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Posted May 28, 2026
Director of Public Engagement
Yale Peabody Museum
New Haven, Connecticut
Salary Range: $135,000 – $145,000

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Reporting to the Director of the Yale Peabody Museum, the Director of Public Engagement is responsible for creating a unified vision and framework for exhibitions, education, and public programming that will enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Museum’s collections, expertise, and resources. The Director will evaluate and structure offerings to position the Peabody as a community hub for Yale and New Haven with strategic, sustained partnerships, will forefront collaborative projects that are responsive to Yale and community needs, and will develop a culture of experimentation and evaluation to support data-driven decisions. The Director is expected to be a leader in the museum engagement professional community. The incumbent will supervise exhibition and education teams to set a bold, unified vision and provide strategic oversight of exhibition development, design, and production for exhibitions, education, and programs. As a member of the senior leadership team, they will foster robust collaborations with YPM collections, student programs (Yale community), development, communications, and operations leadership to guide institutional priorities, problem solve and strategically align museum-wide issues and efforts.

  • Develops, directs, and executes the Museum’s Public Engagement. Conceptualizes and oversees implementation of creative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating educational and social programming and exhibitions that interpret the Museum’s collections and activities to diverse audiences. Works closely with curators, collections staff, educators, Yale undergraduate and graduate students, and other Museum stakeholders to research and develop concepts and content, to develop and formalize culturally responsive practices.
  • Provides oversight and strategic vision regarding the development, design, and production of exhibitions. Supervises the Associate Director of Exhibitions towards a strong and intellectually stimulating exhibition program at the Museum. Conducts research, in partnership with the Associate Director, on the relevant objects, themes, and ideas related to the Peabody’s exhibition programming to ensure intellectual integrity and quality of the Museum’s exhibitions.
  • Conceptualizes and oversees the public educational agenda for the Museum. Supervises the Assistant Director of Education and Outreach providing strategic guidance to the Education department to plan, direct, and implement creative and innovative initiatives to further engage and spark curiosity with the local K-12 educational community. Develops content and sound pedagogical frameworks for programming, to encourage active learning through the Peabody’s collections.
  • Collaborates with collections staff to develop a philosophical approach to teaching with objects and cross-disciplinary thinking. Improves and refines programs to appeal to diverse audiences by evaluating quality, attendance, and educational content.
  • Evaluates and structures the Peabody’s programming offerings, with a focus on collaborative projects that are responsive to Yale and community needs. Leads evaluation and research initiatives that inform the museum field.
  • Establishes (and regularly re-evaluates) strategic priorities and ensures that they remain the focus of time, funding, and other resources.
  • Develops both free and revenue driving programs and guides budgetary and fundraising decisions that support robust programming.
  • Organizes and coordinates scheduling and implementation of programs and exhibitions, working across all Museum departments to complete the tasks. Identifies, initiates, and fosters contact with individuals and/or community organizations interested in the Museum’s public programs and encourages their participation.
  • Works with University and community partners to conceive and implement cross-disciplinary content and programs to enliven discussion and expand interpretation of collections and exhibitions, enhancing the Museum’s profile as a cultural and intellectual hub on campus and in the New Haven area.
  • Serves as an articulate and compelling advocate for the Peabody to prospective donors and collectors, the museum community, the media, and potential collaborators.
  • Manages annual and program-specific budgets. Works with finance, development, and grants management staff to secure funding to support all programs, including grant writing.
  • Plans strategically for documentation of programs and use of media and the web to extend the impact of public programs. Collaborates with Communications to expand audience awareness and participation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

  1. Flexible, energetic, creative, entrepreneurial leader, with strong consensus-building skills. Talented problem solver. Highly proficient at managing multiple priorities and a proven ability to build and maintain influence and trust with a wide array of constituencies, including staff, researchers, and colleagues, and to work collaboratively and independently.
  2. Ability to translate institutional identity, ideas, direction, and themes into exhibitions and programmatic experiences across a wide range of topics, toward enhancing the Museum’s long-range academic program and profile at the University and in the greater New Haven community.
  3. Strong interest in and familiarity with museums; commitment to object-based research and teaching. Strong written, editing, and oral communication skills; ability to think analytically and quantitatively to formulate budgets. Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a range of individuals to adapt and exceed visitor expectations.
  4. Demonstrated ability to represent the Museum through public speaking engagements. Ability to lead, manage, delegate, and juggle multiple tasks and meet demanding deadlines. Excellent organizational skills.
  5. Proven ability to work well under pressure while exhibiting professionalism, a customer service attitude, and consistent flexibility in a busy multi-task environment. Demonstrated ability tracking and forecasting financial data and in writing successful grant applications. Demonstrated ability to cultivate sponsor relationships in collaboration with Development.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

  1. Proven experience in programming, exhibitions, or education with demonstrated experience in museum leadership.
  2. Knowledge of and interest in natural and cultural history.

Principal Responsibilities

  1. Develops, directs, and executes the Museum’s Public Engagement. Conceptualizes and oversees implementation of creative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating educational and social programming and exhibitions that interpret the Museum’s collections and activities to diverse audiences. Works closely with curators, collections staff, educators, Yale undergraduate and graduate students, and other Museum stakeholders to research and develop concepts and content, to develop and formalize culturally responsive practices.
  2. Provides oversight and strategic vision regarding the development, design, and production of exhibitions. Supervises the Associate Director of Exhibitions towards a strong and intellectually stimulating exhibition program at the Museum. Conducts research, in partnership with the Associate Director, on the relevant objects, themes, and ideas related to the Peabody’s exhibition programming to ensure intellectual integrity and quality of the Museum’s exhibitions.
  3. Conceptualizes and oversees the public educational agenda for the Museum. Supervises the Assistant Director of Education and Outreach providing strategic guidance to the Education department to plan, direct, and implement creative and innovative initiatives to further engage and spark curiosity with the local K-12 educational community. Develops content and sound pedagogical frameworks for programming, to encourage active learning through the Peabody’s collections.
  4. Collaborates with collections staff to develop a philosophical approach to teaching with objects and cross-disciplinary thinking. Improves and refines programs to appeal to diverse audiences by evaluating quality, attendance, and educational content.
  5. Evaluates and structures the Peabody’s programming offerings, with a focus on collaborative projects that are responsive to Yale and community needs. Leads evaluation and research initiatives that inform the museum field.
  6. Establishes (and regularly re-evaluates) strategic priorities and ensures that they remain the focus of time, funding, and other resources.
  7. Develops both free and revenue driving programs and guides budgetary and fundraising decisions that support robust programming.
  8. Organizes and coordinates scheduling and implementation of programs and exhibitions, working across all Museum departments to complete the tasks. Identifies, initiates, and fosters contact with individuals and/or community organizations interested in the Museum’s public programs and encourages their participation.
  9. Works with University and community partners to conceive and implement cross-disciplinary content and programs to enliven discussion and expand interpretation of collections and exhibitions, enhancing the Museum’s profile as a cultural and intellectual hub on campus and in the New Haven area.
  10. Serves as an articulate and compelling advocate for the Peabody to prospective donors and collectors, the museum community, the media, and potential collaborators.
  11. Manages annual and program-specific budgets. Works with finance, development, and grants management staff to secure funding to support all programs, including grant writing.
  12. Plans strategically for documentation of programs and use of media and the web to extend the impact of public programs. Collaborates with Communications to expand audience awareness and participation.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree and five years of museum programming experience or equivalent education and experience.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit “Learn about background checks” under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It’s Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department. The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. Inquiries concerning https://your.yale.edu/policies-procedures/policies/9000-yale-university-policy-against-discrimination-and-harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

View the complete description.

Featured
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.

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