Manager, School & Teacher Programs

Job Description

Job Description

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The NHMLAC is seeking a Manager, School and Teacher Programs for our Education & Programs department. The Manager, School and Teacher Programs oversees the dynamic team of staff that support Pre-K through 12 schools, students, and educators and maximize the impact of this community in the broader Los Angeles regional fabric.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, manage, and implement programming aligned with the Museum’s strategic goals and initiatives for the school and teacher audience and community at the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, offsite in school communities, and via online virtual platforms to the community of Los Angeles County and beyond. This includes daily school visits, guided programs, special events, partnership programs, and educator workshops. Work is highly independent and requires strong decision-making skills.
• Lead a dynamic team of staff between two museum sites by being a hands-on leader, problem-solver, and mentor around school and teacher program implementation and engagement. Oversee hiring, training, professional development, and supervision of 4 full-time staff and 1 part-time seasonal staff.
• Provide educational, programmatic, and operational leadership during LBTP’s temporary closure by managing the development and execution of a comprehensive suite of programs and experiences that maintain student and educator engagement, support institutional priorities, and reimagine audience engagement beyond the museum campus.
• Initiate and cultivate new key strategic partnerships to enhance educational programs and expand museum impact on school and teacher communities. Support strategic relationships with local school districts, county entities, and educational partners, including organizing and leading the annual Teacher Advisory Council.
• Execute extensive and intentional collaboration with the Interpretation and Mobile teams to maximize high-quality program impact with the school and teacher community.
• Cultivate relationships across departments, including staff in Research & Collections, Security, Operations, Exhibitions, Guest Engagement, Membership, Advancement, Marketing & Communication, Museum Store, etc., to develop cross-departmental initiatives and programs and create a unified educational programming experience.

This position has the following requirements:

• Background in Education or Museum Studies (advanced degree preferred), or extensive equivalent experience. Knowledge in biology, cultural studies, science, history/anthropology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of current museum and informal educational practices in informal science institutions. Experience in school program planning, development, budgeting and implementation for Pre-K - 12th grade audiences.
• Commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access): Background or experience with engagement and inclusion of culturally diverse audiences in museums and in the sciences.
• Successful team-builder able to produce positive change; track record of providing leadership and effective management of staff.
• Strong project management skills and ability to balance long- and short-term objectives with creative and strategic problem-solving.
• A record of integrity, a sense of humor, resilience, and a self-starter with a strong work ethic. Ability to listen, facilitate and engage in collegial relationships across departments and with outside partnerships.

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

The annual salary range for this position is $71,000-$72,219 with excellent benefits. This is a full-time regular, exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit -our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.