Director of Museum Learning

About the Role

Port Discovery Children's Museum seeks a visionary and enthusiastic educational leader for the position of Director of Museum Learning. This pivotal role involves creating innovative educational experiences for children from birth to age 10 and their families, while leading a creative team devoted to play-based learning.

The Director will be an integral part of the Learning & Visitor Experience leadership team, overseeing the design, execution, and assessment of educational programming that serves thousands annually. Beyond program leadership, this role also includes mentoring staff and maintaining a visible presence throughout the museum.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to advance the museum's vision of playful learning across all exhibits and visitor interactions.
• Set strategic learning priorities including short- and long-term goals, implementation tactics, and metrics for success.
• Ensure alignment of educational programs with the museum's mission, strategy, educational philosophy, and core values.
• Work cross-departmentally to embed learning objectives into all museum initiatives and visitor experiences.
• Develop and assess a broad array of educational offerings such as school visits, public programs, homeschool activities, summer camps, overnight events, community outreach, and Sensory Friendly Sundays.
• Lead, supervise, coach, and evaluate the Learning Team staff, facilitating ongoing professional growth and training.
• Promote a culture of continuous reflection, creativity, and excellence in guest engagement and educational delivery.
• Ensure all learning activities are inclusive, accessible, and actively engage diverse audiences including children with disabilities, neurodivergent visitors, English language learners, ASL users, and families from underserved communities.
• Work with museum leadership to identify and dismantle participation barriers.
• Exemplify strong facilitation techniques and maintain direct engagement with children, caregivers, educators, and community partners.
• Advocate for informal, play-based learning throughout the museum environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Museum Studies, Arts Education, Child Development, or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of 5 years experience creating and delivering educational experiences for children and families in museums or similar settings.
• At least 3 years managing educational program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in supervising, mentoring, or coaching staff.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and writing skills.
• Ability to engage authentically with diverse groups including families, children, and community stakeholders.
• Strong passion for child-centered education and playful learning methodologies.
• Preferred: Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) and experience with inclusive programming in museums or youth-serving nonprofits.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary ranges from $80,000 to $85,000 based on experience, with potential for higher pay for exceptional candidates with specialized skills or extensive related experience.

Benefits include free parking; medical, dental, and vision insurance options; generous paid leave; retirement plan with employer matching after six months; life and disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program; travel and grief counseling support; and free museum admission for family members.

Work Schedule & Physical Requirements

The role requires availability for at least three weekend days per month along with occasional evenings, holidays, special events, and overnight programs.

Physical duties include frequent movement around the museum, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The environment is dynamic with large groups of children and families and varying noise levels.

Equal Opportunity

Port Discovery Children's Museum is dedicated to cultivating a diverse, inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.