000 school children who visit annually from across the region. The museum educates thousands each year on South Florida’s diverse coastal habitats, ecosystem health and its resilience. With over a decade of expertise in field-based conservation projects, Frost Science’s conservation program educates and inspires action about marine and coastal conservation issues in South Florida and the broader Caribbean. The museum’s popular Museum Volunteers for the Environment (MUVE) program has engaged over 10,000 local South Florida residents in restoration of 11 acres of coastal habitats across Miami-Dade County.

The museum has been honored as a TripAdvisor “Travelers’ Choice” and is continually recognized in local and regional awards in various categories, including “Best Museum,” “Best Place to Take the Kids,” and “Best Rainy-Day Activity.” The museum’s camp programs are also recognized as one of the top 10 camps in Miami.

The museum is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC).

A Unique Opportunity

Frost Science ranks as one of the top cultural organizations and most widely attended attractions in Miami. The museum averages around 650,000 visitors annually. The museum has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification for its outstanding practice in the design, construction, and operation of a sustainable and energy-efficient facility. Frost Science’s visual ties to both the city and nearby marine habitats turns science into a conversation with real-world relevance.

The museum provides a full calendar of educational and public programs including a robust number of camps, monthly LIVE@Frost Science lecture series, early childhood learning programs, tech labs, outreach, and field trip programs. Annual events include a fall fundraiser in October to support the museum’s operating budget, and an anniversary Board dinner every May.

The museum maintains close academic partnerships with leading institutions, including the Smithsonian, University of Miami, Florida International University, University of Florida, and Nova Southeastern University.

Frost Science recently launched two new initiatives which will further its impact. The National Coral Reef Conservancy (ReeFLorida) at Frost Science, supported by $1.15 million in federal funding over a three-year period, will be an interdisciplinary marine science hub that provides unique opportunities for ongoing education and collaborative research, with the goal of conserving, restoring, and enhancing Florida’s Coral Reef. A paleontology initiative, spearheaded by one of the museum’s board members, has already raised almost $1.5 million in pledge commitments to support the development of an active onsite paleo lab along with a permanent exhibition.

Frost Science is currently planning for the development of a newly renovated Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Center at Greynolds Park, a 1.48-acre offsite facility located along the Oleta River in North Miami Beach. In addition, the museum currently operates the Batchelor Environmental Center (BEC) at Florida International University’s (FIU) Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami. BEC is an aquatic and avian care and research facility in partnership with FIU, housing the continued operations of the aquatic animal quarantine for the museum, as well as a key location for the center’s MUVE coastal restoration program.

Mission: Frost Science inspires and connects people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy science and technology, and to better understand ourselves and our world.

Vision: The universe is astounding. We see science as a pathway to understand its wonder, to facing its challenges and navigating a sustainable future. Our vision is to create compelling STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) that inspires learning and innovation and enables people to explore real, rigorous science.

Organizational Capacity and Finances:

About the Role of President & Chief Executive Officer

The President and CEO will lead Frost Science as a world-class science museum and ensure fiscal stability, growth, and relevant programming in all aspects of its operation. The CEO has delegated authority from the Board of Trustees to conduct the day-to-day operations of the museum and to ensure the mission of the museum is maintained for the service to the community. The CEO will work with the Board to set the strategy for planning, growth, and changes to the mission that respond to the community needs and audiences for all museum operations and programs.

A description of the President and CEO that Frost Science is seeking follows:

Inspiring Leader: Has the experience and/or capabilities for providing inspiring, visionary leadership in science and informal science education, in planning the museum’s strong, innovative programs and initiatives, and fostering creativity and high achievement.

Credible and Charismatic Representative: Has the education, professional achievement, and talent to serve as a highly credible representative and charismatic spokesperson for the museum, science and informal science education in the city, state, and region, as well as nationally and internationally, and the savvy to develop collaborations with academic, museum, educational, industry, and civic partners that enhance the museum’s work, standing, resources and impact.

Board Engagement: Has the experience to engage with the Board of Trustees skillfully and adeptly in advancing the museum’s mission and plans, providing good governance, exploring opportunities and initiatives, mobilizing support, assessing performance, guiding the museum, and representing it to broader constituencies.

Outstanding Fundraiser: Has demonstrated an outstanding track record as a fundraiser, developing and prioritizing causes for support, cultivating a broad range of supporters, and successfully garnering local, state, and federal government funding, philanthropic donations, foundation grants, research, and education contracts, and developing and enhancing revenue generating programs.

Productive Manager: Has the requisite managerial prowess and experience to oversee and assess operations and personnel, monitor budgets, prioritize activities, develop and enforce policies, provide direction, guidance, and training for staff, while encouraging a healthy, respectful and productive work environment.

Responsible Steward: Has the skills and experience to responsibly steward the museum’s campus and facilities, collections, and resources appropriately, delegating authority and overseeing results, and ensuring that legal and professional standards are met regarding public health and safety, security, accessibility, fiscal accountability, labor practices, and treatment of animals.

Community Service: Has the commitment and skills to deeply engage with the communities and constituencies served by the museum, especially the residents of Miami-Dade County and Florida, and visitors, educators, students, and scientists from across the globe, understanding their needs and seeking opportunities to fulfill them.

The salary for this position starts at $350,000. Frost Science provides generous executive-level employee benefits including medical benefits and personal time off. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Applications will be considered beginning in February 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Confidential inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including resumes and letters of interest) should be sent electronically to executivesearch@frostscience.org.

Frost Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.