Job Description

At the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, we believe in kid-powered learning. We work hard every day to create extraordinary experiences that champion the wonder and joy of childhood. To accomplish this mission, we bring together a dynamic team of talented individuals whose passions range from exhibit design to the culinary arts, from developing engaging educational programs to offering only the best in customer service. If you like to work hard and play hard, we want to hear from you! We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive wages and a supportive, rewarding and FUN work environment.

The Director of Education is a visionary leader responsible for shaping and executing the Museum's educational framework and philosophy. Overseeing a diverse team of approximately 40 individuals, this role ensures all programming is developmentally appropriate, engaging and aligned with best practices in early childhood education. The Director drives strategic development, fosters innovation and promotes collaboration to deliver extraordinary experiences. Actively participating in Denver's cultural and early childhood communities, the Director upholds the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, access and inclusion while adapting to the evolving needs of children, families and staff. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this senior leader manages complex operations to achieve the Museum's educational goals and broader mission.

Job Specifications: Full-time, Exempt, Monday-Friday schedule, with additional hours as needed to meet business needs for occasional weekends, evenings, holidays and events.

Rate: $90,400 – $95,041 annually

Benefits : A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage. Paid time-off for vacation, sick days and four holidays. 401(k) Retirement Plan with eligibility to contribute after a 3-month waiting period (must be 21 years of age). Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending account and short-term disability. Free parking, free family membership to the Museum, discount to the Museum Gift Shop and Café.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management:

• Lead, mentor and manage a department of approximately 40 staff members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture that encourages creativity, collaboration and professional growth.
• Develop staff capacity through training, coaching and regular feedback.
• Navigate challenges with resilience, adapting departmental plans to external shifts (e.g., budget, public health guidelines, staffing changes).
• Train as a Manager on Duty and maintain a daily presence on the Museum floor.

Curriculum Development and Early Childhood Expertise:

• Develop, implement and evaluate innovative, play-based educational programming that engages children (newborn to 8 years) and families, and aligns with the Museum's mission to champion the wonder and joy of childhood.
• Oversee the design and delivery of outreach and community engagement programs to extend the Museum's reach.
• Provide expertise in early childhood education to ensure all experiences align with best practices in child development, educational theory and national standards.

Exhibit Development and Evaluation:

• Collaborate on the educational content of new exhibits as well as improvements to existing exhibits.
• Evaluate and analyze the impact of Museum programs and experiences, including leading research collaborations with academic and partner institutions.

Budgeting and Fundraising:

• Prepare and manage annual departmental budgets, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of expenses and revenues.
• Collaborate with the Development team to create funding proposals and monitor grant-related evaluation plans.
• Work with the Marketing team to effectively communicate the Museum's educational programs and philosophy.

Community Engagement and Advocacy:

• Advocate for early childhood learning and development locally and nationally, particularly in informal learning settings.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships that enhance the Museum's impact.
• Represent the Museum in the community, including delivering presentations for the Board of Trustees, donors and corporate sponsors.
• Lead advisory committees to gather input on future Museum experiences and educational direction.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or a related field; Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years in leadership, with a proven track record of managing a large, diverse team in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong commitment to the Museum's mission, vision and DEAI values.
• Proven knowledge of child development and play-learning theories, particularly in informal educational settings.
• Experience teaching preschool and elementary-aged audiences, with familiarity with preK-3 curricula and Colorado Academic Standards.
• Expertise in interactive exhibit development and evaluation methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong project planning, implementation and management abilities.
• Financial literacy, including experience with budget preparation and analysis.

Physical Requirements:

• Load, unload and set up materials and equipment (up to 50 lbs.).
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time (up to 6 hours).
• Use office equipment and computers.
• Other physical requirements of the position may include but are not limited to moving, traversing, positioning self to bend, stoop, crouch, remain in a stationary position on the floor, and/or reaching.

Work Environment: This position operates in both an indoor and outdoor environment where variable temperatures, light levels and moderate to very noisy sound levels are common. The employee is required to interact and communicate with adults and children frequently, and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers, as well as common cleaning supplies.

Application Process : Please submit a cover letter and resume by 5 pm on Friday, February 7.

The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age 40 and over, disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of the Museum to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Andrew Pasini ([email protected]) or Yasmin Diaz Mendias ([email protected]) with Human Resources, 303-561-0138.

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