Community Programs Manager

Description

At the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, we believe in kid-powered learning. We work hard every day to create extraordinary experiences that champion the wonder and joy of childhood. To accomplish this mission, we bring together a dynamic team of talented individuals whose passions range from exhibit design to the culinary arts, from developing engaging educational programs to offering only the best in customer service. If you like to work hard and play hard, we want to hear from you! We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive wages and a supportive, rewarding and FUN work environment.

The Community Programs Manager is a key member of the Education Department leadership team and plays a vital role in ensuring extraordinary, mission-driven experiences for school-aged audiences—both at the Museum and in the community. This position directly leads the development, scheduling, implementation and evaluation of all school and community programs. The Community Programs Manager supervises a team of Museum STEAM Educators and the Community Access Coordinator, ensuring that all programs are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the Museum’s educational values and goals. This position reports directly to the Director of Education.

Job Specifications: Full-time, Sunday-Thursday, with additional hours as needed to meet business needs for occasional weekends, evenings, holidays and events.

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage. Paid time-off for vacation, sick days and four holidays. 401(k) Retirement Plan with eligibility to contribute after a 3-month waiting period (must be 21 years of age). Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending account and short-term disability. Free parking, free family membership to the Museum, and discounts in the Museum Gift Shop and Café.

Salary:  $61,200 - $65,367

Responsibilities:

• Hire, train, schedule and directly supervise a team of three Museum STEAM Educators and the Community Access Coordinator.
• Set strategic direction and establish team priorities to meet attendance and revenue goals for school and community engagement programs, both at the Museum and off-site.
• Oversee the Sponsored Admissions and Membership program by ensuring accuracy of sponsored admissions attendance for Field Trips and Outreaches in the shared tracking system.
• Coach STEAM Educators to deliver developmentally appropriate, high-quality programs that celebrate the wonder and joy of childhood.
• Develop and lead accessibility trainings for guest-facing staff specific to program development, facilitation practices, guest service interactions and exhibit functionality to ensure inclusive and welcoming experiences for all visitors.
• Support the Community Access Coordinator in developing and implementing staff training for The Nest, our sensory-friendly studio.
• Establish and nurture community partnerships that support accessibility and align with the Museum’s mission and values.
• Develop, manage and oversee the Community Program Team’s labor, revenue and operating expense budgets.
• In collaboration with the Development and Finance Departments, ensure that grant-funded and sponsored programs align with the commitments outlined in funding agreements.
• Oversee the development, scheduling, implementation and evaluation of daily STEAM Education programs both at the Museum and in the community. 
• In partnership with the Early Childhood Programs Manager, develop collaborative programming for onsite and outreach initiatives inspired by the content of the Art Studio, Teaching Kitchen, Outdoor Experience, Bloom, and Book Nook.
• Teach and co-teach programs as needed, modeling effective and engaging teaching practices including responsive classroom management, audience engagement and facilitation of STEAM learning within Museum exhibits, schools, community outreach settings and special events.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) and participate in MOD responsibilities as part of the Museum's leadership rotation.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development and lesson planning, with experience managing program budgets.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, aligned with the Museum’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience leading accessibility trainings focused on program development, guest engagement, and facilitation techniques.
• Proven ability to mentor and support educators, particularly those early in their careers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and follow through on projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Skilled in managing departmental logistics, budgets, and schedules effectively.
• Flexible, energetic, and solutions-oriented, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Background in customer service with a professional approach to public-facing leadership roles.
• A strong sense of humor and a passion for creating joyful, engaging learning experiences.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Studies, Arts Education, Child Development or a related field.
• A minimum of four years in a leadership role within museums, arts education, or a related field, with a focus on early childhood education, science, literacy, and/or visual arts for children from birth to age 8 and their families. Proven experience managing and supporting a team is essential.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to and from off-site program locations.
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.

Physical Demands  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently move, transport and position equipment, up to 50 pounds 
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time indoors and outdoors (up to 6 hours)
• Effectively operate a two-way radio to frequently communicate and exchange information with staff
• Operate a computer and other office equipment
• Frequently communicate with staff or guests with daily inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

Work Environment  This position operates in both indoor and outdoor environments where variable temperatures, light levels, crowds and moderate to very noisy sound levels are common. The employee is required to interact and communicate with adults and children frequently and routinely uses standard office equipment such as two-way radios, computers, phones and photocopiers, as well as commercial cleaning supplies.

Application process: Please submit a cover letter and resume by 5:00PM on May 9, 2025

The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. 

The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age 40 and over, disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of The Museum to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Andrew Pasini (AndrewP@cmdenver.org) or Yasmin Diaz Mendias (YasminD@cmdenver.org) with Human Resources, 303-561-0138.

Salary : $61,200 - $65,367