Manager of Public Programs

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), one of the largest and most dynamic art museums in the nation, is seeking a Manager of Public Programs. For over 220 years, PEM has been an anchor in the community, serving as a gathering place where anyone can learn, derive inspiration, and gain a deeper appreciation for shared human experiences from around the globe and through time.

The Manager of Public Programs, under the supervision of the Associate Director of Education and Civic Engagement, oversees the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of creative, mission-based art education programs to attract and engage existing as well as traditionally underrepresented museum audiences, young professionals, lifelong learners and the general public. Through community partnerships and public programs, this position will deepen engagement, increase attendance, uplift community voices, and demonstrate the value of the Peabody Essex Museum as a vital and relevant community-centered museum.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the creation, execution and evaluation of public programs and initiatives that encourage new, diverse, multigenerational audiences; strengthen and increase participation; and foster active learning and curiosity
• Ensure delivery of relevant, engaging, accessible, diverse and inclusive mission-based experiences, educational programs and activities that emphasize social justice, multisensory learning, and well being
• Collaborate and build out a robust calendar of programs that relate to changing exhibitions, permanent installations, and aspects of the PEM collection that are significant but may not be on view, prioritizing those (hi)stories that have been underemphasized in the past or that will appeal to new and previously underrepresented groups
• Ensure that all logistics are orchestrated in an organized and timely fashion for a smooth program execution
• Work closely and collaboratively with the Civic Engagement team to develop public programming that uses the Museum’s collections and exhibitions as springboards to support organizational outreach
• Expand and enrich relationships in the community, region and state with a concentration on schools, educators, creatives and local non-profit organizations and businesses
• Recruit, train, mentor and supervise education and public programs staff
• Develop and manage the public program’s budget, including the tracking of income and expenditures, reporting on its progress throughout the fiscal year
• Collaborate with Development and Communications teams by preparing information and supporting materials for marketing, PR, and fundraising endeavors
• Manage the planning and execution of early and middle education programs

A bachelor’s degree is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Areas of study may include Education, Anthropology, and/or Museum Studies. Minimum of two years of experience working in public programming and managing experience is desirable. Candidates should have a sensitivity and openness to a wide range of cultural traditions and communities and experience working with underrepresented populations; exceptional organizational agility with the proven ability to implement and manage projects in varying stages concurrently; excellent communication and presentations skills – oral and written; a desire to establish and maintain long-term partnerships and funding sources, and familiarity with Google and Microsoft or similar platforms is required.

Please include salary range expectations in your cover letter when submitting your application. Serious consideration will be given to applications received on or before February 2, 2024.

PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in these areas.