Director of Youth Programs and Engagement

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Deputy Director for Interpretive Content the position of Director of Youth Programs and Engagement is responsible for visioning and implementing strategies for engaging K-12 students, youth and their adult caregivers, and educators. They will oversee programs that enhance and expand museum services to the school and teacher community; and those that bring the joy of learning to the youth of the DMV area. Through management of programs, mentorship of staff, and cross-departmental work, this individual contributes to the advancement of the Museum effort to be a place that inspires visitors to participate in creating a better built world. A successful candidate will be someone who has worked in the art/architecture, education and/or community engagement sector and is passionate about connecting with this audience.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Leadership and Supervision
• Provide strategic leadership for the Youth & Community Programs department.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Youth & Community staff, fostering a collaborate and high-performing team environment.
• Program Development and Execution
• Lead the development of the design, implementation, and evaluation of a variety of educational programs including school field trips, summer camp, weekend drop-in programs, and festival activities.
• Incorporate effective pedagogical strategies to create engaging, learner-centered programs that cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
• Develop exhibition-specific programming that enhances visitors’ experiences and deepens their understanding of the museum’s exhibitions.
• Collaborate with educators, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure programs meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• Community Engagement and Outreach
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and other institutions to expand the museum’s reach and impact.
• Lead efforts to engage underserved communities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in all programming.
• Assemble a teacher advisory board
• Budget and Resource Management
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support program goals.
• Work collaboratively with the Development Department to identify and pursue funding opportunities to support program development and sustainability.
• Evaluation and Reporting
• Implement evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of programs.
• Use data and feedback to continually improve program offerings and inform strategic planning.
• Prepare and present regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and achievements to museum leadership and external stakeholders.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Works closely with other museum departments including exhibitions, marketing, and development to ensure cohesive and aligned programming.
• Work closely with the operations department to ensure the successful execution of programming.
• Contribute to the museum’s strategic planning and participate in institutional initiatives and projects.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Studies, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in educational program development and management, preferably within a museum or cultural institution.
• Proven experience in supervising, leading, developing and mentoring staff, with strong team-building skills.
• Demonstrated success in community engagement and outreach, with a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proactive problem solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and understands the importance of building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in budgeting, financial management, and fundraising.
• Passion for the mission of the National Building Museum.
  
  

What We Offer

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Employer paid Life and Disability insurance
• Hybrid schedule
• 11 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off policy
• 403 (b) plan with match
• Museum Shop discounts
• Free on-site parking
  
  

Our Commitment

At the Museum, we pursue diversity and endeavor to create an inclusive and accessible environment for our staff, visitors, stakeholders, and Board members. We value diverse perspectives and believe the power of diversity enriches us all. Creating an inclusive environment is critical to every individual’s work. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.