Public Programs Manager

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.    

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a creative, collaborative, and highly organized Public Programs Manager to lead the development, production, and evaluation of the Museum’s onsite public programs and floor experiences. This position oversees a robust mix of day and evening offerings for families and adults. This includes (but is not limited to) Nat at Night, Secret Society of Adultologists, Garden Fair, Nat Talks, classes, workshops, and other hands-on programming.  

The Public Programs Manager is a key driver of innovation, charged with developing mission-focused, buzz-worthy programming that sparks curiosity, attracts new audiences, builds new revenue streams, and elevates The Nat as a local destination. This role works cross-functionally with internal teams and builds strategic partnerships with artists, scientists, makers, community-based organizations, and local businesses to engage guests in innovative and interactive onsite programming.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Development and Management 

• Develop, manage, and facilitate ongoing public programs, including large-scale events, talks, workshops, and hands-on activities.
• Plan and manage evening events, including Nat Talks, Nat at Night, Secret Society of Adultologists, etc. This includes organizing all music, entertainment, trivia, games, pop-up activities, and other featured programming.
• Plan and oversee training, promotion and oversight of staff-led floor programming, including Nature Studio, Summer of Wonder activities, and other programs.
• Identify and develop new program concepts and partnerships that generate revenue, excitement, visibility, and attendance.

Budgeting and Administration 

• Manage, develop, and track budgets.
• Schedule and oversee part-time educators working on Public Programs.

Collaboration and Promotion 

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to write promotional copy, plan annual program calendar, shape messaging, and amplify programs through promotional campaigns, cross-partner networks, and multi-media channels.
• Develop partnerships with a broad base of arts organizations, businesses, individual artists, makers, universities, affinity groups, and community-based organizations to build on overlapping interests and shared passions.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement team to include valued community partners, highlight community priorities, and cross-promote engagement opportunities.
• Work with the Philanthropy team to develop proposals and reports for funding, including grants and sponsorship materials.

Event Logistics and Oversight 

• Partner with the events, bar, store, cafe, security, and facilities teams to ensure all events are safe, efficient, well-organized, and successful.
• Work with A/V department to facilitate all technical needs for programs, and to live-stream events as needed.
• Actively participate in relevant Museum and Park-wide committees.
• Serve as manager-on-duty for after-hours public events.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• BA or BS in education, natural sciences, hospitality, or other related subject and 2+ years of experience developing and managing educational programs or special events

OR 

• 3+ years of equivalent work experience
• Successful experience managing revenue-generating programs/events
• Prior experience in a museum or informal education setting
• Shows creative initiative in program development
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Spanish proficiency preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people

Pay: $28-30/hour.

This is a full-time (non-exempt) hourly position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.  

Work hours are 5 days a week (Tuesdays – Saturdays), including some evenings and occasional Sundays

A little more about us.   

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era, focused on innovative audience engagement and an increased role in conservation. sdnat.org