Work at WonderLab

The people who work at WonderLab are the museum’s most valuable asset, and we are committed to maintaining a positive and enjoyable work environment in which teamwork and open communication are fostered. WonderLab is proud and privileged to have a superb team of dedicated, creative, and talented individuals who together provide visitors with the highest quality experience possible.

WonderLab offers year-round salaried and hourly employment with benefits, as well as seasonal jobs, in a smoke-free and drug-free environment. The museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available.

Looking for an internship? Learn more about WonderLab’s high school internships and college student internships.

Full-time Positions

Position: Executive Director

Position Purpose: Do you want to be immersed in a fun, lively environment, a gallery of hands-on science exhibits, and work with a committed, creative staff dedicated to building curious and creative problem solvers? Are you passionate about science education? Do you remember being a curious kid? If so, you might be a great candidate for the next WonderLab Executive Director. The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and direction for the organization, ensuring that it meets its mission and objectives while fostering a culture of excellence in science education.

This role requires a dynamic leader who will bring a passion for science/STEM education with experience leading a capable team, building relationships across the community, and attracting financial support. The Executive Director will work closely with the board of directors, staff, and stakeholders.

Reports To: WonderLab Board of Directors

Status: Full-time (40 hours per week) with occasional evening and weekend hours (Fair Labor Standards Act category: “non-exempt”).

Salary: $75,000 – $82,000 annually

Start Date: 2025

Benefits: Full WonderLab benefits. Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance. Long-term Disability Insurance. Life Insurance. 3% Retirement Match. Generous time off. WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level and a 20% discount in the gift store.

Responsibilities: 

  • Leadership and Vision: Partner with the Board of Directors to lead WonderLab’s strategic direction, ensuring that the museum continues to serve as a hub for innovative, hands-on science education, and community engagement.
  • Science Advocacy: Develop and promote a vision that emphasizes STEM education and scientific literacy, cultivating partnerships with the greater Bloomington scientific, educational, and business communities.
  • Donor Cultivation and Fundraising: support and work closely with the WonderLab Director of Philanthropy and the Development Department in fundraising efforts, with a focus on cultivating and expanding relationships with major individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and grant-making institutions.
  • Member/Audience Development: Ensure the resources and strategic direction that enable WonderLab staff to create compelling and engaging exhibits and programming that builds long-term relationships across the community.
  • Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including university scientists, educators, and other local organizations, to ensure WonderLab remains a vital community resource. Expand audiences, advance strategic goals of increasing Belonging for all individuals and communities.
  • Financial & Operational Oversight: Ensure financial sustainability and efficient operations.
  • Equity and Inclusion: Work with the museum’s staff to ensure equity and inclusion for all staff, volunteers and visitors to the museum.

Qualifications:

  • Passion for Science and STEM: A deep commitment to STEM education and science literacy, coupled with past experience in science/science education.
  • Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leading and managing teams, with strong strategic planning and decision-making skills.
  • Community Connector: Ability to forge strong relationships with local scientific communities and other stakeholders.
  • Nonprofit Experience: Experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in museum management or educational organizations, is highly desirable.
  • Experience with fundraising and grant-writing, especially major gifts and fundraising campaigns.
  • High level of professional and personal ethics.
  • Budgeting and financial management experience.
  • Familiarity with the Bloomington community is ideal.
  • A bachelor’s degree or applicable experience; advanced degree is preferred.
  • Ability to use and leverage technology. Software proficiency: Mac/Apple, Zoom, Google, CRM database such as Blackbaud Altru (or similar).

Work setting: In-person. WonderLab values a healthy work/home balance. Executive Director will spend time in the community and the museum/office with flexibility to work from home when needed.

About WonderLab: At Wonderlab, our mission is to ignite a love of science through learning that is experiential, inclusive and fun, and amplifies the role science plays in the world. We are a family-focused science museum with fun, inclusive, and interactive exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage discovery and inspire lifelong learning. We also live our values everyday:

PLAYFUL LEARNING – We know play is the best form of learning
EMPOWERMENT – We can change the world through science
BELONGING – Science is for everyone
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE- Quality in all we do
SUSTAINABILITY- We take the long view

In 2023, we began our 3-year Strategic Plan, focused on Staff Development, Diversity/Equity; Community Engagement and Audience Expansion; Expanding Revenue; and Environmental Sustainability. See a plan summary

The Community: WonderLab is located in a vibrant college community close to Lake Monroe and Brown County State Park. WonderLab benefits from its close proximity to Indiana University, a world-class research institution, as well as thriving biotech and innovation centers. At WonderLab, science is always fun.

WonderLab has been serving the Bloomington community and south-central Indiana for 26 years, has a dedicated, talented staff of 30, with an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million.

WonderLab strives to provide a welcoming educational space and is founded on values of inclusion and access. WonderLab is committed to creating a diverse museum environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers diverse skill sets and experiences among applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest by responding to the following questions/prompts:

  1. Briefly share why the Executive Director role of WonderLab is a great match for you, including your experience and interest in science and STEM education.
  2. Briefly share your leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, small business, or department (e.g., financial management, human resources/staff, programs, board relationships).
  3. Share one or two recent successes that you’ve experienced in attracting financial resources or fundraising.

Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Position is open until filled. All employees are subject to a criminal background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Part-time Positions

Position: Co-Teacher, Extended Day Program (MCCSC)

Position Purpose: To implement a science enrichment curriculum for the Extended Day Program at Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) schools. The Co-Teacher will create an environment that provides the best possible educational and social experience for each student participant with an enrichment curriculum that fulfills WonderLab’s mission of providing fun, inquiry-based, hands-on experiences that support state academic standards.

The Extended Day Program is a before- and after- school program offered at 7 MCCSC elementary schools, 6 of which are Title I. The program’s goal is to create a fun and engaging learning environment that improves academic achievement and a love of STEM. WonderLab serves as a community partner and provides STEM enrichment programming. Participating schools are Clear Creek, Grandview, Arlington, Highland Park, Summit, Templeton, and Childs.

Reports To: Education Manager

Status: Part time hourly, Tuesday-Friday from 7:15 – 9:15 am during the 2024-2025 MCCSC school year (Fair Labor Standards Act category: “non-exempt”).

Compensation: $20/hour, 8 hours/week for 27 weeks (2 weeks of training, 24 weeks of programming, 1 week of wrap up).

Start Date: September 4th, 2024

Benefits: Free WonderLab membership at dual or basic family level; 20% discount in gift store.

Key Responsibility Area: Implement Outstanding Science Enrichment Curriculum for SAC Student Participants

  • Implement a total of six 6-week STEM lessons that are hands-on, inquiry-based, fun, and support age-appropriate academic standards. The Education Manager will oversee creating lesson plans, but teachers will be able to put their own spin on activities. Student contact time is 1 hour/day, plus 30 minutes each for setup and cleanup, for a total of 2 hours per day, 4 days a week (Tuesday – Friday).
  • The WonderLab Extended Day Co-Teachers will work with two different groups of students divided by grade: K – 2nd and 3rd – 6th grade. Each group meets twice a week for a one-hour period. In the 2024/2025 school year Co-Teachers will be presenting curricula on the following themes: Astronomy, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
  • Procure supplies and materials within the allotted budget. Coordinate with the Education Manager for any equipment and supplies coming from WonderLab (e.g. demonstration materials, equipment, etc.).
  • Set up the Extended Day Program classroom and clean up at the end of each visit.
  • Oversee all aspects of the Extended Day Program classroom in conjunction with MCCSC site staff: participant attendance, classroom management and organization, safety procedures, and support of general school policies.
  • Engage student participants by actively promoting a curiosity about science within the framework of inquiry and playful learning.
  • Work efficiently with the other Co-Teachers to support curriculum delivery and classroom management to provide the best possible learning and social experience for each participant.

Key Responsibility Area: Other

  • Provide information about student participant performance for program evaluations, as needed.
  • Promptly submit supply receipts and expense list to the Education Manager.
  • Comply with all administrative policies and procedures described in WonderLab employee handbook.

Qualifications:

  • Working towards a college degree or college degree preferred with science and/or education background.
  • Teaching experience, or equivalent; candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to working with diverse populations are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Proven ability to effectively develop and present inquiry-based science curriculum to elementary students with a wide range of learning abilities.
  • Experience coordinating and working with other members of a team.
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced work environment with a team approach to operations.
  • Friendly, professional and positive attitude.
  • Valid driver’s license and own transportation to program locations.
  • Contact information for two references.

To Apply:

Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Position is open until filled. All employees are subject to a criminal background check. WonderLab galleries, offices and grounds are smoke-free environments.

Can’t check off every requirement listed above? Please apply anyway! WonderLab is dedicated to building an inclusive team with a wide variety of experiences and skill sets. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

Questions: Jessica McKinney, museumeducator@wonderlab.org, 812-337-1337 ext. 218

WonderLab strives to provide a welcoming educational space and is founded on values of inclusion and access. WonderLab is committed to creating a diverse museum environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers diverse skill sets and experiences among applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, number of dependents, or any other legally protected status. WonderLab strives to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, upon request.

Seasonal Positions

There are no seasonal positions available at this time.