Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement

About the role

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum seeks a Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization's educational offerings. Reporting to the EVP, External Affairs, this position plays a prominent role in advancing institutional priorities, shaping public-facing educational initiatives, and representing the department to internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior leader representing the Education Department, contributing to institutional strategy, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Lead the Museum’s Education Council in coordination with the EVP, External Affairs, and oversee reporting for the Council, Board, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Establish multi-year vision, annual goals, priorities, operating plans, and measurable outcomes for the Education Department.
• Lead, inspire, and support a team of 15 by fostering a collaborative, welcoming culture; setting clear objectives; and encouraging high standards of performance.
• Oversee the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs that align with the Museum’s mission, reflect exhibition themes, incorporate instructional best practices, and engage diverse audiences across in-person and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with Museum Services to ensure accurate historic interpretation across Education Department projects.
• Partner with Development on grant opportunities and donor stewardship, and work with Marketing and Public Relations to promote programs and communicate impact.
• Manage the Education Department’s total annual budget of $1.5 million in partnership with direct reports and the Museum’s financial team, including operating, forecasting, and capital planning.
• Oversee hiring, training, onboarding, scheduling, and ongoing staff support for the Education Department.

Requirements

• At least ten years’ progressive leadership experience in a museum or similar education organization
• Master’s degree in education, museum studies, fine arts, music, or a related field.
• Proven experience setting vision, strategy, and implementation for museum education programs, including curriculum design, experiential learning, and current best practices such as 21st century learning and SEL competencies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and coach teams; cultivate a welcoming and collaborative culture; and partner effectively with senior leaders to align goals and resources.
• Passion for and knowledge of country music and popular music, with the ability to conduct independent research related to the Museum’s collection and represent the Education Department as a senior leader and spokesperson.
• Experience building authentic community relationships and developing audience-centered programming for students, youth, families, volunteers, and interns from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Teams, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• Experience and passion for learning and development, with dedication to providing high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate educational opportunities.
• Strong communication, public speaking, dialogue-based teaching, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage people with authenticity and enthusiasm.
• Excellent project planning, time-management, research, organizational, analytical, multitasking, and detail-oriented skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, exercising professional initiative, self-discipline, and sound judgment.
• Creative, curious, and goal-driven, with an interest in pop culture and a commitment to serving a mission-driven organization.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, pivoting as needed while maintaining attention to strategic priorities.

Conditions of Employment

• Onsite work at the Museum is required Monday through Friday.
• Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required in support of Museum programming and departmental leadership.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to independently travel to various community organizations and public locations throughout Middle Tennessee (within 50 miles of Nashville).

Notes to Applicant

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor.