Seattle Art Museum

Visual arts museum across multiple sites

Director of Public Engagement

EducationConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeSeattle, WA, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in education, art history, museum studies, arts management, cultural studies, public history, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Seven to nine years of progressively responsible experience in public engagement, cultural programming, museum education, or related work, including at least three years of people management experience.
Demonstrated success developing and executing department-level strategies that connect artistic and educational excellence with meaningful, broad audience participation.
Deep knowledge of innovative cultural programming, audience engagement practices, and contemporary museum approaches.
Experience leading complex program portfolios, developing and managing budgets, evaluating outcomes, and overseeing contracts and operational resources.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, antiracist practice, accessibility, and culturally responsive programming.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence stakeholders, and align diverse partners around shared institutional objectives.
Track record of building trusted, sustained partnerships with diverse communities, neighborhood organizations, artists, and cultural institutions.
Ability to advise senior leaders and communicate effectively with executives, trustees, donors, staff, community partners, and the public.
Demonstrated ability to broaden and diversify audiences through inclusive program and partnership strategies.
Sound, timely judgment and diplomacy in resolving complex or sensitive issues.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt communication for diverse audiences.
Proven people leadership, coaching, performance management, and organizational planning capabilities.
Strong strategic planning, analytical, project management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack, and internet-based research.
Ability to pass and maintain a security background check clearance.

Responsibilities

Establish and execute a multi-year public engagement strategy aligned with SAM’s institutional priorities, audience goals, and commitment to equitable, visitor-centered experiences with art.
Direct the department’s portfolio of public programs, setting priorities, quality standards, resource allocations, and measures of success across all museum sites.
Develop and implement strategies to broaden participation, deepen audience engagement, and expand community awareness and appreciation of art.
Lead, coach, and evaluate department staff; establish performance expectations, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture.
Provide strategic direction for lectures, discussions, gallery talks, symposia, performances, film series, late-night events, outdoor programs, and exhibition-related experiences.
Establish effective operating systems, cross-functional processes, and decision-making practices to improve program quality, efficiency, and coordination.
Own departmental annual plans, goals, staffing and professional development priorities, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partner with Development to identify funding opportunities, shape proposals, steward funder relationships, and ensure timely grant reporting and delivery against commitments.
Partner with Marketing & Communications and Visitor Experience to define audiences, align outreach, strengthen promotion, and translate audience insights into program decisions.
Represent SAM with artists, cultural leaders, community organizations, and peer institutions; initiate partnerships and collaborative initiatives that advance public engagement priorities.
Lead department participation in annual operating and capital planning, including resource forecasts and financial trade-offs.
Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets; ensure responsible financial stewardship, contract oversight, and reporting on program impact.
Oversee the design and delivery of an integrated, high-quality portfolio of public engagement programs across sites, ensuring artistic relevance, accessibility, operational readiness, and alignment with strategic objectives.
Direct cross-functional planning with Curatorial, Education, Security, Facilities, Visitor Experience, and other teams; resolve competing priorities and complex program challenges.
Guide collaboration with curators, community advisors, museum educators, artists, and performers to develop programs connected to special exhibitions, permanent collections, and community interests.
Set the strategy for inclusive community engagement, access initiatives, and partnerships that expand participation and build lasting relationships with underserved audiences.
Cultivate and steward relationships with community leaders, artists, cultural organizations, and educational partners; represent SAM externally and negotiate collaborative opportunities.
Monitor trends, peer practices, and audience feedback; use qualitative and quantitative evidence to assess effectiveness and inform future investments.
Oversee community partnership programs, establishing clear objectives, reciprocal expectations, and measures of impact.
Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service by creating positive, meaningful experiences for visitors.
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow collective understanding and integrate antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree.
Three years of supervisory experience in a museum or similar environment.
Expertise with project management, community engagement, and culturally responsive programming.

Salary Range: 113197 to 125763 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Public Engagement leads the strategic direction, development, and performance of innovative, accessible, and engaging public engagement programs for adult and intergenerational audiences across all SAM sites. This role sets departmental priorities, manages resources and outcomes, and builds sustainable community relationships that advance institutional goals. They also provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for the Public Engagement team, including site managers, coordinators, and teaching artists.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Strategy & Leadership

Establish and execute a multi-year public engagement strategy aligned with SAM’s institutional priorities, audience goals, and commitment to equitable, visitor-centered experiences with art
Direct the department’s portfolio of public programs, setting priorities, quality standards, resource allocations, and measures of success across all museum sites
Develop and implement strategies to broaden participation, deepen audience engagement, and expand community awareness and appreciation of art
Lead, coach, and evaluate department staff; establish performance expectations, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture
Provide strategic direction for lectures, discussions, gallery talks, symposia, performances, film series, late-night events, outdoor programs, and exhibition-related experiences
Establish effective operating systems, cross-functional processes, and decision-making practices to improve program quality, efficiency, and coordination
Own departmental annual plans, goals, staffing and professional development priorities, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives
Partner with Development to identify funding opportunities, shape proposals, steward funder relationships, and ensure timely grant reporting and delivery against commitments
Partner with Marketing & Communications and Visitor Experience to define audiences, align outreach, strengthen promotion, and translate audience insights into program decisions
Represent SAM with artists, cultural leaders, community organizations, and peer institutions; initiate partnerships and collaborative initiatives that advance public engagement priorities
Lead department participation in annual operating and capital planning, including resource forecasts and financial trade-offs
Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets; ensure responsible financial stewardship, contract oversight, and reporting on program impact

Program Strategy & Execution

Oversee the design and delivery of an integrated, high-quality portfolio of public engagement programs across sites, ensuring artistic relevance, accessibility, operational readiness, and alignment with strategic objectives
Direct cross-functional planning with Curatorial, Education, Security, Facilities, Visitor Experience, and other teams; resolve competing priorities and complex program challenges
Guide collaboration with curators, community advisors, museum educators, artists, and performers to develop programs connected to special exhibitions, permanent collections, and community interests

Community Partnerships & Audience Development

Set the strategy for inclusive community engagement, access initiatives, and partnerships that expand participation and build lasting relationships with underserved audiences
Cultivate and steward relationships with community leaders, artists, cultural organizations, and educational partners; represent SAM externally and negotiate collaborative opportunities
Monitor trends, peer practices, and audience feedback; use qualitative and quantitative evidence to assess effectiveness and inform future investments
Oversee community partnership programs, establishing clear objectives, reciprocal expectations, and measures of impact

Other Duties

Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education, art history, museum studies, arts management, cultural studies, public history, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Seven to nine years of progressively responsible experience in public engagement, cultural programming, museum education, or related work, including at least three years of people management experience
Demonstrated success developing and executing department-level strategies that connect artistic and educational excellence with meaningful, broad audience participation
Deep knowledge of innovative cultural programming, audience engagement practices, and contemporary museum approaches
Experience leading complex program portfolios, developing and managing budgets, evaluating outcomes, and overseeing contracts and operational resources
Demonstrated commitment to equity, antiracist practice, accessibility, and culturally responsive programming
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence stakeholders, and align diverse partners around shared institutional objectives
Track record of building trusted, sustained partnerships with diverse communities, neighborhood organizations, artists, and cultural institutions
Ability to advise senior leaders and communicate effectively with executives, trustees, donors, staff, community partners, and the public
Strong collaborative leadership, judgment, adaptability, and ability to navigate organizational complexity
Demonstrated ability to broaden and diversify audiences through inclusive program and partnership strategies
Sound, timely judgment and diplomacy in resolving complex or sensitive issues
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt communication for diverse audiences
Proven people leadership, coaching, performance management, and organizational planning capabilities
Strong strategic planning, analytical, project management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree
Three years of supervisory experience in a museum or similar environment
Expertise with project management, community engagement, and culturally responsive programming

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Reports To: Chief of Creative Strategy & Storytelling

Work Location: Seattle Art Museum Downtown

BENEFITS

Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.

Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.

Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, jury duty, 14 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!

About the Company

Seattle Art Museum

Visual arts museum across multiple sites

Seattle Art Museum operates three art venues in Seattle—the downtown museum, the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront—where visitors explore art through exhibitions, educational programs, and site-specific installations drawn from a collection of about 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures. The museum curates and presents art to the public, using its galleries and programs to help people see connections between art and daily life. Its distinctiveness comes from spanning multiple venues and cultures in the Pacific Northwest, offering a broad range of exhibitions and learning experiences beyond a single-location collection. The goal is to make art accessible to a wide audience, deepen understanding of visual culture, and inspire curiosity through public programs and immersive installations.

Company size: 201-500
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Seattle, WA
Founded: 1906

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