The mission of the Nature Discovery Center is to ignite lifelong curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education. We believe a personal connection to nature is an essential part of life. An interactive hands-on approach to learning is designed to nurture the inquiring mind, awaken a natural curiosity and sense of wonder, and spark an interest in the study of nature and science.

The Nature Discovery Center is a nature center and four-acre nature park devoted to deep learning, native plants and animals, and the ethic of preservation in a unique environment. Located inside the 610 Loop, the Nature Discovery Center is home to the 1925 craftsman-style Henshaw House, which serves as the nature center building.

The Nature Discovery Center is located in Russ Pitman Park, an outdoor classroom with five habitat zones representative of the Texas Gulf Coast and surrounding area, including Prairie Wetland, Shady Wetland, Pocket Prairie, Riparian and Woodland environments. Over 40,000 visitors enjoy the Nature Discovery Center annually by visiting the hands-on discovery rooms, attending a school field trip, participating in camps and family events, birding, attending adult lectures and most importantly, introducing many children to the joys of nature.

In 2017, the Nature Discovery Center completed a $1.5 million capital improvement project to preserve the character of the historic Henshaw House and surrounding grounds while providing for its current function as a premier science and nature education facility. The Nature Discovery Center has initiated a $2 million capital campaign, the Enchanted Woods Nature Play Campaign, to redevelop our Nature Play area and expand our facilities with a uniquely-designed outdoor classroom space.

The Executive Director serves as the chief officer of the Nature Discovery Center, responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, fundraising, and visionary direction to advance the organization’s mission. The Executive Director builds consensus, stimulates staff development, cultivates community partnerships, and delivers results consistent with annual goals to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Executive Director is responsible for effective implementation of policies set by the Board of Directors as well as annual goals and objectives related to fiscal management, development, programming, and administration.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the Nature Discovery Center’s work supports its mission and goals and is supportive of the strategic plan.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and maintain a strategic plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage the fiscal operations of NDC, including development and implementation of the annual budget. Maintain the fiscal integrity of the Nature Discovery Center.
• Manage the development and implementation of quality programs, including Russ Pitman Park, which serves as the NDC’s outdoor classroom.
• Manage the upkeep of the donor database. Manage the preparation of grant requests.
• Manage the upkeep of all facilities and grounds working with contractors, city officials, and/or volunteers. Make recommendations to the Board for any capital improvement projects, and manage any projects undertaken by the organization.
• Oversee the public relations, marketing, and delivery of NDC’s programs and events. Provide overall leadership of staff, including effective and regular communication, and the promotion of teamwork. 
• Foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture that reflects the Nature Discovery Center values. Lead staff in development and implementation of short and long-range plans, policies, and activities.
• Conduct annual performance reviews with staff and recruit personnel as needed and approved by the Board. Ensure effective performance management and compliance with policies.
• Deliver accurate and timely financial reports to the Board of Directors and serve as an advisor to the Board on operational matters. Create and adhere to conflict of interest, ethics, personnel and accounting policies. Manage the preparation and filing of all required filings with the IRS and state regulatory authorities.
• Communicate effectively and build positive relations with City of Bellaire officials and other key stakeholders in coordination with the Board of Directors.
• Proactively expand and oversee the establishment of new partnerships that benefit Nature Discovery Center mission and goals.
  • Maintain all official records of the NDC and ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and ethical standards and Board Bylaws and Policies.
  • Keep the NDC in the forefront of nature and science education and pursue opportunities to collaborate with other non-profits.
  • Consult with and seek guidance from the Executive Committee, as needed.
  • Education, Experience, and Skills:
  • Deep appreciation and understanding of the NDC’s mission and the ability to articulate its values and vision internally and externally.
  • Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit or similar mission-driven organization, preferably related to environmental education or youth programming. 
  • College degree and overall experience should support the mission and goals of NDC.
  • A minimum of five years administrative and management experience, with strong supervisory experience.
  • A team-oriented attitude that effectively moves tasks and projects forward.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, creatively, and resourcefully within a budget.
  • Strong background in fundraising, including donor development, grant acquisition, and sponsorships.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills, interpersonal skills, and public presentation skills. Proficiency in basic office software, donor management systems, and social media.