Assistant Director of Public Engagement

The National WWII Museum is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Public Engagement. The Assistant Director of Public Engagement provides energetic and strategic leadership in the planning, execution, and evaluation of public programming and outreach initiatives designed to connect diverse audiences to the Museum’s mission, collections, and exhibitions. Reporting to the Director of Public Engagement, this position plays a key role in the development and delivery of dynamic, high-quality programming for general audiences, including exhibit openings, lectures, film screenings, panel discussions, and commemorative events.

In addition to planning and managing these general audience programs, the Assistant Director supervises staff who respectively lead targeted initiatives for youth/family and veteran/military audiences. The Assistant Director supports and mentors these team members to ensure alignment with institutional goals and to foster innovation and excellence in their areas of focus.

This position works collaboratively across departments and with the Director of Public Engagement to develop an 18–24-month public program calendar, deepen audience engagement, and strengthen community relationships locally and nationally.

• Lead the planning and implementation of public programs for general audiences, including exhibition openings, lectures, film screenings, community panels, and commemorative events, in alignment with the Museum’s mission and strategic goals.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and support to a team managing veteran and military, as well as youth and family initiatives, fostering a cohesive, collaborative team and supporting their professional development.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including but not limited to Collections and Exhibits, Teaching and Learning, Marketing, Specialty Sales, and the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, to develop cohesive and mission-driven programming.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local and national partners to expand the reach and impact of the Museum’s public engagement initiatives.
• Work with the Director of Public Engagement to create, assess, and refine strategic goals for public programming and outreach, with a focus on accessibility, relevance, and community impact.
• Ensure robust documentation and evaluation of all public programs and provides regular reporting on outcomes, audience engagement, and growth areas.
• Represent the Public Engagement department on cross-departmental committees and task forces and contribute to special projects as needed.
• Assist in identifying funding opportunities and contribute to grant narratives that support public engagement and outreach efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in history, museum studies, education, arts administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years experience developing and implementing public programming in a museum or cultural institution for a wide variety of audiences and of large and small scale.
• Experience supervising and mentoring full-time staff; proven ability to lead a small, mission-driven team.
• Demonstrated success in producing public-facing programs and cultivating audience engagement for adult and general populations.
• Background in community engagement and relationship-building across diverse audiences and organizations.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Flexible schedule with availability for evening and weekend programming as needed.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 20 pounds, and prolonged standing/walking during events.

In addition to offering competitive wages, the Museum’s benefits package includes: 

• Medical insurance – 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium 
• Dental and vision insurance 
• Flexible spending account 
• 401(k) – Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment 
• Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available 
• Long term disability insurance 
• Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year 
• Free parking 
• Tuition assistance and professional development 
• Employee assistance program 

The National WWII Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce.  We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.  Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.