Job Description

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) seeks a bold, grounded, and future‑focused leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). After more than two decades of transformative leadership, the Museum stands as one of Denver’s most trusted civic institutions — respected for its scientific rigor, public service, and deep community roots. The next CEO will honor this legacy, while shaping and executing an ambitious vision for the future. They will lead a large, multifaceted organization that blends a world‑class museum, a vibrant scientific research enterprise, and expanding platforms for learning and public dialogue.
Externally, the CEO will be a compelling ambassador for DMNS, strengthening its presence among scientists, educators, donors, policymakers, and the public to extend the Museum’s reach and impact. They will reinforce the Museum’s role as a trusted, nonpartisan source of scientific knowledge and a vital civic resource for the region and beyond.
Internally, the CEO will align the organization for its next chapter by developing strong leaders and clarifying structures, decision rights, and accountability. They will embed a culture of performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement, bringing the operational focus and managerial discipline needed to move a complex enterprise forward, while balancing ambition with thoughtful attention to long‑term institutional strength.
In partnership with the board of trustees, the CEO will guide all facets of the institution—science, education, exhibitions, operations, philanthropy, and community engagement. Their charge is to strengthen DMNS’s financial foundation, expand its reach, and ensure that the Museum continues to thrive as an enduring force in the cultural and scientific life of the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Lead the development of a future‑ready business model that supports innovation, adaptability, long‑term sustainability, and a next‑generation visitor experience.
• Advance scientific excellence and funding through rigorous research, active scholarship, and the integration of science into public-facing work.
• Grow attendance and membership by modernizing the guest experience, ensuring it meets expectations, and expanding engagement across diverse audiences.
• Strengthen public trust in science by upholding DMNS’s credibility, openness, and nonpartisan engagement.
• Foster a healthy, high‑engagement culture grounded in clarity, collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose.
• Drive a long‑term campus vision that unifies visitor experience, scientific infrastructure, collections, and community access.
• Align capital planning and fundraising to deliver major investments, campaigns, and institutional priorities.
• Strengthen financial resilience through disciplined planning, diversified revenue, and growth of the DMNS Foundation principal.
• Support continued authorization of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a seven-county, voter approved tax district which enables broad access to over 300 of Denver’s world-class cultural institutions, through effective stewardship, accountability, and strong regional relationships that reflect DMNS’s value to the public.
• Partner with the board of trustees to ensure effective governance, strategic alignment, and shared accountability.
• Elevate DMNS’s visibility and influence locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

For a detailed overview of the role requirements and executive core competencies, please review the complete Position and Candidate Specification Profile

COMPENSATION

The estimated base salary range for this role is $500,000 - $600,000. Total compensation will include:

• A competitive base salary.
• An annual performance-based incentive opportunity.
• A comprehensive executive benefits and retirement package.

Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and alignment with organizational needs, and in accordance with Board-approved ranges.

APPLICATIONS & NOMINATIONS

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is being assisted in this important recruitment by Spencer Stuart. If you wish to confidentially submit application materials or nominate someone for this role, please email DMNSpresident@SpencerStuart.com

Please submit your resume by Friday, June 19, 2026 Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.

Applications may only be accepted via email at DMNSpresident@SpencerStuart.com