Manager of Humanities Programs

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director, Museum Learning, the Manager of Humanities Programs will oversee the development and implementation of the Museum Learning department’s humanities and civics programs, including a full roster of programs and experiences rooted in the museum’s exhibit, Centennial Innovations.

Museum Learning staff facilitates programs, coordinates events, and guides experiences that encourage families to discover, imagine, get curious, and learn through play.

Our work contributes to unparalleled experiences for every visitor.  Through our interactions with visitors, we embrace diversity and encourage our visitors to think differently and open their minds to the world around them.  Museum Learning is committed to excellence in developing programs, events, and experiences that further Please Touch Museum as a leader in childhood learning and development.  The Museum Learning Department creates programming for routine daily visitors, special events, and school groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Oversees the development and implementation of field trip programs, family programs, and event content with topics and themes based in Centennial Innovations.

- Demonstrates a commitment to Museum mission, vision, and values.

- Manages a growing team of full-time Museum Learning staff.

- Works closely with Director, Community Engagement & Inclusion to meet strategic plan goals of fostering inclusion for our visitors through programs and experiences.

- Collaborates with ML, Development, Exhibits and Marcomm to shape any history, humanities, civics-related programs and experiences.

- Works closely with Director, Research & Evaluation to establish metrics and evaluate programming and experiences.

- Develops and facilitates programs for children, families, and schools.

- Collaborates with Director, Museum Learning and department Managers on managing daily operations of the Museum Learning department, including but not limited to staff, purchase requests, and timecard management.

- Seeks opportunities to engage new audiences via exhibit and programmatic content, including but not limited to scout groups, camps, and adult groups.

- Collaborates with the Group Sales Manager to cultivate school relationships that strengthen and grow field trip opportunities.

- Seeks professional development opportunities for their staff; empowers staff to explore new ideas, experiment, and find pride in their work.

- Serves as project manager for cultural celebrations, museum events, and selected holidays related to humanities disciplines.

- Creates specialized programming for events in the Museum’s strategic plan, including but not limited to cultural celebrations, museum events, and selected holidays.

- Contributes to the facilitation of all departmental initiatives (programs, workshops, events, experiences, and spaces) across all learning disciplines offered.

- Actively maintains an interest in and contributes to professional learning conversations on current practices, topics, and discussions in Early Childhood, Museum Education, civics, STEM education, and the arts, in addition to content that is relevant to Please Touch Museum.

- Oversees training, developing, and updating facilitation procedures and program development in partnership with department colleagues.

- Coordinates and maintains partnerships with organizations, schools, performers, and institutions.

- Assists with the development of print resources, including marketing materials, curriculum, self-guided resources, and lesson plans.

- Supports efforts to create spaces conducive to play.  Observe the play environment and thoughtfully considers what modifications, if any, are necessary to allow the child and family to play.

- Other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelors/associates degree required; master’s degree preferred: education, museum studies, urban studies, anthropology, youth development, social work or 3-4 years or more teaching in a classroom or informal educational setting.

- Minimum 5 years’ experience teaching children and their families aged 0-8 in an informal and/or formal setting ; museum education experience strongly preferred.

- Must be able to politely and effectively interact with all museum visitors and colleagues and willingness to problem solve in fast paced environment while maintaining a professional attitude.

- Motivated, reflective, self-starter who proactively and frequently communicates with colleagues and supervisors about exhibit engagement and facilitation experience.

- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

- Passionate about developing and facilitating inclusive, transformative, and innovative experiences for all visitors.

- Energetic, enthusiastic individual with demonstrated commitment to Museum Mission.

- Detail-oriented who can also keep an eye towards the big picture & considers the whole experience in their planning.

- Collaborative individual who is willing to work with others, try new ideas and approaches.

- Decisive, driven self-starter who values and identifies the talents, skills and interests of their colleagues and staff.

- Ability to carry out customer service tasks with a positive and approachable demeanor.

- Ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and has the flexibility to think on their feet.

- Must have PA criminal history, FBI fingerprints, and PA child abuse clearances.  All background check clearances must be completed prior to hire.

- All employees are required to have COVID-19 vaccination, COVID-19 booster, and flu vaccination, as a term and condition of employment.

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.