Job Information
Montana State University Director of Education and Public Programs in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25239
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Chris Dobbs
(406) 994-6543
chris.dobbs@montana.edu
Classification Title Managing Director
Working Title Director of Education and Public Programs
Brief Position Overview
The Director of Education and Public Programs ( DEPP ) is a critical member of the Museum of the Rockies’ leadership team. The DEPP is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of formal and informal educational programs at the museum.
Position Number 4C5061
Department Museum of the Rockies
Division Museum of the Rockies
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0 FTE
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Starting $78,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Museum of the Rockies seeks a creative and experienced educational professional to be its next Director of Education and Public Programs ( DEPP ). The DEPP is a critical member of the museum’s leadership team and will need to bring to the position an in-depth understanding of informal educational practices, interpretation, an enthusiastic drive for innovation and entrepreneurial activities, customer service, communication, inclusivity of different audiences, and strong administrative and managerial skills.
The DEPP oversees a dedicated team of educators who are responsible for school, youth, family, and adult programs. Areas of focus include:
Onsite Programs (including schools, summer camps, and lectures)
Virtual and Outreach Programs
The Volunteer Corps
The Living History Farm interpretation
The Martin Children’s Discovery Center
Early Childhood Education
Public Programs and Special Events
The DEEP will have a strong understanding and appreciation for informal education, curriculum development that meets state standards, public programs and events, the important role of volunteers in museums, and managerial skills. As a leader, they will be able to inspire and work collaboratively with their team, have strong budget skills, be able to plan and implement programs to meet public expectations and financial needs, and communicate effectively across museum departments. They will have a passion for the crucial role science and culture plays in our lives.
Museum of the Rockies ( MOR ) is Montana’s most visited museum. The museum serves over 220,000 general visitors and thousands of additional program participants each year. MOR is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent nonprofit organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils. Located on a 34-acre museum site, it includes a 120,000-square-foot-facility, the state-of-the-art Taylor Planetarium, the 220 seat Hager Auditorium, Martin Children’s Discovery Center, and Living History Farm, along with an off-site 553-acre paleontology preserve.
Benefits: MOR pays a competitive salary with an exceptional benefits package (Package includes: health, dental, and life insurance along with an employer matching retirement plan and the possibility for tuition reduction for staff and dependents).
If you feel like you have all or many of these skills, we encourage inspired applicants with a passion for MOR’s mission to apply. Please see note under “Applications will be” section to ensure that your materials meet the Search Committee’s criteria.
Duties and Responsibilities
Education
Develop and coordinate with staff on educational programs that meet the needs of all museum constituents including K-12 schools, teachers, families, adults, university students, and general visitors.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, and with the guidance of the strategic plan, expand the museum’s reputation for excellence through innovative and original educational programming that supports the museum’s exhibits, research, and initiatives.
Collaborate with the university, school districts, and state and regional partners to enhance the museum’s educational mission in Montana and cultivate relationships with community organizations.
Public Programs/Events
Lead the development and implementation of public programs and events.
Manage participatory experiences and visitor engagement throughout the museum including the Living History Farm, virtual programs, play-based learning areas, and the Martin Children’s Discovery Center.
In collaboration with other staff, ensure that the annual event/programs calendar is developed that meets the museum mission with an eye toward serving various audiences.
Administrative/Management
Oversee the personnel, planning, program evaluation, reporting, and fiscal management of the museum’s Education and Public Programs Department.
Fundraise in support of education and public programs in coordination with the Director of Development and the Executive Director.
Oversee the volunteer program to ensure that it meets the museum’s institutional needs, including training, evaluation, and support of operational requirements as determined by the Executive Director and strategic plan.
Position the museum as an educational leader through conferences, webinars, and partnering with other mission-based organizations/partners.
Flexibility to assume duties as assigned related to educational and public programs.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelors in education, American history, earth science, or similar subject.
A minimum of three years of management experience with a complex education program in a museum, zoo, park system, or similar environment.
A track record of success developing school/youth programs and public events.
Significant experience in managing staff, volunteers, and budgets.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Prior museum education experience.
MA in museum studies, education, history, or science.
Experience creating and implementing lesson plans and tours for K-12 and adult groups.
Experience with paleontology, American history, museum interpretation, and/or living history.
The Successful Candidate Will
Creative, friendly, professional, and have a thirst to engage and inspire a diverse audiences.
In-depth knowledge of education principles and practices.
Ability to demonstrate effective staff development and organizational skills.
Have a can-do attitude.
Plan in a collaborative manner.
Possess the ability to multi-task and problem solve.
Communicate effectively with a broad set of internal and external constituents.
Use good judgment and fairness in dealing with financial and personnel issues.
Ability to plan strategically while keeping track of details.
Have strong financial skills.
Support the museum’s mission and vision.
Maintain a positive outlook to engender confidence in those around them and lead by example.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Some weekend and evening work is required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Northing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on February 5, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.