Job Description:

Position Summary

The Manager of Adult Programs is a position within Public Programs, in the Learning and Engagement division, at Crystal Bridges Museum and The Momentary (CBMO) is responsible for developing and implementing diverse and engaging programming across both spaces. This role involves creating programs inspired by CBMO’s collections, exhibitions, architecture, wellness initiatives, and nature, which aim to grow adult audiences and align with the distinct identities of the two spaces. This position strongly focuses on the strategy and implementation of new, future public programs that grow our adult audiences and will support the museum’s commitment to a new multi-year strategic plan with the priorities of expanding audience, increasing revenue, and building and strengthening CBMO’s reputation and identity.

Success in this role requires embracing innovation, a growth mindset, and collaboration, along with a keen understanding of adult audiences and awareness of cultural trends. The role champions inclusivity and community engagement, encouraging joyful learning, diverse perspectives, and social connections. Close collaboration with internal colleagues, artists, performers, volunteers, and community partners is crucial, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends is essential for program scheduling.

The Adult Programs Manager reports to the Director of Public Programs and supervises the Museum Educators for Adult programs. As a manager, this person serves in a leadership role on the public programs team. The position manages the schedule for program coverage, creates and monitors effective program timelines, and manages a portfolio of programs. Many programs are delivered in the evenings and on weekends, so the ability to work at those times is essential.

Position Principal Responsibilities

• With the Director of Public Programs, develop content, strategies and lead programs for adult audiences, and serve as the lead on a personal portfolio of programs. These include adult social events, lectures, partner driven or co-hosted programs, and large programs at CBMO that engage adult audiences.
• Expand program offerings with new and innovative engagements and strategies in preparation for the 2026 expansion.
• Establish a long-term vision for Adult Social Programs across CBMO campus.
• Work closely with the Director of Public Programs to assess the success and impact of all adult programs against strategic objectives of reach, revenue, and reputation.
• Work closely with the community engagement team to establish a diverse presenter network and actively engage with the local community.
• In collaboration with the strategic operations team, assist in the budget for adult programs and manage program expenditures.
• Create audience-appropriate written materials, independently or with museum colleagues.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with necessary departments to promote and present programming inspired by and interpreting the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.
• Serve on cross-departmental teams to collaboratively plan multigenerational public programs and contribute to other initiatives.
• Work with the division’s strategic operations team to coordinate marketing and communications needs, event production needs and business and program planning efforts.
• Draft marketing copy for assigned programs

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Traits

• Bachelor’s degree in art education, art history, museum studies or studio art or related field required.

• Three years’ experience in planning and presenting educational programs in an art museum setting for adults, or equivalent experience required.

• Ability to lead gallery conversation, creating meaningful connections between artwork and audience
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Knowledge of the visual arts and museum pedagogy; knowledge of or willingness to learn about nature education and architecture.

• Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of museum practices and confidentiality
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confident educator who is creative, energetic, collaborative and team-oriented
• Ability to creatively and effectively problem-solve
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings and holidays as required
• A good sense of humor and a calm demeanor under pressure
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, and willing to acquire other computer and technical skills as necessary
• Bilingual (Spanish language) is a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: Regularly, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served. In the work environment described below, position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting in the ability to move around galleries, the classrooms, and throughout the museum, including travel on the outdoor trails. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum galleries, art studios, outdoors on the trails, and in communities served. Some evening and weekend hours are required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.