Director of Education and Programming

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Overview:
Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM), with a mission to inspire, educate, and elevate the next generation to pursue careers in STEM, aerospace, and aviation, while inviting visitors to explore the vast contributions of aviation on our lives, economy and culture, has partnered with the Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT) Airport to develop a new museum to open in the Summer of 2024.

SAM is looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual to join the museum as the Director of Education and Programming at this exciting time of growth and opportunity. SAM seeks to hire a museum educator who looks at aviation education and experiences through the lens of 21st-century learning, has an innovative spirit, and has shown success with a diverse set of learners. This position will be a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for equitable access to STEM educational opportunities and highlighting STEM career pathways in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

The Director of Education and Programming will assist with the design, development, creation, implementation, evaluation, and promotion of the Museum’s diverse roster of STEM and aviation education programs for groups – including youths, educators, and other adults – such as field trips, summer camps, career fairs, community outreach events, special programming, professional development, and public events. This dynamic position will also develop curriculum, lesson plans, and interpretive materials to support programming and in-gallery learning. This role will also assist with the supervision and direction of the Education team, including volunteers, and collaborate with staff across departments to ensure that the Museum meets its mission through engaging programming.

Major duties and expectations:
Develops and implements fun and exciting STEM Programs both onsite and offsite, including but not limited to:
• STEM curriculum that highlights exhibits, artifacts, and career opportunities
• On brand and content/collection specific
• Development of Teacher’s Guides
• Development of Lesson Plans
• Development of Homeschool Guide
• Development of makerspace activities
• Manages and performs exhibit enhancements in partnership with other key stakeholders
• Ensures the museum’s programs complement the NC Essential Standards
• Manages the Education Staff and Volunteers
• Assists with reservations management in partnership with the Visitor Services Manager
• Develops, implements, and executes programming events
• Assists with museum fundraising events and development projects
• Assists with new exhibit development in partnership with the Collections and Marketing Departments
• Manages programming calendar
• Establishes and grows formal relationships with faculty and administrators of primary, secondary and higher education institutions in the region
• Develops, promotes, implements, and evaluates teacher professional development programs
• Executes Field Trip programs (in concert with visitor services)
• Ensures visitors have the resources they need to enjoy their experience
• Coordinates programming calendar and events with Marketing Coordinator and Group Sales Manager to ensure maximum attendance
• Attends and supports Museum special events as needed – including evening and weekend events
• Works with community partners and other civic leaders to create effective partnerships to broaden the scope and reach of the museum’s initiatives and ensure programming is aligned with current STEM and aviation industries
• Lends perspective on interpretive/education efforts with docents and educators, including developing scripts for new groups and new exhibitions
• Assists the Vice President of Education with maintaining a tracking method for program outcomes and evaluation metrics
• Develops volunteer recruitment, training, management, and retention
• Represents the Museum in a professional, positive manner to all stakeholders

Qualifications:
Candidates will be creative in their approach to engaging learners and community partners, as well as designing and launching new initiatives. Must work well both in a fast-paced team environment and individually. Must be organized with strong and timely communication skills. Creative problem solving, interpersonal, and technology skills are essential. Knowledge and experience in K-12 STEM education and providing professional development to educators is required, while experience with informal educational programming is preferred. Candidates must have a love and desire to work with and around children. Must have experience managing and growing employees, volunteers, and multiple projects. Strong candidates must have the ability to engage educators and staff at local educational institutions as well as SAM’s key stakeholders, donors, and trustees as an outstanding representative of the Museum.

Note:
This position reports to the Vice President of Education and will work in collaboration with SAM’s staff to expand and deliver on the museum’s education and programming vision and lead a group of educational advisors and workforce partners.

Experience:
Required
• Development of STEM programming, minimum of 2-3 years
• Experience in event and program planning and execution
• Experience working with and managing volunteers
• Providing Professional Development to Educators, minimum of 2-3 years
• Experience working with students across a broad range of demographics
• An understanding of the 21st Century Learning Skills and NC State Standards
• Experience managing educators or educational programs, minimum 2-3 years
• Educational event management experience
• Degree in Education, STEM-field, or related field
Preferred
• NC Teaching License
• Education experience in a museum setting
• Spanish language proficiency
• Advanced degree
• Published STEM curriculum
• Experience leading presentations to large groups