Public Programs Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Public Programs Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: Public Programs Coordinator; Volunteers
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $22.00/hour 

Position Summary

The Public Programs Manager provides leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the museum's Public Programs Department. This position oversees the planning, development, evaluation, and growth of all public-facing educational and engagement programs, including family programs, lecture series, sensory-friendly initiatives, exhibit-related programming, community events, workshops, and lifelong learning opportunities.

As the department leader, the Public Programs Manager serves as the primary point of contact for public program planning and coordination, ensuring that all programming aligns with the museum's mission, strategic goals, and visitor engagement objectives. The position supervises the Public Programs Coordinator, oversees volunteer engagement and coordination, manages departmental budgets, and works collaboratively across departments to create meaningful educational experiences for diverse audiences.

The Public Programs Manager works closely with the Public Programs Coordinator, who serves as the primary lead for implementing and facilitating the K-12 educational programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Management

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the museum's Public Programs Department.
• Supervise, mentor, train, and evaluate the Public Programs Coordinator.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance measures.
• Serve as a member of the museum's leadership team, contributing to institutional planning and decision-making.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between departments to ensure successful program development and delivery.
• Represent the Public Programs Department in internal planning efforts, community partnerships, and professional networks.
• Ensure that all public programming supports the museum's mission, strategic plan, and audience engagement goals.
• Serve on the committee of staff, board, and community members who will work on future exhibit planning for the Museum Revitalization effort. 

Public Program Oversight

• Oversee the development, planning, scheduling, and evaluation of museum public programs.
• Serve as the primary organizational contact for public programming initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Public Programs Coordinator to develop and implement a diverse portfolio of public programs and events.
• Support the Public Programs Coordinator in creating educational and interpretive experiences for school groups and summer camp programs.
• Oversee educational and interpretive experiences for families, adults, seniors, community groups, and other lifelong learners. 
• Collaborate with curatorial staff to develop programming that supports exhibitions, collections, and interpretive initiatives.
• Work with the marketing department to promote public programs and strengthen audience engagement.
• Identify opportunities for new programs that expand community participation and support strategic initiatives.
• Oversee exhibit openings and associated public programming in collaboration with museum staff.
• Oversee the museum's Sensory Friendly Program, including grant compliance, project management, accessibility initiatives, and program evaluation.
• Ensure that public programs reflect best practices in accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement.

Volunteer Coordination

• Serve as the museum's Volunteer Coordinator and provide leadership for volunteer engagement across museum operations.
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, supervise, and recognize volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer records, policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Match volunteer interests and skills with museum needs and opportunities.
• Develop strategies to increase volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement.
• Coordinate volunteer participation in special events, public programs, and museum activities.
• Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer culture that supports the museum's mission.

Budget & Administration

• Develop and manage the annual Public Programs Department budget.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of departmental resources.
• Track program performance, attendance, and evaluation data.
• Prepare reports and recommendations related to departmental goals and outcomes.
• Work with development staff on grant proposals, grant management, and reporting related to public programs and accessibility initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with museum policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, cultural partners, and civic groups.
• Represent the museum at community events, conferences, and professional meetings.
• Develop collaborative initiatives that strengthen community connections and broaden museum audiences.
• Promote lifelong learning and meaningful public engagement through innovative programming.
• Serve as an advocate for accessible, welcoming, and inclusive museum experiences.
• Support outreach efforts that increase awareness of museum resources, programs, and opportunities throughout the region.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Education, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in museum programming, public engagement, volunteer management, education, community outreach, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience planning, managing, or evaluating public programs or events for diverse audiences.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or project teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and program resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit organization, or educational setting.
• Experience with grant-funded programs and reporting.
• Knowledge of inclusive programming and accessibility best practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Skilled in relationship-building with community partners, stakeholders, and volunteers.
• Ability to analyze program outcomes and use data to inform decision-making.
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and audience-centered programming.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database or scheduling systems.

Values

Demonstrates a commitment to the Museums of Western Colorado's communication values as guided by the Four Agreements:

• Be impeccable with your word.
• Don't take anything personally.
• Don't make assumptions.
• Always do your best.

Applies these principles in interactions with colleagues, volunteers, members, visitors, and community partners to foster a respectful, collaborative, and solution-oriented workplace.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular activity throughout museum facilities and program locations.
• Requires occasional evening and weekend work to support public programs, special events, and community outreach activities.
• Occasional travel within the region may be required.
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 25 pounds and assist with program and event setup as needed.