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Director of Learning and Engagement - Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Director of Learning and Engagement

ABOUT THE BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is Charlotte’s home for Global Modernism and its legacies—a dynamic institution dedicated to sharing the joy of modern and contemporary art to inspire, inform, and enhance cultural and intellectual life. Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, the Bechtler holds a distinguished permanent collection of
European and American modern and contemporary art and presents a robust schedule of changing exhibitions. The museum is committed to building deep relationships with its community through innovative programming, with a particular focus on the transformative intersection of art and human wellness.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Bechtler seeks an enthusiastic and visionary Director of Learning and Engagement to lead its educational mission. Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior position is responsible for developing, implementing, and directing educational programming across all audiences—children, youth, and families; adults and university communities; and community partners—in conjunction with the museum’s exhibitions and permanent collection. The museum has invested significantly in pioneering programming that sets it apart nationally. Art on Prescription, a landmark partnership addressing loneliness and social isolation through the arts, is the only museum-led program of
its kind in the United States. Preschool Art Stories brings focused art making and looking activities to PreK audiences.

The next Director of Learning and Engagement will build on these signature initiatives, deepen the museum’s presence at the intersection of art and wellness, and create new programs that respond to the needs of Charlotte and the broader region. The successful candidate will be a curious, energetic, and collaborative professional who thrives in a small, innovative environment and who brings deep knowledge of museum education theory and practice to a team of committed colleagues.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Leadership

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate educational initiatives, programming, and materials for PreK–12 students, families, and adult audiences in alignment with the Bechtler’s exhibitions, mission, and strategic goals.
  • Continue to position the Bechtler at the forefront of work at the intersection of art and wellness, building on Art on Prescription and Preschool Art Stories while creating new programs that address community needs.
  • Develop and deliver public programs for adult and university audiences in conjunction with exhibitions and the permanent collection.
  • Create and conduct thematic tours that support both changing exhibitions and the permanent collection.
  • Develop and implement teacher training workshops and other educational services for PreK–12 educators.
  • Develop innovative programming to actively encourage new and diverse audiences.

Community and Institutional Partnerships

  • Build and expand relationships with teachers, school administrators, healthcare partners, nonprofit
    organizations, arts and cultural organizations, and other external stakeholders to increase equitable access and deepen collaborative partnerships.
  • Liaise with area college and university faculty on curriculum-related opportunities.
  • Initiate and maintain partnerships with local arts organizations and businesses that advance the museum’s learning mission.

Team and Administrative Leadership

  • Manage the Learning and Engagement Coordinator and seasonal fellows, interns, and volunteers.
  • Set and manage the annual departmental budget in collaboration with museum leadership.
  • Accurately collect and analyze program evaluation data and prepare recommendations for equitable and inclusive program development.
  • Collaborate with the Development team on fundraising for programs and initiatives, including grants and gifts.
  • Work closely with the Marketing team to expand visibility of programs and outreach and ensure programs are promoted effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in art history, arts education, fine arts, or related field required.
  • Master’s Degree in art history, museum education, or related field preferred.

Experience

  • Four to seven years of art museum education experience required.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and managing multifaceted museum education programs, including curriculum development and program leadership.
  • Experience developing participatory experiences and programming for both adult and PreK–12 audiences.
  • Knowledge of gallery-based learning pedagogies, Visual Thinking Strategies, and visitor-centered experience design.
  • Demonstrated project management and evaluation experience.
  • Experience collaborating with healthcare organizations, wellness initiatives or community partners,

Skills and Attributes

  • Curiosity, passion for modern and contemporary art, and positive energy.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively within and beyond the institution.
  • Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail, including the ability to manage
    multiple programs and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a small, innovative environment with high levels of autonomy.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRM or database systems; willingness to learn new
    platforms as needed.
  • Ability to work flexible and variable hours, including some evenings and weekends, as program schedules
    require.

COMPENSATION

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is committed to supporting its team members with a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. Employees enjoy access to comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and other perks that foster both professional growth and personal well-being. In addition, the
museum currently offers an optional hybrid office arrangement, providing flexibility to balance work responsibilities with life outside the workplace.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send a letter of interest and resume to:

Hiring Manager
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
420 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Employment@bechtler.org

Please reference “Director of Learning and Engagement” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.