IGNITE at Saban Center seeks an exceptional leader for its Executive Director role. This position will be instrumental in building a new innovative, technology-forward science center designed to transform STEM education and workforce development in Alabama. With a $100M+ investment, strong community support, and early 2028 opening, the new Executive Director stands to lead Ignite into an era that redefines what it means to be a modern STEM education hub. The ideal candidate will demonstrate genuine passion for STEM education, technology and active learning.

This is an exciting time to lead IGNITE, and a time of intensive execution. Construction is underway, exhibit designs are advancing, and the organization needs a leader who can translate vision into operational reality. This is the ideal role for someone with hands-on experience implementing new exhibits, expansions, or major capital projects at science centers or similar institutions, with particular strength in managing complex technology implementations and educational programming.

About the Opportunity

The Saban Center represents a pioneering STEM and arts campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, part of the Elevate Tuscaloosa initiative. This multi-million project includes Ignite (formerly Children's Hands-On Museum) as a 24,000 sq ft state-of-the-art STEM discovery center, the Alabama STEM Hub professional development center with $25M state funding, and the Tuscaloosa Children's Theater as community arts partner.

IGNITE will feature five interactive galleries covering earth science and weather (including partnerships with NOAA and meteorologist James Spann), sustainable energy systems, robotics and AI technology, human performance and sports science, and early childhood learning, plus workforce development areas and outdoor exhibits.

Key Project Details: $20M exhibit budget 20,000 sq ft hands-on exhibit space 200,000+ projected annual visitors ~$3M annual operating budget Strong corporate partnerships (Mercedes, Alabama Power, University of Alabama)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

• Lead final phases of exhibit design, fabrication, and installation to meet 2028 opening timeline
• Recruit, hire, and develop high-performing staff across education, operations, and guest services
• Implement technology systems including AI-powered visitor tracking and personalized learning platforms
• Manage ~$3M annual operating budget and oversee final phases of $20M exhibit budget implementation

Stakeholder Collaboration and Educational Programming

• Work closely with Saban Center Foundation leadership, Board of Directors, and campus partners
• Maintain partnerships with University of Alabama and engage corporate partners in educational content
• Build relationships with Alabama Department of Education and local school districts
• Design innovative STEM education programs aligned with Alabama standards and professional teacher development
• Create engaging family programming and community outreach initiatives targeting underserved populations

IGNITE's Innovative Exhibit Galleries: IGNITE will feature Innovative AI integration, multimedia experiences, and personalized learning systems through  five main interactive gallery spaces designed to engage visitors from zero to 99:

Alabama Earth and Water - Earth science experiences including NOAA watershed exhibits, extreme weather simulations (walk-in tornado), water table demonstrations, and partnerships with University of Alabama's NOAA Weather Institute and meteorologist James Spann
Energy Zone - Sustainable energy and power systems, electric grid exhibits, energy transformation demonstrations, battery technology (partnering with Mercedes electric vehicle systems), and material science labs
Intelligent Tech Revolution - Robotics, AI, coding experiences, autonomous vehicles, flight simulators, and drone technology featuring partnerships with the Mercedes SUV plant (where all global Mercedes SUVs are manufactured)
Top Performance Gallery - Human body science, sports science, athletics education, nutrition, and performance analysis connecting with University of Alabama athletics programs
Zero-to-Six Gallery ("Little Sparks") - 4,000 sq ft early childhood learning space with age-appropriate STEM activities and foundational learning experiences
 

Additional Spaces on the Campus:

Hot Jobs Gallery - Workforce development space allowing local industries to showcase career opportunities and recruit talent
Saban Legacy Hall - Immersive sports and leadership experiences with large LED screens creating stadium-like environments
Temporary Exhibition Gallery - Rotating exhibits and special programming
Outdoor Gallery - Weather and natural phenomena exhibits including sound, wind, and acoustics demonstrations
 

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