Director of Audience Engagement

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

Igniting connections between 21st-century audiences and works of art, the Director of Audience Engagement leads audience-centered interpretive initiatives, including tours, in-gallery content, programs, digital content creation, and planning across the museum. Working in partnership with internal and external stakeholders, they play a critical role in enhancing and improving Audience Engagement onsite and online and are responsible for visitor-centered goals and evaluation.

As member of the Learning and Engagement division, the Director of Audience Engagement reports to the Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement. As a department head, they oversee in-gallery and digital Interpretation and Guide Programs, bringing a holistic perspective to content creation, delivery, and audience impact. Through both facilitated in-person tours and virtual experiences, print, digital, and interactive technologies, they experiment with innovative, accessible, and equitable visitor-centered approaches, continually assessing and revising these with internal and external research partners.

In collaboration with the Interpretation team, curators, educators, designers, and other team members, they bring an audience-centric approach to the development and execution of collection reinstallations, rotations, and exhibitions; develops an institution-wide interpretive plan and process for museum projects that articulate big ideas, key messages, visitor outcomes, and interpretive strategies; oversees the creation of engaging interpretive materials and experiences such as texts, videos, audio and mobile content, participatory learning spaces, website content, and other digital learning platforms.

Oversee the PMA’s volunteer Guide programs and collaboratively envision and work towards a program that is reflective of and responsive to 21st century audiences.

Specifically, you will:

• Lead the Audience Engagement team which includes Interpretation and Guide Programs (currently four full-time staff and approximately 150 volunteer Guides)
• Informed by audience and community input and research (and advisory committees), set priorities, direction, and budget for dynamic and adaptive in-gallery and online experiences and content based on the PMA’s collection and exhibitions and in response to current events and trends.
• In collaboration with the Interpretation team, lead the interpretive planning and content development processes to ensure that content is accessible, inclusive, and engaging to diverse public audiences.
• Facilitate the development of museum-wide strategies that center equity and inclusion for visitor-facing content and its presentation across the museum, including the digital space.
• Direct the development of multimedia content, audio guides, and text for digital platforms; manages the production of digital assets in collaboration with curatorial, education, IIT, design and editorial staff, marketing, and community partners; provides knowledge and guidance for developing interpretive technologies.
• Oversee the volunteer Guide programs and work in partnership with the Associate Director of Guide Programs to rethink, enhance, strengthen, and evaluate Guide training and continuing education programs with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access; develop new and engaging tour experiences both onsite, offsite, and online.
• In partnership with the  Director of Audience Research and other PMA staff, outside evaluators, visitors, and community partners conducts studies that inform interpretive planning and measure results of collection and exhibition interpretation (including digital content); analyze the impact of interpretive strategies and apply learnings to future projects; develop reports and presentations for sharing data and evaluation findings to the museum and with colleagues across the field; establishes the PMA as a leader in audience experience, interpretation, and impact.
• Collaborate and work closely with stakeholders including team members in Learning and Engagement, Curatorial, Conservation, Visitor Experience, Digital Experience, Editorial and Graphics, Events, and Marketing
• In partnership with colleagues in development and marketing, supports funding efforts and participation to ensure that the dynamic nature of programs and content is communicated in a way that engages and builds audiences and support. Engages directly with museum donors and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with curators and others to establish interpretive goals for exhibitions and collection displays. Secure buy-in and institutionalize approaches through effective communication with staff, including documentation, ongoing consultation, and regular presentations.
• Experiment with new interpretive approaches and work with research partners to evaluate constantly evolving solutions; share results from research with peers in the museum and across the field.
• Build authentic relationships with external collaborators, partner organizations, scholars, and artists to include new perspectives and historically marginalized narratives in interpretation.
• Seek and work with internal and external experts at the outset of each project to ensure inclusive access for diverse audience.
• Participate in visitor-facing initiatives, including way-finding improvements and assessment of ephemeral materials such as maps, signage, and guides.
• Model and contribute to a welcoming, friendly, and equitable environment through a positive and collaborative audience-centered attitude; reflect the PMA’s core values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing and leading teams; ability to direct the work of others, provide intellectual and creative oversight.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting, contributing to, and supporting an equitable and inclusive culture (DEAI)
• Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum education, social sciences, visitor studies, or related field required; master’s degree preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role facilitating content strategy and interpretation in a museum setting.
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills. Ability to establish goals, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Proven record of developing and meeting budget goals.
• Experience working with volunteer Guides (training and continuing education).
• A deep understanding of learning and educational theory, object-centered teaching, facilitation techniques, and interpretative strategies.
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in the fields of visitor studies and research, exhibition planning, digital engagement, art history, museum education/studies; strong understanding of visitor engagement, including current research on emerging technologies in museum environments.
• Excellent writing skills including ability to write about art in an accessible, inclusive, and engaging ways for multiple platforms and diverse audiences; strong editing skills.
• Experience working with digital platforms and content management systems
• Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams; strong interpersonal communication skills; diplomatic and collaborative work style; ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels.
• Ability to nurture and develop authentic relationships with diverse external constituents, scholars, artists, and partners; strong understanding of community assets, resources, and interests

Position and Compensation Details

• The minimum salary for this position is $85,000.
• This position is FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, and 35 hours per week.
• This position reports to the Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement.
• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Job-specific physical requirements
• COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

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