Assistant Manger of Education

Job Description

Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The New Children’s Museum’s (NCM) mission is to spark creativity, exploration, and a sense of belonging through interactive art experiences. Located in downtown San Diego, the New Children’s Museum collaborates with contemporary artists to design and create art installations and educational programs for children. The Museum brings families together in a rich educational environment that fosters creativity and expression. 2.4 million guests have visited the downtown location since doors opened in 2008, including 232,386 visitors in 2022.

Our vision is to be the most innovative, most loved, most inspiring, and most sustainable children’s museum in the world. Our interactive art installations and hands-on art programming provide creative and educational experiences for children and families. We work with artists to reimagine our spaces so that there is always something “new” to discover when you visit. As a nonprofit institution, we rely on daily admissions, memberships, and community support to fund our daily operations. 

Our commitment is to provide a welcoming space for all families. We believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are integral to fulfilling our mission and empowering children’s innate creativity through hands-on exposure to art and the creative process. Last year, 69,455 visitors attended the Museum through access programs. Please visit: to learn more.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Manager of Education supports the Education Manager in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Education department and works closely with Art and Creative Learning staff to coordinate and execute high-quality arts education programs. This role oversees the School Visit calendar, manages registrations and communication with teachers and schools, coordinates logistics to maximize participation and fill available program capacity, orders supplies, and provides administrative and day-of program support across Education initiatives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate records and schedules.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Education Program Management

• Lead the day-to-day administration and coordination of the School Visit Program, including managing the School Visit calendar, responding to teacher inquiries, coordinating bookings, maintaining accurate participant records, organizing materials, conducting check-ins, distributing surveys and follow-up communications, and monitoring enrollment to maximize participation and ensure all available School Visit capacity is utilized.
• Manage the Education department's master calendar, room reservations, program schedules, and Teaching Artist schedules to ensure efficient staffing and coordination across all Education programs.
• Oversee day-to-day operations for Education programs, including early learner programming, camps, fee-based classes, Social and Emotional Learning initiatives, educator events, staff training, and other departmental initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Senior Teaching Artist team on curriculum development, program assessment, and implementation of high-quality arts education experiences.
• Serve as a liaison for university partnerships and coordinate collaborative events, visits, and other partnership activities.
• Provide administrative and programmatic support for annual Education events, including Educators' Night Out and other department initiatives.

Staff Supervision & Department Operations

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to Teaching Artists, including scheduling, program coverage, communication, troubleshooting, and supporting consistent program quality and successful program implementation.
• Support the Education Manager with staff training, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and evaluation.
• Assist with the supervision and oversight of camp staff and campers during camp programming.
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) as needed and provide leadership during rotating weekend and holiday shifts.
• Serve as a Teaching Artist staff substitute for Education programs as needed.
• Maintain organized, clean, and well-stocked classrooms, storage areas, and program supplies to ensure Education spaces are prepared for daily programming.
• Order, track, organize, and maintain supplies and materials for all Education programs.

Administrative & Program Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for Education initiatives, including correspondence, scheduling, meeting coordination, data entry, report preparation, program documentation, and maintaining accurate records.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for School Visit inquiries and provide timely, professional communication with teachers, schools, program participants, and families.
• Assist with program check-ins and day-of operations for Education programs as needed.
• Serve as photographer for Education programs and maintain the department's digital archives.
• Support Studio Programs, Creative Community Advocacy, and Engagement departments as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. A concentration in arts, education, early childhood development, child psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum two years of relevant experience in program coordination, administration, education, customer service, or a related field, including supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, supporting, or leading staff in a collaborative, service-oriented environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, staff schedules, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional and customer-focused approach.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in scheduling, data entry, recordkeeping, and program administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word. Experience with databases or registration systems preferred.
• Experience coordinating schedules, calendars, registrations, staffing, or educational program logistics preferred.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing responsibilities, delegate when appropriate, and solve problems proactively.
• Ability to effectively communicate the Museum's exhibitions, studios, and educational programs to visitors, teachers, community partners, and staff.
• Ability to provide clear direction, feedback, and support to staff while fostering a collaborative and positive team environment.
• Experience as a visual artist, educator, or curriculum developer is a plus.
• Experience working with children, families, educators, and caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
• Friendly, professional, collaborative, and team-oriented demeanor.
• Willingness to become certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a combination of desk-based and active work, including sitting for extended periods during program planning, scheduling, reporting, and computer use, as well as standing, walking, and moving throughout the museum classroom, studio, gallery, and outdoor spaces while overseeing education programs, staff, and daily operations. The role involves frequent engagement with children, families, caregivers, and community partners in active indoor and outdoor settings. Employees in this position may be required to lift, carry, push, or pull objects such as program materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. The role may also require bending, reaching, and kneeling associated with facilitating and observing hands-on programming, restocking classroom and studio spaces, and supporting day-of program operations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to supervise Teaching Artists, liaise with university partners, and communicate with teachers, schools, and program participants. Early morning, evening, and weekend availability is required, including peak holiday and summer periods. The employee must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. 

BENEFITS 

• Medical, dental, and vision Insurance and Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) retirement account, with a 3% match after the first year
• 10 paid days off
• 10 paid sick days, 2 days available to use immediately 
• 12 paid holidays, plus 3 floating holidays

The New Children's Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities and families we serve. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.