Marcos Stafne

Experience

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  Civic Theatre of Central Florida

  Sept 1993 - Jul 2000

  Teaching Artist
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  Orlando Science Center

  Jun 1995 - Jul 2000

  Theatre Specialist/ Einstein Player
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  New York Hall of Science

  Jul 2000 - Jul 2008

  Director, Public Programs & Traveling Exhibitions

  Developed educational programming centered around the arts and sciences, leveraging theater background to conceptualize thematic exhibitions and events. Implemented traveling and special exhibitions for school groups and the public. Promoted multiple times from coordinator to director. Cultivated partnerships to expand the museum’s slate of programming and resources. Introduced new initiatives that raised the museum’s public profile, including the MetLife Early Learning Lab and preschool satellite spaces, a new Preschool Discovery Place and Science Playground, and Science Theater program. Show less

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  Sylvan Learning Center

  Jan 2005 - Feb 2006

  Center Director
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  Rubin Museum of Art

  Jul 2008 - Oct 2012

  Director, Education & Visitor Experience

  Led the Education team in reimagining the visitor experience and long-range education plan, working closely with leadership and the Board. Developed educational programs and digital learning experiences for families, teens, students, educators, and the general public, including a 5000 sq. ft. Education Center expansion. Strategized new exhibits and media for interactive areas of the gallery. Launched special programming with organizational partners (WNET / Thirteen).

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  Brooklyn Children's Museum

  Oct 2012 - Apr 2015

  Vice President of Programs and Visitor Experience

  Part of a strategic turnaround team overhauling the programming and vision for the museum. Focused on addressing operational issues while maintaining leading-edge programming. Managed a 7-figure budget and 50-person staff across Education, Collections, and Visitor Experience.Led delivery of educational programs, digital learning experiences, and exhibitions for diverse audiences (students, educators, families). Defined long-term programming goals with innovation in mind, overseeing proposals, budgets, partnerships, and fundraising functions. Executed strategic expansion projects to elevate the guest experience, including a new rooftop terrace, theater facilities, and satellite spaces. Show less

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  Montshire Museum of Science

  Apr 2015 - Apr 2021

  Executive Director

  Reshaped the strategic vision and programming for the museum, responsible for external affairs, finances, facilities, branding, and board development. Administered a multimillion-dollar budget supporting Montshire’s 110-acre campus run by 70 staff and 120 volunteers.Produced talks, concerts, events, forums, and other programs to unite the community through arts and science, as well as rotating and permanent exhibitions. Established and led partnerships at the regional, national, and international levels. Developed plans to improve the landscape and create outdoor exhibitions for the community during Covid. Extensively renovated indoor and public spaces, integrating accessibility and environmental efficiencies. Grew the operating budget, YOY revenue, and net asset fundraising outcomes despite pandemic. Show less

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  Wildlife Conservation Society

  May 2021 - Oct 2022

  Director of Learning Experiences, Zoos & Aquarium

  Led revitalization of a multimillion-dollar operating unit impacted by Covid, rebuilding mission-driven educational programming across 5 urban wildlife conservation parks (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, NY Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo. Supervised a team of educational curators in delivering best-in-class STEM education programs and live interpretation.Relaunched in-person services post-pandemic, overseeing over 150 full / part-time staff and 400 volunteers to carry out programming across all parks. Owned a multimillion-dollar budget including contract negotiations and grant funded programs. Served as a thought leader in discussions with city council and local officials on citywide educational initiatives. Additionally provided interim park educational leadership as needed. Show less

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  GallopNYC

  Oct 2022 - Apr 2024

  Executive Director

  Steered the vision, planning, and daily operations of a nonprofit providing therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship to individuals with disabilities. Led a team across 3 facilities in New York City, including a private urban barn, 5-acre park, and stables run by 50 staff and 700 volunteers.Brought structure to the organization through new leadership, streamlined processes, and long-term vision setting. Owned all aspects of program management, external affairs, finance / grant compliance, facilities, marketing, and HR. Managed a multimillion-dollar operational budget with oversight of fundraising and donor events. Overhauled Gallop’s branding to better communicate its mission to the public. Show less

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  White Feather Farm NY

  May 2024 - now

  Executive Director

  Redesigned the growth plan for a 66-acre campus that includes a certified organic working farm (USDA, NOFA, Real Organic) and 100-person gathering/performance space, with emphasis on expanding WFF’s revenue streams and advancing its mission of agricultural and arts education. Direct a 7-person team in evolving the farm’s programming slate for children, families, schools, and adults, exploring topics in sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and the arts. Responsible for all facets of project and program delivery inclusive of fundraising, expenses, resource management, and community partnerships. Show less