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Posted May 20, 2026
Vice President of Education and Engagement
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, California
Salary Range: Minimum starting pay for this role is $170,000 annually
Summary of The Role
We are seeking a strategic, results-driven leader to build on the Aquarium’s strong foundation in education and take it to its next level of impact—strengthening its role as a core driver of guest experience, public engagement, and conservation action. The Vice President of Education and Engagement will partner with an experienced and dedicated team to expand and connect existing programs into a unified, story-driven experience—deepening curiosity, creating emotional connection, and inspiring agency across every audience, from young children to lifelong learners, and from casual guests to committed advocates and supporters. This role will bring great alignment and scale to the Aquarium’s education efforts. Working in partnership with key contributors across the organization, the Vice President of Education and Engagement will weave educational storytelling across on-site guest experiences, exhibits, digital platforms, and community programs into a cohesive, audience-experience approach that enhances what already works while expanding measurable engagement and relevance.
Key Priorities for the Vice President of Education and Engagement
Define a bold, audience-centered vision
- Establish a multi-year strategy that positions education as a core partner in the creation of a welcoming, accessible, and culturally responsive guest experience, brand narrative, and conservation impact
- Shift from program-based delivery to experience design and storytelling at scale
Transform the guest learning journey through emotional storytelling
- Design education experiences that create emotional connection, memory, meaning, and a sense of personal stewardship and agency across all ages
- Partner with Guest Experience, Exhibits, and Marketing to ensure a seamless, story-driven journey from entry to exit.
Expand beyond the walls of the Aquarium
- Build scalable off-site, community-based, and digital education platforms
- Leverage virtual learning, content distribution, and partnerships to reach audiences far beyond physical attendance
- Position the Aquarium as a global voice in ocean education
Integrate education with brand marketing and philanthropic narratives
- Collaborate closely with Marketing and Development to align campaigns, storytelling, and audience development strategies
- Ensure education content fuels audience growth, loyalty, and relevance
Build a high-performing, innovative team
- Lead and develop a team that consistently delivers creative, high-impact learning experiences
- Foster a culture of experimentation, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement
Drive strategic partnerships and philanthropy
- Cultivate relationships with funders, education partners, and content collaborators
- Translate educational vision into compelling funding opportunities and donor engagement
Lead with data and measurable impact
- Establish clear metrics to evaluate learning outcomes, engagement, and behavior change–
- Use data and insights to continuously refine programs and demonstrate impact to stakeholders
Ensure operational and financial excellence
- Own the department budget, aligning resources with strategic priorities
- Identify efficiencies while investing in high-impact, scalable initiatives
Serve as a visible institutional leader
- Act as a public spokesperson and thought leader in informal education, ocean science, and conservation engagement
- Elevate the Aquarium’s reputation as a leader in immersive, impactful learning
Experiences & Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in informal learning, guest experience, or mission-driven public engagement organizations (e.g., museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, or immersive experience organizations)
- Proven success in designing and scaling education programs across physical and digital platforms.
- Experience securing funding, managing grants, and partnering with Development to grow impact.
- Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and developing leaders.
- Strong analytical capability, with experience using data to measure outcomes, adapt strategies, and prove impact.
- Excellent communication skills and credibility as a public-facing leader.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to set and meet strategic objectives on time and within budget.
Education or Comparable Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience developing impactful learning experiences that combine scientific credibility, compelling storytelling, and audience engagement. Advanced study in science, communications, education, or related fields is a plus.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
This role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and non-standard hours to support programs, events, fundraising activities, and leadership responsibilities. Occasional domestic travel is expected.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that welcomes and respects diverse experiences, backgrounds and heritages. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
View the complete description.
Posted May 13, 2026
Executive Director
Bootheel Youth Museum
Malden, Missouri
Salary Range: $40,000 – $47,000
About the Bootheel Youth Museum
The Bootheel Youth Museum is a hands-on children’s museum dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and learning for children and families in the Missouri Bootheel region. Through interactive exhibits, educational programming, and community partnerships, the museum provides opportunities for young people to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) while fostering imagination, discovery, and play. The museum serves as an important community resource—bringing together families, educators, and local organizations to support youth development, lifelong learning, and regional pride.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and primary leader of the Bootheel Youth Museum. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing the museum’s mission through strategic leadership, community engagement, fundraising, and effective organizational management. The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the museum’s operations, including financial stewardship, exhibit and program development, staff leadership, and partnerships that expand the museum’s impact in the region. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who values creativity, community engagement, and educational excellence.
The Executive Director hours will be Monday-Friday for forty hours, as well as some nights and weekends during special events. Salary will be $40,000-$47,000 per year depending on experience, annual bonus, benefit stipend (health insurance) up to $250 per month, and a BYM issued cell phone. Deadline to apply is by May 30, 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Direction
- Provide leadership for the museum’s strategic direction, programs, and organizational growth.
- Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term goals and priorities.
- Serve as the museum’s primary spokesperson and ambassador within the community.
- Advise the Board on opportunities, challenges, and strategies that strengthen the museum’s impact and sustainability.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Build strong relationships with families, educators, community leaders, and regional organizations.
- Develop partnerships with schools, civic groups, and local businesses to expand the museum’s reach.
- Promote the museum as a welcoming space for children and families throughout the Bootheel region.
- Strengthen the museum’s visibility and reputation as a community asset.
Fundraising and Development
- Lead fundraising efforts including grants, sponsorships, individual donations, and special events.
- Work closely with the Board to cultivate donor relationships and expand philanthropic support.
- Identify opportunities to diversify revenue and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Financial and Operational Management
- Oversee development and management of the museum’s annual operating budget.
- Ensure responsible financial stewardship and transparent reporting to the Board.
- Manage day-to-day operations including exhibits, programs, visitor services, and facilities.
- Establish policies and procedures that support effective and safe museum operations.
Program and Exhibit Development
- Oversee the development and improvement of interactive exhibits and educational programming.
- Ensure experiences support STEAM learning while encouraging creativity, exploration, and play.
- Continuously evaluate visitor experiences and identify opportunities to enhance engagement.
Staff and Volunteer Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and support a strong team of staff and volunteers.
- Foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Encourage teamwork, creativity, and innovation across the organization.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, education, museum studies, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Five to ten years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, educational, museum, or community organization.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor engagement, or grant development.
- Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational management.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Financial literacy and experience managing budgets and operations.
- Ability to build partnerships and inspire community support.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
- Passion for education, youth development, and community engagement.
Work Environment
This is a full-time leadership position with a typical weekday schedule. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to support museum programs, community events, and fundraising activities. The role requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Please send the Application for Employment and a Resume/CV to info@bootheelyouthmuseum.org.
View the complete description.