Associate Director

The Associate Director of Learning & Engagement is responsible for leadership and oversight of the museum’s educational and engagement initiatives for people of all ages. The Associate Director of Learning & Engagement ensures delivery of relevant, engaging, inquiry-based, diverse, and inclusive mission-based experiences, including the tour guide program, museum learning and support resources, community partnerships, exhibition engagement, and more. Primary duties include 1. Strategic Leadership & Vision Focus: Driving the overarching mission, vision, and long-term planning of the museum as it pertains to learning and engagement Creates and executes a short-term and long-term strategic vision for community learning and engagement that reflects the M’s mission, vision, and values; evaluates effectiveness and impact of programs and initiatives. Provides thought leadership in object-based pedagogy and programming. 2. Program Development & Delivery Focus: Designing, managing, and delivering diverse educational and public offerings. Co‑creates, executes, manages, and evaluates educational programs and initiatives, encouraging museum accessibility for new, diverse, multi-generational and broad audiences, strengthening participation, and fostering active learning. Guides the development of interpretive content that enhances visitor engagement and educational impact. Oversees the planning and execution of a wide range of programs, including public tours, school tours, family days, lectures, performances, studio classes, and community events. Designs programming in collaboration with partners for exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, lectures, film screenings, receptions. 3. Partnerships & Community Engagement Focus: Cultivating external relationships, stakeholder advocacy, and regional collaboration. Develop and maintain relationships with external collaborators (including artists, arts organizations/non-profits, community groups, educational institutions, city stakeholders) in St. Paul, the Twin Cities metro area, and the upper Midwest, advocating for learning and engagement initiatives. Establishes, maintains/or and strengthens strategic partnerships with PreK-12 schools, colleges, and universities throughout the region to advance the museum’s mission and strategic plan. 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration Focus: Working internally across departments to integrate exhibitions and collections. Collaborates with the Exhibitions & Collections Team to design and implement collection- and exhibition-related programming, including lectures, performances, and hands‑on activities. 5. Organizational Culture & Administration Focus: Internal governance, financial oversight, and core institutional values. Embraces, supports, and helps implement the museum’s continued learning and commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Creates, tracks, and manages departmental budget and expenses Minimum Qualifications BA and/or MA degree in an art, art history, education, or affiliated field desired; sustained experience working in the arts community may be substituted for formal degree. 5+ years in strategic partnership development and community engagement. Experience developing and facilitating educational programs and/or content for arts-related engagement. Demonstrated experience building relationships with artists, arts organizations, and cultural bearers. Experience identifying community interests and developing services and activities to meet them. Experience carrying programming from inception to completion. Ability to manage multiple and concurrent projects and meet deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ethical judgement. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments. Experience with nonprofit fundraising, grants management, and donor relations. Knowledge of current trends, issues, and best practices in museum education and engagement. Cultural competency and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Curiosity for, and interest in, American art and the M’s permanent collection. Desired Qualifications Knowledge of, and connection with, regional diverse communities, as well as artists and arts organizations across the Twin Cities. #J-18808-Ljbffr