Overview:    

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.

Qualifications:    

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;

Job Responsibilities:    

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 a 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;