Executive Director

Introduction

The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe (TSCW) seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead the next chapter of an ambitious journey: transforming Nikola Tesla’s last remaining laboratory into a global hub for innovation, education, and inspiration. This is a unique opportunity to guide an institution that blends history, science, and imagination while shaping its future impact on education, technology, and culture.

About Tesla Science Center

The 16-acre Wardenclyffe campus, purchased in 2013 from Agfa Corporation with support from a New York State matching grant and a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign, holds the brick laboratory designed by Stanford White and built for Tesla’s experiments in wireless power transmission. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, the site is now home to STEAM programs and popular events like Tesla Expo and SpaceHack, and will soon host the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center (opening in 2026). TSCW’s website TeslaScienceCenter.org provides more information about Nikola Tesla and his extraordinary contributions to science and technology.

Situated within Long Island’s science and medical research corridor—home to Brookhaven National Laboratory, Stony Brook University, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and others—TSCW is positioned at the heart of a vibrant ecosystem of discovery.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary leader who can both inspire and execute: advancing Tesla’s legacy, guiding completion of the Visitor Center, building partnerships, and expanding TSCW’s reach as a world-class science and cultural institution. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable as a fundraiser, strategist, storyteller, and operational steward.

Key Responsibilities

• Visitor Center & Campus Development: Deliver the Eugene Sayan Visitor Center and restoration of Tesla’s laboratory on time and on budget, ensuring compliance with grants and capital plans.
• Fundraising & External Relations: Serve as chief fundraiser; grow major gifts, institutional partnerships, memberships, and earned revenue. Leverage the opening to expand visibility, philanthropy, and press.
• Finance & Operations: Oversee budgets, controls, and audits. Ensure safety and risk management across construction, operations, digital systems, and reputation.
• Board & Governance: Report to a Board of Directors and work closely with the Board for effective governance, transparent reporting, and clear decision-making.
• Programs & Visitor Experience: Guide exhibitions, educational programs, events, and digital content to create engaging, accessible experiences. Establish standards for visitor services, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Team & Culture: Build and lead a small, talented staff; expand and energize the volunteer base; model hands-on, collaborative leadership.
• Partnerships: Strengthen ties with universities, labs, schools, and industry for content development, internships, sponsorships, and thought leadership.
• Vision & Strategy: Translate mission into phased strategies with clear milestones, budgets, and KPIs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership in museums, science centers, or related cultural/educational organizations.
• Demonstrated success in major-gift fundraising and experience with grants, corporations, or public funding.
• Strong record of financial and operational management.
• Experience developing educational and visitor programs (on-site and digital).
• Collaborative leadership with staff and boards.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in STEM or related field preferred.
• Experience with capital projects/openings strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce experience a plus).

Equal Opportunity

TSCW is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with New York State Human Rights Law.

Join Us

This is more than a leadership role—it is an invitation to steward Tesla’s legacy, ignite curiosity in future generations, and shape a place where history and innovation meet.