The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis seeks a visionary and collaborative Director of Learning and Engagement to lead all programmatic activity—both inside and outside the Museum’s walls—engage diverse audiences, increase public involvement, and expand the Museum’s role in the community. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position oversees the Museum Educator, School and Programs Manager, and part-time staff, interns, and consultants in the department, as well as contributes to overall strategy as part of CAM’s senior management team. The Director of Learning and Engagement works to fulfill the Museum’s mission of creating meaningful engagement with contemporary art for all—with a continued commitment to high-quality youth programming and dedication to accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package. Weekend and evening hours are required.
Public programs
Conceive of and implement a balanced annual roster of strategic mission-based programs for adult audiences
Work with Curatorial to develop programming in direct response to exhibition themes, engaging contemporary issues and relevant communities
Coordinate logistics with program participants, including speakers, chefs, DJs, performers, and film distributors
Work collaboratively with External Affairs to draft program descriptions and collect, analyze, and integrate data into program planning with the goal of increased audience engagement
Maintain knowledge of contemporary art museum programming, including activities of peer organizations, emerging and established practices, and trending topics in cultural discourse
Community Engagement
Develop a systematic and focused engagement program that identifies and prioritizes the communities, groups, and neighborhoods with which CAM works, along with a mechanism by which this is reassessed and adjusted on an annual basis
Proactively reach out to relevant constituencies to build audiences for exhibitions and programs
Oversee the School and Community Program Manager’s schedule of off-site engagement at community centers, art fairs, and festivals
Represent CAM in the St. Louis community, participating in civic and collaborative initiatives
Youth Programs
Provide strategic vision and oversight for youth programs, including New Art in the Neighborhood, LEAP Middle School Initiative, Teen Museum Studies, ArtReach, Family Days, Stroller Tours, and Morning Play Dates
Serve as project administrator for three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services grant (2019–21) to develop and expand ArtReach in-school partnership model
Build and maintain partnership with St. Louis Public Schools, among other regional schools and school districts
Oversee curriculum development for youth programs and teacher training, and the organization of exhibitions in the education galleries by the Museum Educator and School and Community Programs Manager
Interpretation
Manage tour program, including leading tours, training staff, and strengthening and building relationships with schools, universities, and community organizations, in collaboration with the Museum Educator and Visitor Services Manager
Work with Curatorial and External Affairs to produce audio tours and exhibition-related displays and materials
Update CAM’s resource library and children’s play space in response to the exhibitions
Leadership
As head of the Learning and Engagement department, directly supervise and provide mentorship and coaching for the Museum Educator and School and Community Programs Manager, and Learning and Engagement interns
Develop and manage $500,000 departmental budget
Collaborate with senior management colleagues on overall short- and long-range Museum planning
Evaluate effectiveness of all programs, internally and with external partners
Report to Board of Directors on Learning and Engagement activities and serve as staff liaison to Learning and Engagement Committee
Identify opportunities for professional development and contributions to the field
Development
Work with Development on securing funds for programs and engagement initiatives, and provide information for grants
Assist in identifying and cultivating prospective funders and partners
Meet with donors and prospects to highlight CAM programming and community impact
Steward individual and institutional relationships
Master’s degree in art history, art education, museum studies, or equivalent preferred
Minimum of five years professional experience in art museum programming and/or education, with at least three years of supervisory experience
Passionate about increasing access to and creating impactful experiences with contemporary art for St. Louis communities and beyond
Experience producing contemporary art-based programs for diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to create and sustain relationships with a wide array of communities
Commitment to diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion
Excellent communication skills: written, interpersonal, and public speaking
Willingness to be a hands-on leader, working alongside staff to create a welcoming visitor experience and ensure the success of museum programs and events
Demonstration of successful staff and operations management
Experience developing and implementing program evaluation
Familiarity with middle and high school curriculum development
Imaginative, resourceful, and flexible
Eager to learn and collaborate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a full-time staff of 17
Experience with video and/or audio production a plus
Ability to travel throughout the St. Louis region and work evenings and weekends
Please submit cover letter and resume to work@camstl.org with the subject line “Director of Learning and Engagement.”
About the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis works to enrich lives and inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning through experiences with contemporary art. Focused on a dynamic array of changing exhibitions, the Museum reflects and contributes to the global cultural landscape while engaging thousands of visitors through a wide array of public programs. CAM nurtures the creative minds of our city’s youth through free, in-depth art education, making a long-lasting impact on the community. We are a site for discovery, a welcoming space, free and open to all.
CAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, family responsibilities, national origin, or veteran status. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.