Director of Interpretation and Programs

Position Overview: The Director of Interpretation and Programs will lead the development and execution of the museum’s interpretive strategy and educational curriculum, ensuring all initiatives are engaging, accessible, and aligned with the museum’s mission. Working closely with the curatorial, exhibitions, and visitor services teams, this role focuses on designing educational programs and interactive elements and activations that complement exhibits and foster deep public engagement. Through storytelling, programming, and innovative technologies, the Director will enhance the visitor experience and promote deeper learning across diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation and implementation of the museum’s interpretive plan, ensuring alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and educational goals.
• Develop engaging educational content for exhibitions, public programs, and school initiatives that inspire curiosity and learning.
• Foster innovation in interpretation by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as audio guides, interactive displays, and digital storytelling, to enhance visitor engagement.
• Collaborate with curatorial staff, educators, visitor services and community partners to create inclusive, accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Oversee the development of exhibition-related learning materials, including gallery guides, teacher resources, and digital content such as multimedia tools and online resources.
• Collaborate with the Development team to identify funding opportunities, produce compelling grant applications, and ensure compliance with all grant obligations related to educational programming, including reporting on outcomes, aligning with funding goals, and providing necessary documentation for grant application applications and renewals.
• Evaluate interpretive program effectiveness in collaboration with the Director of Visitor Services and Engagement, using visitor feedback and data to refine future initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic direction for school and public programs, ensuring that educational initiatives align with exhibition themes and respond to community needs.
• Train and support staff, educators, and volunteers in interpretive techniques to maintain consistent, high-quality visitor engagement.
• Manage the interpretation/education staff and budget, ensuring programs are cost-effective while maintaining high educational and interpretive standards.
• Represent the museum at public events, community forums, and professional gatherings to advocate for the museum’s educational mission and expand its reach.
• Support the museum’s mission by developing content that authentically reflects Miami’s diverse communities and rich history.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Museum Education, Public History, Art History, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in museum interpretation, education, or public programming.
• Proven experience in curriculum design and developing innovative, inclusive interpretive programs.
• Strong knowledge of current trends in museum education, audience engagement, and digital storytelling.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, particularly in leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to engage diverse audiences through thoughtful and accessible interpretation.
• Experience managing budgets and staff, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery.

Skills & Attributes:

• Proven ability to lead and shape the museum’s interpretive and educational vision, ensuring alignment with mission, values, and visitor needs.
• Expertise in developing engaging, cutting-edge interpretive programs using a range of technologies (e.g., digital storytelling, interactive displays, audio guides).
• Deep understanding of creating educational materials and experiences that are accessible and resonate with diverse audiences, particularly in multicultural environments like Miami.
• Strong track record of working with cross-functional teams (curators, educators, designers) and external partners to deliver cohesive, mission-driven interpretive content.
• Skilled at fostering meaningful connections between visitors and exhibitions, utilizing storytelling techniques and participatory learning approaches• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects, budgets, and teams simultaneously, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of programs and materials.
• Ability to analyze program effectiveness using visitor data and feedback, and to refine strategies for continuous improvement in engagement and learning outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate the museum’s educational mission, engage diverse stakeholders, and represent the institution at professional forums.
• Dedication to integrating diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion principles into interpretive practices, with a focus on reflecting Miami’s rich cultural diversity.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, communicate, and use repetitive motions;
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee may frequently lift and or move 25 pounds of materials.
• The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from multiple people and interact with the public and other staff.

Benefits:

• Paid time-off and holidays
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurances
• Retirement savings program with Museum match