CEO – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

The Board of Trustees of the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Ltd  seek a new part-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Catalyst makes a unique contribution to the chemical sector not only as a communicator of STEM education, skills and knowledge but also, for the unique and vital role they play in preserving the heritage of the chemical sector’s most treasured artefacts, archive publications and making them publicly available. The Trustees are keen to build on the extensive and impressive work done by the current CEO. They would welcome applications from as diverse a group of people as possible. The post is open from 1 April 2022.

Role Context
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially strong, experienced business leader to take on the day-to-day leadership and management of this highly regarded and successful Science Discovery Centre and Museum.

Originally established in 1982 as the Halton Museum of the Chemical Industry in Widnes and moved to its present location in 1986, Catalyst also became a Science Discovery Centre in 1994. It offers a unique way into the chemical sciences by providing an award-winning science education programme supporting Key Stage 1 to 4 and by preserving the heritage of the highly successful and commercial chemical industry of the NW England. It is an Accredited Museum.

In 2018 Catalyst won grant funding in excess of £1m from the Inspiring Science Fund (ISF) through the Wellcome Trust/UKRI which enabled it to make dramatic changes to many of its public spaces and to its offering in its scientific interactive gallery in the following three years. It is currently working on a proposal to NLHF for a substantial sum of money for a project to upgrade its Birth of an Industry Gallery. Catalyst sees itself and the external area surrounding it as a major visitor attraction in Halton and is building on this to strengthen its position as a key part of the local visitor economy. Collaboration with other local organisations will be important and interaction with and support of the local community is part of its ethos and strategy. During the first phases of the pandemic it succeeded, given its Accredited Museum status, in being awarded money from the Arts Council England (COVID) Cultural Recovery Funds (ACE CRF1 and 2).

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, the appointee will be responsible for devising, developing and promoting policies and objectives which further the Board’s strategies for the efficient operation and further development of Catalyst both as a Science Centre /Museum and as a Visitor Attraction to ensure its long-term financial future and ongoing development. She/he will provide strong management and leadership to the small team of dedicated staff (8.6 FTE). With a flexible and pragmatic approach, experience and understanding of a STEM-related industry and a strong commercial outlook, the appointee will be an exemplary relationship builder, have a strong financial understanding and be a skilled negotiator whilst possessing outstanding people and communication skills. It is anticipated that the time commitment will be equivalent to 16 hours per week. The appointee would be expected to live within a 30 mile radius of Catalyst.

Skills and Experiences
Ideally qualified to degree level or equivalent in a science or technical discipline, candidates should demonstrate a track record of strong commercial experience along with the ability to contribute strategically.

Experience in the science discovery centre, visitor attraction, museum or heritage sector would be welcomed as would experience of working closely with a charitable trust and its Trustees. Listening, influencing, negotiation and collaboration will all be key requirements of this individual along with strong analysis and decision-making skills and a positive, enthusiastic outlook to ensure that Catalyst maintains and continues its current exciting development path established over the past 3 years by the CEO, Catalyst staff and Trustees.

Once candidates have expressed an interest, Hybrid Search will share a comprehensive Candidate Information Pack outlining the CEO role profile and person specifications along with the assessment process.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4 February.

Please contact David Wilson, Director, Hybrid Search for further information. dw@hybrid-search.com 07956 774288.