Director of Learning & Engagement

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), located in Little Rock, AR, seeks an education professional to advance the institution during an extraordinary time of growth and impact.  The Director of Learning and Engagement conceptualizes, leads, and advances the museum's educational programming and initiatives that engage all audiences, from toddler to senior.  This position is a leadership role and reports to the Chief Executive Officer while working closely with other Museum programmatic departments including Curatorial, the Windgate Art School, and Children's Theater and Performing Arts. 

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts opened a new facility in 2023 featuring state-of-the-art galleries, Art School, theatre, lecture hall, outdoor event area, and other spaces to host programming, classes, and performances. The innovative Cultural Living Room, restaurant, store, and landscaped grounds position AMFA as a cultural hub for Little Rock and the Delta region.

Primary Duties and responsibilities: 

• With Museum leadership, sets the vision, strategy, and goals for educational programming and initiatives to ensure alignment with AMFA's strategic plan, and goals to increase growth and impact, and continued relevance to the the community.
• With staff, creates, executes, and assesses a diverse and inclusive roster of programs for youth/families, schools, and adult audiences, which educates and engages; connects art in AMFA’s permanent collection and exhibitions to the lived experience.   
• Supervises and supports the department’s full and part-time staff and volunteer docents. 
• Assesses the relevance and reach of all programming and seeks ways to increase the impact of AMFA and the arts within the community and statewide.
• Directly oversees and manages programs and initiatives for a public audience including lectures, gallery talks, gallery interpretation, and statewide community projects.
• Collaborates with AMFA's programmatic departments, including the Windgate Art School, Children’s Theater and Performing Arts, and Curatorial to create a dynamic and cohesive calendar that serves the community and beyond.  
• Oversees and manages the department’s budget and works with the CFO and Development staff to develop compelling materials to secure external funding.
• With the Director of Programs and Partnerships, represents AMFA within the community and develops strategic partnerships that advance and strengthen the cultural landscape of Central Arkansas and the state.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent in art education, museum studies, art history, education, or a related field.
• 5 or more years’ experience designing and managing educational programs for a diverse audience.
• Strong knowledge of art history and current educational theories.
• Commitment to collaborating with community partners.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills and ease in connecting with visitors.
• Outgoing, creative, organized, and exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends 
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 

•  Sitting:  Ability to regularly sit for extended periods (up to five hours) while performing administrative duties, including planning, scheduling, and computer-based work.
• Standing: Ability to regularly stand for prolonged periods (up to five hours) during events, including setup, execution, and breakdown activities.
• Walking: Ability to regularly walk frequently throughout event spaces, offices, and outdoor venues, sometimes over uneven surfaces.
• Climbing Stairs: Ability to regularly ascend and descend stairs multiple times during the workday, as required by event venues and office locations.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and supplies weighing up to approximately 25–30 pounds, occasionally more with assistance.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to regularly use hands and fingers for handling materials, operating equipment, and using office tools.
• Computer Use: Ability to regularly use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and standard office software for event planning, communication, and documentation.
• Communication: Ability to regularly communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with staff, vendors, clients, and the public in a variety of environments, including noisy event settings.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to see and read printed and digital materials, monitor event details, and observe surroundings to ensure event quality and safety.
• Hearing Acuity: Ability to hear and understand spoken communication in person and over the phone, including in environments with background noise.

• Mobility and Endurance: Ability to maintain physical stamina and mobility to meet the demands of event schedules, which may include evenings, weekends, and extended hours.
• Work is primarily performed inside the Museum, both in a working office and event spaces. 
• Occasionally, but temporarily, exposed to outside weather conditions; occasionally includes rain, snow, ice, sleet, and extreme hot or cold temperatures.  
• Occasionally exposed to noise levels up to eighty-five decibels. 

Note:  This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications of the position.  It may be subject to change based on the Museum’s specific needs and policies.