Description
About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.
The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.
Position Summary:
The Manager of Adult Engagement at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary (CBMO) develops, implements, and leads innovative programs that engage adult audiences across both campuses. This role designs experiences inspired by CBMO’s collections, exhibitions, architecture, wellness initiatives, and natural surroundings—cultivating curiosity, creativity, and connection.
This position plays a central role in advancing CBMO’s new multi-year strategic plan, focusing on three institutional priorities: expanding audiences, increasing revenue, and strengthening reputation and identity. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, creative energy, and a collaborative spirit to develop programs that reflect the distinct personalities of Crystal Bridges and The Momentary while fostering community, joyful learning, and social connection. 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 Manager of Adult Engagement reports to the Director of Public Programs and supervises Museum Educators for Adult Engagement. As a team leader, this person manages program schedules, timelines, and budgets; oversees a personal portfolio of programs and initiatives; and ensures strong coordination across departments. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is essential
Principal Responsibilities:
Program Strategy & Leadership
Develop and lead engaging programs and experiences for adult audiences, including lectures, social events, partner-driven collaborations, and large-scale signature programs.
Establish and implement a long-term vision and growth strategy for adult social engagement across both campuses.
Oversee the strategy and growth for volunteer guide-led tours across CBMO.
Expand offerings with new and innovative engagements in preparation for the 2026 expansion.
Evaluate program impact and success in alignment with institutional goals of Reach, Revenue, and Reputation.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Collaborate with the Community Engagement team to cultivate partnerships and strengthen community relationships.
Work closely with internal colleagues—across marketing, operations, guest services, and other departments—to promote and execute programs effectively.
Work closely with internal and external content experts to integrate themes and expertise into adult engagement—across wellness, nature, music, performing arts, and culinary initiatives.
Serve on cross-departmental teams to plan public programs and contribute to institutional initiatives.
Collaborate with other entities across Art & Wellness Enterprises, as needed.
Operations & Administration
Manage budgets and monitor program expenditures.
Develop timelines, manage logistics, and oversee program coverage schedules.
Draft and review marketing copy for assigned programs.
Create audience-appropriate written materials independently or in collaboration with colleagues.
Coordinate with the Strategic Operations team to align marketing, communications, event production, and business planning.
People Management & Leadership
Supervise Museum Educators for Adult Engagement, interns, and volunteers, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback to support professional growth and program excellence.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture within the Public Programs department, serving as a key leader who models cross-functional support and alignment with institutional values.
Actively contribute to department-wide planning and decision-making, ensuring Adult engagements are integrated with broader public programming strategies.
Support colleagues across Learning & Engagement and other departments by sharing resources, expertise, and staffing support for cross-campus initiatives and events.
Requirements
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Art History, Museum Studies, Studio Art, or related field required. Master’s preferred.
- Minimum three years of experience developing and presenting public programs for adult audiences in an art museum or comparable setting.
- Demonstrated experience managing teams, including direct supervision of staff, interns, or volunteers, with a focus on fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
- Strong knowledge of the visual arts and museum pedagogy; interest in or willingness to learn about nature and architecture programming.
- Skilled at leading gallery conversations that create meaningful connections between artwork and audience.
- Excellent planning, organization, and communication skills.
- Creative, energetic, and team-oriented leadership style with a collaborative mindset.
- Agility and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and calm demeanor under pressure.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; willingness to learn other platforms and technical tools.
- Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
- A good sense of humor and curiosity about people, art, and ideas.
