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May 25, 2025
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Building Inclusive Executive Leadership at the Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota has a bold mission: to create a world where everyone can use science to make lives better. As the organization continued to expand its reach through education, in-person experiences, and online engagement, it recognized the need for a financial leader who could not only manage the complexity of the institution’s infrastructure but also reflect and represent the diverse community it serves.
To achieve this, the Museum partnered with The DEJ Group to lead the executive search for its next Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Museum Infrastructure—with a clear emphasis on equity, cultural fluency, and financial excellence.
Our Strategy: Targeted Outreach + Inclusive Evaluation
We began the engagement by aligning closely with leadership. Through listening sessions with the CEO, Executive VP of Human Resources, and Vice President of Equity, we co-developed a leadership profile that balanced technical expertise with the soft skills needed to thrive in a public-facing, equity-centered role.
Our search strategy prioritized candidates who:
- Brought deep financial leadership and operational oversight experience
- Could authentically represent the museum to diverse stakeholders, including corporate sponsors
- Demonstrated a personal and professional alignment with the museum’s mission and values
We activated both our local and national networks and used data-informed tools to reach over 30 qualified candidates. After rigorous evaluation, we presented a slate of 6 top contenders—66% of whom identified as diverse.
The Result: Mission-Aligned Leader, Seamless Experience
After a thoughtful interview process involving the CEO, Human Resources, and key internal teams, two finalists emerged with the vision and credentials to lead. A finalist was selected and accepted the offer, and onboarding was completed—on time and with full organizational alignment.
✔ 66% of the final slate was diverse
✔ The hired candidate brings both financial strength and community connection
✔ Search completed in 90 days
✔ Positive feedback from both the organization and the candidate
Client Testimonial:
“We appreciated The DEJ Group’s intentional approach to inclusion, candidate care, and cultural alignment. The process felt thoughtful, transparent, and truly representative of our values.”
Case Study
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Service: Executive Search
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The DEJ Group offers several products and services to help our clients acquire and retain the talent they need to help them fulfill their mission. Reach out to us so we can help you be successful in your search.
