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About the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

Mission: We accomplish the mission by staying on the cutting edge of exciting new public experiences, offering intriguing world-class exhibitions, presenting the latest in giant-screen films, hosting the finest in live performances and spectacular events, and doing all we can to make Central Pennsylvania a better place to live, work and play.

Vision: To serve as the center for scientific, artistic, cultural and educational activities to enhance the region’s quality of life and economic vitality.

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is a unique cultural institution that brings together science and art programming under one roof in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Center was founded by a group of visionaries who believed this intersection is where we discover our full intellectual and creative capacities. The Whitaker Center opened its doors in 1999 and today welcomes over 140,000 visitors per year, including over 200 school groups on field trips.

In the last five years, the Whitaker Center has re-invented its physical facilities and programming to position it for the next decade . The PNC Innovation Zone, which encompasses the new Purposeful Gaming Studio, is now integrated with the Select Medical Digital Cinema. Two STEM Design studios open into the remodeled Gloria Olewine Gallery, and KidsPlace was also remodeled and expanded. Whitaker Center has also created a collaborative partnership with Harrisburg University for their Esports team and student union, which are now housed within Whitaker.

Whitaker's dedication to providing accessible STEM education programming is evident in its mission to inspire, educate, and entertain our community through the wonders of science and the power of the arts. Whitaker offers a full calendar of educational and public programs, including exhibits, live performances, lectures, and workshops. These programs aim to spark wonder and investigation, fuel innovation for the future, and engage the community in dialogue and learning about the importance of science and the arts.

Programming and initiatives are also designed to assure engagement with the full spectrum of our community. Specific emphasis is placed on racial and gender diversity with the objective of addressing the skills and employment gap in STEM and STEAM fields. Whitaker recognizes that diversity strengthens our workforce and promotes economic growth.

With an annual revenue of approximately $4 million, Whitaker is a thriving cultural institution in the State Capital that provides a unique and exciting educational experience for visitors of all backgrounds and ages. It truly is the place to discover it all - where science and art come together to drive innovation and transform our world.

About the Role of President & CEO

The President and CEO will oversee the Whitaker Center as a premier destination for both science and the arts, as well as a cultural hub for the community. The following are the five core areas of responsibility for this role: (1) developing a refreshed strategic plan and operating goals, (2) providing overall leadership and management, (3) creating financial stability, (4) updating and maintaining physical facilities, and (5) building and nurturing a purpose-driven team. The President and CEO will collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish strategies for planning, growth, and addressing the needs of the community.

The Whitaker Center President and CEO should possess the following skills and qualities:

Visionary and Strategic Leader: Ability to provide inspiring and visionary leadership in the development of innovative programs and initiatives, with a proven track record of strategic thinking, as well as the capacity to consistently communicate and implement a strategy while continuing to innovate and evolve the programs and organization.

Outstanding Fundraiser: Proven track record of cultivating a diverse network of supporters and securing funding from various sources, including local, state, and federal governments, corporate and individual donations, sponsorships, and foundation grants, as well as possesses a particular preference for expertise in establishing and growing endowments.

Exceptional Communication Skills: Able to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, possessing exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to effectively articulate Whitaker Center’s mission and vision, as well as a willingness to embrace all relevant media channels, including social media.

Board Engagement: Demonstrated experience in engaging with a Board of Directors to advance the mission, provide effective governance, explore opportunities and initiatives, mobilize support, evaluate performance, provide guidance, and represent Whitaker Center to a diverse range of constituencies.

Relationship Builder: Proven ability to build relationships within the community through active participation in boards, associations, and events, with a preference for leveraging existing community relationships, while also demonstrating the capability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Experience in Managing Complex Organizations: Ten or more years of experience in a leadership role in a nonprofit or for-profit organization with a preference for experience in education, science, arts, events, and/or technology, as well as large facility management.

Strong Management Skills: Able to provide clear direction and guidance, develop and monitor budgets, oversee and assess operations and human resource allocation, prioritize activities, promote a healthy, respectful, collaborative, and productive work environment, balance workloads, and ensure that all legal and professional standards are met regarding public health and safety, security, accessibility, fiscal accountability, and labor practices.

Qualified candidates will have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university required, with graduate-level study or a graduate degree preferred.