Museum Learning Manager

The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) seeks a full-time Museum Learning Manager to join the Education team. This position oversees the development and delivery of onsite museum learning programs for students and adults; manages volunteer and docent engagement; coordinates the traveling trunk program; and supports day-to-day education operations.

The ideal candidate has experience in museum or history education, enjoys working with the public, including children and families, and is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive educational experiences in a museum setting. Training on MCHC collections, exhibitions, interpretive methods, and museum policies will be provided.

A major focus of this role will be participation in a variety of keystone initiatives related to America 250 commemorations throughout 2026, as well as the opening of WayFinders: Making Sense of our World in March 2026. This new permanent exhibition is designed for children ages 5–11 and families and uses hands-on, sensory-based experiences to explore Maryland history through diverse historical “WayFinders.” The Museum Learning Manager will support the development and adaptation of onsite programming aligned with these initiatives and audiences.

This position reports to the Vice President of Education & Engagement and is part of a team of five full-time and two part-time staff members. Part-time Museum Educators report directly to the Museum Learning Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination and Administration

• Coordinate all school programs and adult tour reservations, including managing phone and email inquiries, scheduling, logistics, confirmations, invoicing, and payments.
• Collaborate with the Director of Sales to generate new opportunities for group tours through outreach and partnerships.
• Maintain program records, evaluations, and data collection; generate reports as requested.
• Oversee administration of the traveling trunk program, including scheduling, inventory and condition assessments, and related data collection.

Program Development and Delivery

• Lead development and implementation of exhibition tours and educational programs for school and adult audiences.
• Deliver school programs and adult tours when docents are unavailable.
• Collaborate on program development and delivery for the Student Research Center for History (SeaRCH).
• Work collaboratively with exhibition teams to support the development of aligned learning programs and interactive experiences for PK–12, youth, family, and adult audiences.

Staff, Volunteer, and Docent Management

• Supervise part-time Museum Educators, leading education programs.
• Monitor and evaluate docent-led programs.
• Manage the volunteer and docent corps, including recruitment, training, scheduling, evaluation, and placement across the organization, in coordination with Human Resources.
• Organize volunteer orientation, engagement activities, and professional development opportunities.
• Coordinate schedules and projects for Education interns in collaboration with the Education team.

Partnerships and Professional Development

• Support the Vice President of Education & Engagement in managing evaluation and reporting for the MSDE State Aided Institutions (SAI) grant and related Education funding, in partnership with the External Affairs team.
• Assist with teacher professional development programs, including coordination with county and state school systems and partner organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Museum Education, Public History, Education, History, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience delivering engaging educational programming for children, particularly PK–12 audiences.
• Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to self-manage while working effectively with staff at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and comfort managing last-minute changes
• Proficiency with standard office software (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Google Workspace, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational and technology skills.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for scheduled programs.
• Physical ability to lead indoor walking tours (including stairs) lasting up to three hours.
• Demonstrated awareness of the public role of museums and a passion for inclusive, community-centered history education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms is preferred
• Interest in or knowledge of U.S. and Maryland history is preferred
• Experience working with or managing volunteers in a museum or cultural institution is a plus

About the Position

This is a full time, salaried in-person position with full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan, and a health savings account. Full-time employees of MCHC are part of a generous paid leave policy that offers up to 20 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually in addition to the recognition of 11 federal holidays. Free onsite parking is available for staff.

The salary is $48,000 - $53,000, determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. Weekend and evening availability required for select programming and outreach events (2-3 per month). Eligible for 1-2 days of telework after a 60-day introductory period.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, and contacts of three professional references to jobs@mdhistory.org, using the subject line: “Museum Learning Manager.” Incomplete applications may not be considered. No phone calls, please.

About MCHC

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using its collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at mdhistory.org.