careers
director of learning programs
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 role
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 Learning Programs, you will help realize this vision for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The National Children’s Museum’s Director of Learning Programs, reporting to the Vice President of Learning + Access, is responsible for providing dedicated oversight focused on integrating programming, strengthening their work by ensuring a shared understanding, consistent implementation, and real-time support where learning and guest experience intersect.
what you’ll do
Floor Leadership
- Lead the design, alignment, and delivery of learning experiences across onsite programs, offsite programs, and field trips
- Design and fabricate hands-on program materials, props, and small-scale installations to support dynamic, responsive learning experiences
- Translate learning frameworks into clear, practical facilitation approaches that can be consistently implemented by staff
- Oversee implementation of daily programming, including pop-up experiences, field trips, birthday parties, and community-based and cultural programming
- Monitor program quality across contexts and drive continuous improvement using observation, staff input, and program data
Floor Leadership
- Maintain a visible, active presence on the museum floor to support staff, model facilitation practices, and respond to real-time needs and program flow to support a high-quality visitor experience
- Support frontline staff in delivering consistent, engaging, and play-based interactions with guests
- Provide guidance and oversight related to visitor flow and overall guest experience
- Ensure implementation and ongoing reinforcement of safety and security protocols for staff and visitors
Team Leadership & Development
- Build and sustain a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture
- Coach managers and team leads in facilitation, leadership, and people management practices
- Support onboarding, training alignment, and shared norms across staff and youth volunteers
- Identify and address patterns impacting morale, performance, and communication
- Supervise hiring, training, and scheduling of frontline staff
Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as a connector across Learning, Programming, Exhibits, + Access to support coordinated planning and execution
- Partner with senior leadership on initiatives that strengthen learning quality, staff experience, and guest experience
- Contribute to organizational planning related to staffing structures, program growth, and delivery models
- Increase efficiency by strengthening proactive systems and routines
- Support managers and coordinators through alignment, coaching, and shared systems
what we believe are important experiences and traits for this role
- 5+ years in museum or informal learning environments supporting education and/or guest experience, with demonstrated experience designing and fabricating program materials.
- Proven experience leading and developing teams in a collaborative, fast-paced setting
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines and manage project budgets.
- Self-starter who can take ownership of work while remaining open to feedback and iteration
- Commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative culture that enhances both staff and visitor experience
- Passion for the mission and values of the National Children’s Museum
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship)
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 and occasionally 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 are required.
- Availability on weekends, occasional evenings, and holidays, including a minimum of 2-3 weekend days each month.
details
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, one weekend day per month, and holidays will be necessary.
compensation
$85,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience. This is a benefits-eligible position.
to apply
To indicate interest, please send resume and cover letter to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: Director of Learning Programs.
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.