Director of Public Programs

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS – F/T

The Witte Museum is where Nature, Science and Culture meet and reveals Texas Deep Time, the layers of what is now called Texas, from millions of years ago to the present. The Vision of the Witte is to be the preeminent center for relevant content and engaging experiences in environmental science, STEAM, and cultural stories to shape the future of Texas by empowering all people to create an extraordinary life. The Witte Museum, founded in 1926, opened a transformed museum campus in March of 2017 to critical acclaim, locally to internationally. The $100 million expansion ushered in a new generation of students and families from Texas and beyond who are empowered to discover nature, science and culture through immersive, interactive experiences in new galleries, labs and riverside habitats. The Witte has earned its reputation as "the People's Museum" because of a commitment to making lifelong learning accessible to all.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Public Programs is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs designed for a variety of audiences visiting the museum including programs for school groups, educators, adults, teens, and families. The Director of Public Programs is also responsible for the supervision of all educators within the initiatives of the department: Texas History, Science, Natural History, Gallery Theater, and Community Outreach. The Director of Public Programs networks and serves as a community source and liaison between educators and community groups, and promotes the Witte’s programs. The Director of Public Programs works with the Chief of Engagement to prepare, oversee, and administer the department budget, serves on the museum committees, exhibit development teams and participates in generating program ideas. The Director of Public Programs gathers and provides evaluation data to complete annual reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the interpretive resource facilitator and planner for exhibits and programs
• Responsible for developing the work schedule for the program team
• Participates in generating program and curriculum ideas
• Works with the museum curators to assist with the development of exhibit concepts and interpretive materials
• Works with the Education Managers to develop the Museum Camp curriculum
• Works with the Director of Communications to ensure all programs are marketed to appropriate audiences in a timely manner
• Oversees the writing, production packaging and distribution of the museum’s publications for educators both in print and online
• Supervises the development, implementation and evaluation of all programming
• Works with the Director of Reservations and Logistics to schedule school programs and ensure accurate and timely data collection of all programs attendance and revenue through the Museum’s Tessitura reporting system
• Works with the Volunteer Manager to ensure the recruitment, training and retention of program junior and adult volunteers
• Works with the Chief of Engagement to review candidate applications, participate in interviews and orient new employees to Public Programs
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Studies or related field
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Education, Museum Studies or related field

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum of five years successful museum education experience, preferably with interpretive planning background
• Experienced in teaching, curriculum development and public programming
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Clear and efficient written and verbal skills
• Strong supervisor, leadership and organizational skills
• Proficient in the Microsoft Suite
• Must be energetic dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic for teaching and learning in an informal setting
• Ability to work independently and as a team member

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be in good physical condition, able to move moderately heavy objects (30lbs.), bend, walk, climb stairs, stand, and sit for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays

The Witte Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekend availability

Work Location: One location