Executive Director

About ONSC:
Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We are Arkansas’ only residential science
center and we provide hands-on, science-based learning experiences to students in Northwest Arkansas
and beyond. We host school field trips, camps, weekend workshops, events, facility rentals, and more.
ONSC's mission is to strengthen the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of land, water, and
wildlife in the Ozarks. At ONSC, we envision a future where everyone has the opportunity to connect with
the outdoors. Through our dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and community
collaboration, we aim to empower others to preserve the diverse ecosystems and natural heritage of the
Ozarks. Our Core Values are creating clear and engaging educational programs, providing hands-on
experiences in the outdoors, and encouraging responsibility for the natural world.
Our 89-acre main campus includes an event center, education building, outdoor classroom, pavilion,
observation deck, 3 lodges, and staff and guest housing. Our 8 miles of hiking trails are situated within
AR Natural Heritage Commission’s 400-acre Bear Hollow Natural Area, which is nestled within the
14,500-acre McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area.
ONSC also has two urban locations. Our Lake Fayetteville education center is located at the border
between Springdale and Fayetteville, and includes an education building with 2 classrooms, deck, dock,
and paved and unpaved hiking trails. Our Kessler Mountain education center is located in Fayetteville,
and facilities include a 1⁄2-mile interpretive loop trail, native plant and rain garden, and an indoor nature
center.
Summary:
Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) seeks an experienced and inspiring Executive Director to lead the
organization into its next chapter. The Executive Director provides both strategic leadership and
hands-on management, guiding the Board of Directors and staff in advancing ONSC’s mission through
strong programming, community engagement, and organizational excellence.
As the public face of ONSC, the Executive Director cultivates partnerships, strengthens relationships with
schools and community stakeholders, and manages a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. This
position oversees operations, programs, and facilities, ensuring high-quality educational experiences
aligned with national and state science standards.
The Executive Director also leads fundraising and marketing efforts, including grant writing, donor
communications, and promotion of programs and facility rentals.

1905 Madison 1305, Huntsville, AR 72740 (479) 202-8340 www.onsc.us

Qualifications:
Required:
● Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, education, natural sciences, or a related
field.
● Minimum of 5 years of significant leadership, organizational management, and staff management
experience.
● Proven track record in organizational leadership and staff supervision.
● Demonstrated experience developing and managing all aspects of organizational budget,
finances, and reporting. Ability to adjust budgets and programs based on changes in
partnerships, school programs, and enrollments.
● Strong communication, collaboration, and community-building skills.
● Passion for ONSC’s mission, environmental education, conservation, and the natural world.
● Proven ability to plan strategically and balance day-to-day management.
● Demonstrated experience in relationship-building, public engagement, and marketing.
● Fundraising experience, including revenue planning, major gifts, grant writing, reporting, and
events.
● Experience with developing and working with a board of directors and committees.
● High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement.
● Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Preferred:
● Bilingual in English and Spanish.
● Background or training in environmental, science, or nature education.
● Nonprofit leadership experience.
● Master’s degree in business, public administration, education, natural sciences, or a related field.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategic Direction
● Advance and articulate ONSC’s mission, vision, and values.
● Lead the organization through strategic planning and implementation of short and long-term
goals.
● Foster a collaborative, safe, and inclusive work culture that empowers staff and promotes
professional growth.
● Represent ONSC as a visible and trusted leader in the community.
Management & Operations
● Oversee daily operations, facilities, and financial management.
● Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer.
● Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
● Supervise and support staff through effective communication, delegation, feedback, and
professional development.
Programs & Education
● Partner with the Program Manager and Teacher Naturalists to design, implement, and evaluate
educational programs that meet science education standards.
● Maintain the high quality and integrity of all ONSC programs and visitor experiences.
1905 Madison 1305, Huntsville, AR 72740 (479) 202-8340 www.onsc.us

Fundraising & Communications
● Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and sponsorship
development.
● Expand local revenue-generating opportunities and partnerships.
● Oversee the creation of promotional materials, newsletters, and social media content to engage
supporters and promote ONSC programs and rentals.
Board Relations
● Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance organizational priorities.
● Attend bi-monthly board meetings and other sessions as needed.
● Provide timely reports and recommendations to the board.
Additional Duties:
● Participate in team meetings, debriefs, and self-development opportunities.
● Assist with hospitality, kitchen, housekeeping, or event needs as necessary.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
Compensation:
● Commensurate with experience
● Paid Time Off (PTO), which includes vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave days:
Length of
Continuous
Employment

PTO Days Per Year PTO Hours Accumulated

Per Month

Maximum PTO
accrual
0-3 Years 26, 8-hour days 17.34 hours 208 hours
3-10 Years 31, 8-hour days 20.67 hours 248 hours
10 years or more 36, 8-hour days 24 hours 288 hours

● Bonus PTO: up to 80 hours in December and up to 40 hours in August.
● Meals provided during work hours when school programs are in session
● Optional employee-paid dental and vision insurance coverage
● Optional employee-paid life insurance
● Training opportunities including certifications (CPR, WFA, and CIG) paid for entirely or partly by
ONSC for employees (dependent upon scheduling availability).
● An opportunity to share your love of the natural world with an amazing and supportive team of
naturalists while sparking and feeding the love of nature in the next generation.
ONSC celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We seek employees, volunteers, and
interns from a wide variety of backgrounds. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to
race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin,
genetics, disability, age, veteran status, education, culture, or any other federal, state or local protected
class.
How to Apply:
Please apply by sending your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Justin Bulla,
justin.bulla@gmail.com