Director of Museum Learning (Education & Programs)

Our client - Port Discovery Childrens Museum - is seeking a Director of Museum Learning.

Inspire Play. Lead Learning. Make an Impact.

Port Discovery Childrens Museum is seeking a dynamic and passionate educational leader to serve as our Director of Museum Learning. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape innovative learning experiences for children ages birth through 10 and their families while leading a talented team dedicated to the power of play-based learning.

As a key member of the Learning & Visitor Experience leadership team the Director of Museum Learning oversees the development implementation and evaluation of educational programs that reach thousands of children and families each year. The Director also serves as the supervisor and mentor for assigned staff of the Learning Team fostering a culture of collaboration creativity and continuous growth as well as be a visible leader on the museum floor.

If you are an experienced educator museum professional or youth development leader who believes in the transformative power of playful learning we encourage you to apply.

Compensation:

Salary range is $80000 to $85000 annually based on experience. We may consider compensation above this range for candidates who bring extensive directly related experience specialized skills or exceptional qualifications.

What Youll Do

Lead Learning Strategy

• In partnership with the Learning & Visitor Experience leadership team advance the museums vision for playful learning across exhibits programs environments and visitor experiences
• Establish strategic priorities and develop short-term and long-term goals implementation plans and success measures for museum learning initiatives
• Ensure learning experiences align with Port Discoverys mission strategic plan educational philosophy PLAY Framework and organizational values
• Collaborate across departments to integrate learning goals into museum-wide initiatives and visitor experiences.

Lead Educational Programming

• Design implement and evaluate high-quality learning experiences for children and families.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of programs including:
• School and field trip programs
• Public programs
• Homeschool offerings
• Summer camps
• Overnight experiences
• Community outreach initiatives
• Sensory Friendly Sundays

Lead and Develop Staff

• Supervise coach mentor and evaluate assigned Learning Team staff.
• Facilitate staff training and professional development.
• Foster a culture of reflective practice innovation and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain high standards of educational excellence and guest engagement.

Champion Inclusive Learning

• Ensure museum learning experiences are welcoming accessible and engaging for all visitors.
• Support the development of programs that serve diverse audiences including: Children and adults with disabilities; Neurodivergent visitors; English language learners; ASL users; and Families from historically underserved communities.
• Partner with museum leadership to identify and reduce barriers to participation.

Serve as a Visible Museum Leader

• Model exemplary facilitation and guest engagement practices.
• Engage directly with children caregivers educators and community partners.
• Serve as an advocate for informal learning and play-based education throughout the museum.

What Were Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Education Museum Studies Arts Education Child Development or a related field.
• 5 years of experience developing and delivering educational experiences for children and families in museums schools cultural institutions nonprofits or related settings.
• 3 years of experience managing the development implementation and evaluation of educational programs.
• 3 years of experience supervising coaching mentoring or developing staff.
• Strong written organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to connect authentically with children families staff and community partners.
• Passion for learning through play and child-centered education.
• Excellent writing organizational and scheduling skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Education or a related field or equivalent advanced professional experience.
• Experience in museums informal learning environments cultural organizations or youth-serving nonprofits.
• Experience designing inclusive programs for diverse audiences is highly valued.

Why Join Port Discovery

At Port Discovery youll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families while helping shape one of the regions leading childrens museums.

Benefits include: Free parking; Medical dental and vision insurance options; Generous paid vacation personal and sick leave; Retirement savings plan with employer match after six months ; Museum-provided life and disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Travel assistance and grief counseling support; Free museum admission for your family.

Schedule Expectations

To support exceptional visitor experiences members of the Learning & Visitor Experience leadership team are expected to work a minimum of three weekend days per month. This position also requires occasional evening holiday special event and overnight program participation throughout the year.

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular movement throughout the museum including standing walking bending kneeling climbing and occasional lifting of materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The role involves working in a dynamic environment with large groups of children and families and varying noise levels.

Learn more about Port Discovery Childrens Museum at:

Port Discovery Childrens Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Port Discovery Childrens Museum conducts a criminal background check after a conditional job offer.

Required Experience:

Director