director of education + guest experience
National Children’s Museum is a world-class institution that aims to spark children’s
imaginations and encourage them to dream. Steps off the National Mall and Pennsylvania
Avenue, National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science,
technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As Director of
Education + Guest Experience, you will help realize this vision for hundreds of thousands of
visitors each year.
National Children’s Museum’s Director of Education + Guest Experience, reporting to the
President + CEO, is a critical member of the leadership team. This individual is responsible
for leading a cross-functional team responsible for delivering stellar guest engagements
and interactions. This team lead oversees team members dedicated to education,
experience, operations (guest services) management and safety.
what you’ll do
education
Oversee the development and implementation of STEAM-based educational
programming that enriches the visitor experience and supports the organizational
goals and mission. This includes field trip programs, daily museum programming,
pop-up experiences, birthday parties, virtual experiences and resources, and
educational programming for community outreach;
Provide direction and management of education staff;
Maintain budgets, expenditures, programming schedules, and databases of relevant
contacts of interest;
Cultivate and maintain relationships with networks, administrators, educators,
families, and organizational partners;
experience
Provide leadership and direction to a cross-functional team that provides exceptional
customer service, facilitation, and educational engagements for a variety of
audiences;
Oversee the development, training, and performance of an exceptional visitor
experience team at the Museum;
Ensure that daily interactions with Museum guests are engaging, playful, and filled
with high-quality learning.
operations management + safety
Provide strategy, oversight and direction for daily Museum operations and develop
best practices for guest services, engagement, and accessibility;
Support staff in their work related to earned revenue, ticketing, retail sales, and
visitor safety and security;
In collaboration with facilities staff, consultants, and law enforcement, oversee
development and implementation of comprehensive Safety Plan to ensure guest
safety and security;
Evaluate and communicate ongoing appropriate safety protocols for staff and
guests, and manage onsite security protocols;
leadership + culture
Identify best practices and improve internal systems with an eye on future needs and
budget parameters;
Develop and implement critical staff learning plans and opportunities that enhance
staff effectiveness;
Closely monitor customer satisfaction and impact data as it relates to experience
and make adjustments accordingly;
Provide positive leadership within the Leadership Team and to all staff to support
staff professional growth and development;
what we believe are important experiences + traits for this role
5-7+ years supporting education and experience in a museum environment;
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred;
Highly skilled at internal and external customer service with demonstrated results in
effecting positive change for visitors;
Ability to work effectively on a team and think strategically;
Proven experience in leading and building teams, and fostering a positive and
collaborative working environment;
Expert organizational and project management skills, with proven ability to prioritize
and meet deadlines;
Experience managing multiple, complex initiatives through periods of growth and
change;
Must be highly professional with the ability to serve as a public representative of the
Museum;
Self-starter able to take charge of a task once assigned, but welcoming of feedback
from all staff and open to adaptation for the betterment of the Museum;
Passion for the mission of National Children’s Museum.
physical demands + working environment
Ability to remain standing, walking, or sitting for long periods, move up to 40 lbs.,
and interact with children and adults in our exhibits, including a three-story
climber and slide;
Occasional work outdoors;
Fast-paced, highly sensory, stimulating work environment due to constant noise
and interaction with other staff and visitors, which includes children;
Punctuality and attendance required;
Availability on weekends, occasional evenings, and holidays;
hours + location
Full-time position located at the National Children’s Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
Occasional remote work may be permitted. Working special events, evenings and holidays
may be necessary.
salary + benefits
$95,000 – $105,000 commensurate with experience. This is a benefits eligible position.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Director of Education + Guest Experience.
what we value
Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to
do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.
The National Children’s Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, marital status or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment at NCM, including, but not limited to recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and development, access to facilities, discipline, separation of employment and other terms and conditions of employment.