Description

Manager of Educational Programs

(Full-time, salaried, exempt)

Salary range: $48,500-$52,500 

Reporting to the Associate Director of Museum Learning, the Manager of Educational Programs is responsible for the successful creation, development, and execution of a robust annual calendar comprised of all non-school field trip-related educational programming at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. This includes quarterly homeschool days, three school vacation week programs (February, April, December), summer vacation/camp offerings, regular drop-in activity days, and online learning opportunities. This individual also supervises one direct report, who manages the High School Apprentice Program and College Internships, including work-study arrangements, giving them line of sight on institutional engagement with high school and college students, outside school program time, and offering opportunities for collaboration and project-based learning that is curriculum-based and sustained. Finally, they will program the Museum’s Maker Space (opening 2027), lead annual Education exhibitions in collaboration with area schools, and serve as a staff liaison to the Museum Learning Committee and with community partners. Finally, as a manager, this individual will be expected to maintain top-level oversight of program activities, operations, funding, and expense management. They will work closely with colleagues in development and finance on the development of successful grant applications and the reporting of accurate program numbers and outcomes. This individual is empowered to envision a comprehensive calendar of creative and diverse interdisciplinary programs that engage learners of all ages and abilities in art, history, science, and culture, supported by the museum’s collections and exhibitions. They are encouraged to chart long-term programmatic goals, outcomes, and structures, and will be expected to oversee the successful execution of their programmatic vision, working especially closely with their supervisor, direct report, per diem educators, and volunteers. For clarity, this position does not create school field trip programs, public programs, or special events; these are managed by different team members at the Museum. 

Requirements

Core Responsibilities

• Conceive of and grow a robust annual calendar of onsite specialty education programs, including homeschool days, school vacation weeks, and summer activities.
• Develop and oversee outreach programming for community partners and events 
•  Develop and manage online course offerings
• Design and implement programming for the Museum’s Maker Space (opening in 2027), including workshops for children and adults, and drop-in activities for Museum visitors.
• Conceive of and execute a year-round slate of rotating education exhibitions
• Evaluate programs, track program attendance, and provide information for grants and reporting
• Manage program budgets and purchasing of program supplies
• Establish and manage partnerships with local colleges and universities in support of programming
• Actively participate in the Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance and other community organizations to advance the work of the Museum Learning team
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the High School Apprenticeship Program and undergraduate and graduate student Internship Program, through long-term curriculum development, community and college partnerships, budget development, and grant applications, in collaboration with one direct report and seasonal support staff 
• Serve as liaison to the Museum Learning Committee
• Other duties that may be requested and required

Desired skills and abilities

• Possesses excellent program management and communication skills
• Passion for creating and implementing engaging programs for learners of all ages
• Pays close attention to details and schedules, with strong organization and time-management 
• Anticipates and responds to situations with flexibility and adaptability
• Can problem-solve and adjust, as needed
• Actively seeks opportunities to improve programs and procedures and is enthusiastic about innovation and change
• Enjoys engaging with students, visitors, and community partners  
• Embraces and promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion initiatives
• Works independently and as a member of a small team

Education and experience

• BA in education, art history, public history, museum studies, management, hospitality, or related field
• History of professional employment in project management, education, or with museums, libraries, or cultural organizations 
• Proven experience supervising direct reports and working with diverse groups of learners and community partners
• 3-5 years of experience working in K-12 education, program development, or project management in non-profit, museums, or other related industries preferred 
• Experience with big-picture program development, step-by-step project management, and use of metrics to report on deliverables preferred.

*The position requires in-person presence and is based in a busy shared-office setting at the Museum.

To Apply Send cover letter, resume, and Application for Employment to Rachel Pires, Human Resource Manager, at rpires@whalingmuseum.org (no phone calls please). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; application closing date is May 1, 2026.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum 

The New Bedford Whaling Museum ignites learning through explorations of art, history, science and culture rooted in the stories of people, the region and an international seaport. Founded in 1903 as the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, the Museum seeks to advance understanding related to the influence of the whaling industry and the port of New Bedford on the history, economy, ecology, arts, and cultures of the region, the nation, and the world. We tell the stories of the many diverse communities that shared in the creation of this history, through excellence in our collections, scholarship, and public engagement. The Museum is recognized as a compelling destination that inspires all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future. Today, the Whaling Museum is a leader in the cultural landscape of the South Coast serving almost 100,000 visitors and offering engaging exhibitions, dynamic public programs, and vibrant educational activities appealing to learners of all ages. 

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is committed to equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, age, or disability.