Director of Programs and Education

MINNETRISTA MUSEUM & GARDENS Position Title: Director of Programs & Education Reporting Supervisor: CEO Location: Mary Lincoln Cottage FLSA Status: Exempt, Full Time Organizational Function: Senior Manager PURPOSE: Manage the Programs department through development, delivery, and evaluation of educational and entertaining programming.

Manage Visitor Services and Experience Guide functions to help create a positive experience for all guests. Be a key participant in strategic and operational discussions and decision-making as a member of the Leadership Team. Supervise and coach a team to collaborate to accomplish institutional goals and outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in education, history, art, natural history/environmental education, and/or related experience. Have 5 to 8 years’ informal education or teaching background, including developing and evaluating audience-specific experiences. Museum experience and/or a degree in museum studies or education is preferred.

Experience in developing, leading, or managing programs that educate and entertain different age groups. Demonstrate management experience to lead staff in creating and executing programs and experiences that attract and engage audiences. Possess strong initiative, communication, multitasking, organizational, and project management skills; ability to work individually and collaboratively.

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with CRM software, Altru by Blackbaud preferred. Able to learn new software as necessary. Work with diverse members of the staff and public with a strong customer service mindset. To be successful in this position, an individual must be aligned with Minnetrista’s cultural values and visitor-centric focus.

The incumbent ensures effective working relationships by cultivating and maintaining professional credibility with all staff, administration, and volunteers. The individual demonstrates maturity, sound judgment, positive attitude, and works collaboratively with peers and colleagues throughout the organization and community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Minnetrista’s culture is team-oriented and collaborative. To that end, all position responsibilities include the following three performance expectations & priorities: Achieve the organization’s purpose by demonstrating Minnetrista’s vision, values, mission, goals, and strategies daily. Help others achieve the organization’s purpose through collaboration and teamwork.

Carry out job function through completing the following essential duties directly or through subordinate personnel. JOB DUTIES: Direct, manage and evaluate the Programs Department and Visitor Services functions. Oversee the development, delivery, and assessment of programs that attract and engage adults, families, and schools as part of drop-in and scheduled experiences for diverse audiences with a wide variety of visitor backgrounds.

Strengthen ties with regional schools, including by developing and offering relevant educational programming, and communicating and coordinating with teachers and administrators. Serve as a liaison to community education groups, including Cradle to Career Muncie and others as applicable. Supervise and mentor Visitor Services leads and Experience Guide leads to provide admissions and ticketing services, answer visitor questions, share information with visitors, and provide excellent customer service to ensure a world-class experience for visitors at all stages of their engagement with Minnetrista.

Lead a cross-departmental team to generate new ideas for programming initiatives for target audiences and outcomes that address community interests and needs, and organizational mission, including programs that appeal to diverse audiences. Develop and manage Programs and Visitor Services departmental budgets and finances to be fiscally responsible with available resources.

Help establish and maintain collaborations with external organizations and individuals to bring engaging visitor-centered experiences to the community. Collaborate with staff, including Exhibitions and Collections staff, to tell great stories that further the mission of the organization through complementary and relevant programming.

Collaborate with other departments to develop and assess target audience goals and strategies and assist in fulfilling partner expectations. Perform all other duties required. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primarily a sedentary office environment with desk, computer, phone, and files. Must be able to reach overhead and handle items approximately 20 lbs.

Work schedule flexibility is critical, including occasional evenings and weekends; will need to be able to move about the entire Minnetrista’s 40-acre campus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minnetrista values diversity and inclusivity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Revised 7/10/2020; 4/2023; 4/2024; 6/2025; 10/2026