Manager of Education

Status: Regular Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Department: Education

Supervisor: Executive Director

Summary

The Manager of Education provides strategic and operational leadership for all educational programs at Akron Childrens Museum, ensuring that every learning experience supports the museums mission to inspire exploration, discovery, and problem-solving through play. This position works closely with the Executive Director, the Manager of Operations, the Manager of Community Engagement, the Development Team, and the Special Events Coordinator to ensure that all department programs and initiatives run smoothly. This is a management position, requiring supervision of education staff members, management of budgets and grants, oversight of all school and community education initiatives, and cultivation and sustainment of key partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Educational Leadership and Team Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of museum education programs for school groups, families, and the public.
• Supervise, train, and mentor museum educators and education coordinators to maintain consistency, quality, and alignment with museum goals.
• Foster collaboration across departments, ensuring that education integrates seamlessly with exhibits, outreach, and visitor experience.
• Represent the Education Department in staff and leadership meetings, contributing to strategic planning and organizational growth.

Program Management

• Oversee development and delivery of all on-site and off-site educational experiences, including field trips, mobile museum visits, STEAM Team Saturdays, Delight Nights, and seasonal camps.
• Maintain responsibility for the Akron Public Schools Essential Experience partnership, coordinating schedules, staffing, curriculum, and reporting requirements.
• Manage the Head Start Museum in a Box initiative, ensuring timely delivery, inventory tracking, and program quality.
• Support the creation and adaptation of curricula that align with Ohio Learning Standards and reflect best practices in play-based and inquiry-driven education.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Serve as a liaison to educational and community partners, including local schools, early childhood organizations, and advisory boards.
• Represent the museum in initiatives such as the Summit Education Initiative, First Things First, and other collaborative education networks.
• Work closely with the Director of Outreach and Community Engagement to align educational programs with community needs and opportunities.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with organizations such as Akron Public Schools, Head Start, Girl Scouts, and the Soap Box Derby to expand the museums educational reach.
  

Grants, Budgeting, and Administration

• Manage budgets for all education programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with grant requirements.
• Track expenses, staff hours, and program outcomes to support accurate reporting and evaluation.
• Prepare and submit grant documentation and outcome reports for funders and stakeholders.
• Assist with identifying new funding opportunities to sustain and grow educational programs.

Exhibits and Interpretive Support

• Collaborate with the exhibits team to ensure interpretive elements and signage reflect educational goals and developmental best practices.
• Provide input on exhibit planning and design to enhance visitor learning experiences.
• Support the development of resources for caregivers and teachers to extend learning beyond the museum.

Professional Growth and Industry Engagement

• Stay current on trends in museum education, early childhood learning, and STEAM programming.
• Provide professional development opportunities for educators and staff.
• Participate in local and national museum and education networks to represent the museum and bring new ideas to its programs.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, Early Learning Education, Museum Studies, or related field
• Minimum five years of experience in the museum and/or education field, preferably with administrative and budget responsibilities, and a record of demonstrated accomplishments; management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in education program development and community partnership building.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and lifelong learning through play.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, budgets, and grants with attention to detail and strategic vision.
• Supervisory experience preferred
  
  

Position Details

• Compensation: $22.00-$25.00/hour
• Benefits: Medical Insurance
• Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Employment Type: Hybrid. In person 4 days per week and Remote 1 designated day per week.
• Location: 216 S. Main Street, Akron, OH 44308
  

Akron Childrens Museum is an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Rev. 040926