Description

Who We Are 

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is one of the nation’s leading history museums and the most visited historic site in North Texas. Located within the historic Texas School Book Depository, the Museum preserves and shared the story of President John F. Kennedy, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the enduring legacy of the 1960s through exhibitions, educational programming, collection and public engagement. 

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Sixth Floor Museum welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Our team is united by a shared commitment to historical accuracy, meaningful visitor experiences and thoughtful storytelling that connects history with contemporary audiences. 

As the Museum continues to grow, we are expanding the ways audiences of all ages engage with history through school programs, in-gallery learning, public programs and community partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the Museum’s next chapter of educational experiences and deepen our impact within North Texas and beyond. 

The Opportunity 

The Sixth Floor Museum seeks a creative, collaborative and experienced Head of Education to shape the next phase of the Museum’s educational programs, resources and community engagement.

This is an exciting time to join the Museum’s Education team. We are strengthening our work with schools, building a robust student program, developing new in-gallery learning resources and creating more opportunities for families, youth and adults to engage with the Museum. We are also growing our presence beyond the Museum through partnerships and outreach with libraries, community organizations, senior centers and other organizations throughout North Texas. 

Reporting to the Chief Experience Officer, the Head of Education provides strategic leadership and hands-on direction for the Museum’s educational initiatives while managing and supporting the Education team. This position works collaboratively across the Museum to create meaningful experiences that connect audiences with our exhibitions, collections and stories. 

The ideal candidate is an experienced museum or informal learning professional who understands that meaningful education can happen in many ways, from a student’s first Museum visit to a conversation in a gallery, a family activity, an educator workshop or a developed partnership with the community. 

Key Responsibilities 

Educational Strategy & Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with Curatorial, Collections and Exhibitions staff to translate historical content, exhibitions and collections into meaningful educational experiences. 
• Contribute to the development of new exhibitions and interpretation by representing audience and educational needs throughout the planning process.
• Collaborate with Marketing to build awareness and participation in educational and public programs. 
• Track and evaluate participation, audience engagement and program outcomes using surveys, observation and other assessment tools. 
• Support grant-funded educational initiatives and collaborate on grant proposals, reporting and program outcomes. 

Leadership & Departmental Management 

• Provide leadership, mentorship and direction for Education staff while fostering collaboration, creativity and professional growth.
• Establish departmental priorities and manage programs, schedules, budgets and resources.
• Maintain knowledge of current museum education standards, audience engagement practices and emerging trends in informal learning. 
• Represent the Museum within local, regional and national education and museum communities.
• Develop relationships and partnerships that strengthen the Museum’s educational reach and impact. 

School & Educator Programs

• Lead the continued growth of the Museum’s K-12 school program, including facilitated and self-guided experiences, student resources and educator materials.
• Develop engaging, age-appropriate in-gallery resources that encourage exploration, critical thinking and meaningful connections to history. 
• Ensure school programs and resources align with current educational standards and museum education best practices.
• Develop educator professional development opportunities and resources that extend the Museum’s educational impact beyond a single visit.
• Evaluate student and educator experience and use findings to continually strengthen programs and resources. 

 Public, Family & Community Programs

• Develop and expand educational programming for adult, family, youth and intergenerational audiences.
• Grow the Museum’s community outreach through partnerships with libraries, community and senior centers, schools and other organizations throughout North Texas.
• Identify opportunities to reach new audiences and extend Museum learning beyond the physical site.
• Develop programs and resources that support accessibility and create welcoming learning experiences for visitors with a range of needs.
• Build strong relationships with educators, community partners and peer organizations. 

Requirements

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Master’s degree in history, anthropology, museum studies, education, American studies or related field.
• Minium of 5 years of experience in museum education, informal learning, public programming, community engagement or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing educational experiences for multiple audiences, including K-12 students and educators.
• Experience with adult, family, youth and community programming.
• Knowledge of current museum education practices and audience-centered approaches.
• Strong leadership, project management, communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience building productive relationships with schools and community partners.
• Experience with program evaluation, audience research or assessment.
• Commitment to accessibility and creating welcoming learning experiences.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza’s online Career Portal. Please submit your cover letter and resume through the portal to be considered for this position. Visit www.jfk.org/careers to apply.