Chief Executive Officer

Thinkery is a nonprofit children’s museum and STEAM learning hub that empowers children to be confident, creative thinkers. With a mission to lead the future of play-based learning, Thinkery creates joyful, hands-on educational experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Anchored in the Meredith Learning Lab in Austin’s Mueller neighborhood, Thinkery recently opened a second site in Del Valle—the region’s first neighborhood-based museum and home to its STEAM Learning Institute.

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will be the primary executive leader of the organization—responsible for setting strategic direction, fostering a healthy and inclusive culture, and ensuring long-term financial and operational sustainability. The CEO will oversee the Executive Leadership Team. Together with this leadership team, the CEO will articulate a bold vision for Thinkery’s future, champion its mission, and cultivate the partnerships and resources needed to expand access and deepen impact across Central Texas and beyond.

The ideal candidate will bring the following professional experiences:

• A track record of successful leadership in a nonprofit, youth-serving, cultural, or educational organization.
• Experience managing through complexity and growth, ideally across multiple sites or programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, define, and execute multi-year strategic plans with financial success.
• A proven ability to effectively articulate a vision to a broad community of stakeholders.
• Experience rallying and aligning teams to execute organizational priorities and plans.
• Strong financial and fundraising acumen, with experience building relationships with major donors and institutional funders.
• Cultural competence and a commitment to access for all, with an understanding of how to navigate diverse community needs and political contexts.
• Experience in informal education, early childhood learning, museums, or related sectors is highly desirable.

The salary range for this position is $215,000-$235,000 and will be commensurate with experience. This position is based in Austin, Texas, where Thinkery’s two museum sites are located. While candidates may currently reside anywhere in the United States, the successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Austin to lead the organization in person.

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