President

TERC, a leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education research, seeks a committed, collaborative, and strategic leader to propel the organization forward as its next President. An independent research nonprofit organization, TERC improves the teaching and learning of STEM through research, curriculum and technology development, educator professional development, evaluation, and support for reform in formal and informal learning environments. TERC researchers and staff are committed to a future in which diverse communities of learners regularly engage in creative, rigorous, and reflective inquiry, and where educators, children, and youth celebrate questioning, problem-solving, and experimentation. TERC’s next President will steward the organization through the continued evolution of research and discovery, build and facilitate external partnerships, secure TERC’s financial future, and continue to develop an organizational structure and culture that meets the demands of a post-pandemic and remote work environment.

Reporting to the board of trustees, TERC’s next President will be deeply committed to and passionate about advancing STEM education for educators, adults, children, and youth, particularly those in traditionally underserved communities. They will be a systems thinker, an inclusive and trusted leader, an exceptional collaborator and facilitator, and will demonstrate the ability to inspire a multifaceted and highly productive research engine. The President will be an eager spokesperson for TERC, increasing its visibility with various STEM education stakeholders, federal and state governments, corporations, and foundations. The President will mentor direct reports, provide professional development opportunities for all staff across the organization, and drive a highly productive, positive, and results-oriented culture.

ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT

This opportunity calls for a knowledgeable, strategic connector with a proven ability to navigate an expansive, evolving organization with a people—and progress-focused approach. The President will be essential in charting TERC's future and developing vision, initiatives, and partnerships to further promote TERC’s expertise, projects, and impact in STEM education.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRESIDENT

The President of TERC will bring many of the following qualifications, professional experiences, and personal attributes:

• Commitment to the belief that STEM literacy is critical to strengthening and preserving a democratic society.
• Experience as an established or emerging leader in STEM education preferred. Familiarity with national STEM education policy, policy at the federal agency level, and national STEM education trends.
• Demonstrated success in increasingly responsible positions in organizational leadership, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Evidence of strategic planning experience and translating and implementing a vision and strategy into a practical plan with measurable outcomes.
• Experience thriving in a collaborative environment with a shared sense of leadership. Excellent coalition-building and negotiating skills.
• Track record of leading substantial investments that embed diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging within an organization’s strategy, mission, and vision.
• Understanding of fiscal management at an organizational level, preferably in a nonprofit context.
• Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with a governing board or analogous expertise.
• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to education, mathematics, science, policy, business, or finance. EdD or PhD preferred.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Salary range: $250,000-$320,000.

Location: Residing within daily commutable distance of Cambridge, MA, is preferred but not required.

APPLICATIONS, NOMINATIONS, AND INQUIRIES

All inquiries, nominations, and applications (including resumes/CVs and two- to three-page letters of interest) should be directed in strict confidence to the search team below. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. To be assured full consideration, please submit materials by Friday, November 8, 2024.

Pamela Pezzoli, Partner
Tatiana Oberkoetter, Managing Associate
Alexis Ditaway, Associate
Melissa Barravecchio, Senior Search Coordinator
Isaacson, Miller
TERC President Search

It is the policy of TERC to recruit, hire, train, and promote, in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, handicap, disability, protected veteran status, or age.