Manager of K-12 Learning & School Programs

Title: Manager of K-12 Learning  & School Programs
Report to: Director of Education & Public Program.  
Status: Full Time Exempt 

El Museo del Barrio, founded by a coalition of Puerto Rican educators, artists, and activists, is the nation’s leading Latino and Latin American cultural institution. The Museum welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of these communities through its extensive Permanent Collection, varied exhibitions and publications, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals, and special events. 

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF ROLE  

El Museo del Barrio seeks an experienced museum educator to serve as Manager of K–12 Learning & School Programs. This role will lead the development, implementation, and growth of school-based learning initiatives that connect K–12 students and educators to the El Museo del Barrio’s exhibitions, collections, and mission.
The Manager of K–12 Learning & School Programs will lead the development of a school program portfolio that connects students and educators to the Museum’s exhibitions and collections through culturally rooted learning and critical inquiry.
This position combines strategic thinking with hands-on program leadership and requires a collaborative educator capable of building strong relationships with teachers, schools, and community partners while developing innovative learning experiences grounded in Latinx and Latin American artistic and cultural contexts.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Public Program Strategy & Development

• Lead the design and implementation of a year-round calendar of public programs that align with exhibitions, institutional priorities, and cultural context.
• Develop program formats that foster artistic exchange, public discourse, and community engagement.
• Identify opportunities for convenings, interdisciplinary initiatives, and partnerships that position the Museum as a site of cultural dialogue and learning.
• Shape flagship festivals as anchor programs that deepen audience engagement and extend the Museum’s cultural and educational impact.

K–12 Learning Strategy & Program Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of K–12 learning initiatives aligned with exhibitions, collections, and institutional priorities.
• Develop, manage, and grow school program offerings including guided visits, art-making workshops, educator professional development, and off-site school partnerships.
• Contribute to the Museum’s broader pedagogical vision by co-creating curriculum resources, interpretive frameworks, and teaching methodologies.

Educator Engagement & Field Leadership

• Build and sustain relationships with local schools, educators, and district partners to strengthen El Museo’s presence as a trusted learning resource.
• Represent the Museum in professional learning networks, educational convenings, and field-based collaborations at local and national levels.
• Develop and facilitate educator professional development experiences that center culturally responsive pedagogy and interdisciplinary inquiry.
• Support compliance and recordkeeping for educator programs offering Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit, including participant tracking and certificate documentation.

Curriculum Development & Interpretation

• Lead and contribute to the development of exhibition-based curriculum and interpretive resources, supporting projects from concept through writing, collaboration, and production.
• Write and edit high-quality educator-facing materials—such as lesson plans, guides, and teaching texts—that translate exhibitions and collections into meaningful classroom experiences.
• Collaborate across curatorial, education, and public programs teams to shape how exhibitions are interpreted for K–12 audiences.
• Contribute to the development of teaching frameworks and interpretive approaches that reflect the Museum’s mission and culturally rooted learning practices.

Program Management & Operations

• Oversee the coordination and delivery of school programs, ensuring high-quality experiences.
• Supervise staff, supporting professional growth, consistency of practice, and strong program delivery.
• Manage program logistics including scheduling systems, program planning timelines, and resource allocation.
• Maintain accurate and consistent program records, including attendance, partner engagement, and program documentation, to support evaluation, reporting, and long-term planning.
• Contribute to reporting, assessment, and grant-related documentation, using program data to inform decision-making and program improvement.

Qualifications  

• Master’s degree in Education, Museum Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in museum education, K–12 teaching, or a related learning environment.
• Prior classroom teaching experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing culturally responsive learning programs for diverse student audiences.
• Experience developing curriculum or educator-facing resources in arts or humanities contexts.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on program delivery.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally grounded pedagogical practice.
• Background in Latinx, Latin American, Caribbean, or diasporic cultural contexts is preferred.
• Spanish/English bilingual skills highly desirable.

Salary Range: $72,000- $82,000

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El Museo values diversity in backgrounds and in experiences. El Museo’s commitment to a diverse workforce has been a key to our success. In accordance with that commitment, El Museo provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic information, gender identity and/or expression, military, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.