Overview

The Head of Education creates the vision, frameworks, and strategies for programs and engagement initiatives that activate the Yale Center for British Art's collections and exhibitions as sites of discovery, enjoyment, learning, and reflection for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The Head of Education directs the development of innovative approaches to how artworks can be utilized in formal and informal learning. They create and direct a focused engagement strategy that identifies, prioritizes, and sustains the museum's relationships with its various stakeholders and uses this work to expand the audiences who see the YCBA as meaningful and relevant. Reporting to the Deputy Director and Director of Public Engagement, the Head of Education is a key member of the Public Engagement division's senior management team.

This is a 1 year fixed duration position starting from the date of hire.

The anticipated salary range for the position is $130,000 - $160,000.

Applications submitted by August 20th will be prioritized.

Essential Duties

• Promotes knowledge of the YCBA's collections and exhibitions through interpretive strategies and pedagogical approaches for diverse audiences ranging from children to adults through curricular integration initiatives for pre-K through university students, public programs for children, families, teens, and adults, and in-gallery activities for independent visitors.
• Champions the importance of object-based teaching through directing a wide-range of professional development programs and workshops for elementary school teachers through university faculty as well as guiding the training of docents, Student Guides, and other in-gallery educators.
• Creates the vision and strategy for a new 1,600-square foot Active Learning Center, which will transform the museum's role as a supporter of and resource for children and families in New Haven.
• Situates the museum as a site for life-long professional development through the strategic direction of cohort-based learning groups including the docents, Student Guides, and undergraduate interns.
• Directs the strategic cultivation of partnerships with offices and organizations both within and beyond Yale to situate the YCBA's programs in a broad network of ideas in New Haven, nationally, and globally.
• Supervises and mentors a staff of professional museum educators, administrative assistants, and post-doctoral and/or post-graduate fellows, as well as volunteers, interns, and Student Guides.
• Responsible for department budgets and operations.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent skills as a leader, manager, and administrator, as demonstrated by a record of progressive roles and responsibilities in a museum and/or teaching environment. Demonstrated expertise in museum education, school and youth programming, adult programs, and community engagement.

2. Proven ability to think strategically about museum education programs.

3. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with collaborators at the university, in the community, and in the field, as well as with diverse museum audiences.

4. Ability to exercise excellent interpersonal skills and relate well to different groups inside and outside the museum and university. Eagerness to engage with the local community.

5. Excellent writing and public speaking skills. Excellent teaching skills, including at the university level.

Preferred Skills, Abilities and Experience

1. Knowledge of art history in one or more of the YCBA's collection areas.

2. MA in art history, education, museum education, or related field, and a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the field of museum education.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Directs one or more functional areas within an administrative department of the University and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. 2. Directs analytic and research support for educational policies and planning and develops and approves administrative policies affecting assigned functional areas of the University. 3. Directs and establishes parameters for major projects for the department and University. 4. Interprets federal policies and regulations and educates staff and administration about regulations, restrictions, and the legal responsibilities of the University. 5. Directs and implements policy and program modifications and develops standards to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. 6. Develops and administers an operating budget for the assigned department consistent with University policies and procedures. 7. Develops cost savings objectives and goals; authorizes major purchases and negotiates contracts that range from routine to complex in nature. 8. Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals for the functional area consistent with University goals and objectives. 9. Directs the development of related automated systems to support the function; determines office policies and procedures for use of automated systems. 10. Directs the evaluation and selection of vendors and negotiates contract details including work steps and pricing with the vendors on behalf of the assigned functional area. 11. Works with internal and external contacts to solve problems that range from routine to complex in nature. 12. Represents the University in discussions and negotiations with various governmental agencies. 13. Directs a staff of exempt and nonexempt employees. 14. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in related field. Seven years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date
08/07/2026

Job Category
Manager

Bargaining Unit
NON

Compensation Grade
Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile
Leader (28)

Salary Range
$124,000.00 - $206,500.00

Time Type
Full time

Duration Type
Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model
On-site