Director of Education
USS Midway Museum, San Diego, CA
The USS Midway Museum is seeking a Director of Education to lead the vision, development, and ongoing growth of the Museum’s educational programs, with a primary focus on K-12 students, educators, and youth organizations. Reporting to the President & CEO and working closely with senior leadership and the Education Committee, this role is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Museum’s education initiatives, ensuring they align with our mission of honoring the legacy of the USS Midway while inspiring and educating future generations.
This visionary leader will oversee a team of professional educators and develop high-quality, engaging programs that serve students, teachers, and youth organizations both on-site and remotely. The ideal candidate is an experienced informal educator with a strong background in program development, team leadership, and school and youth engagement partnerships in a non-profit museum, zoo, aquarium, or similar setting. A deep understanding of K-12 curriculum standards, educational technology, and the unique needs of students, teachers, and youth program leaders is essential.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and strategic education leader to shape the future of learning at the USS Midway Museum, making history come alive for students and educators.
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary – $115,000 - $145,000 year, commensurate with education/experience.
· Medical, dental, vision, legal, and life/LTD insurance.
· 403(b) retirement plan matching 100% of the employee contribution up to 6%, with immediate vesting.
· 15 vacation days, 10 days of accrued paid sick days per year, and 10 paid holidays.
· Annual discretionary bonus program
· Paid Parking
Success Factors for this position are growth, innovation, impact, and excellence in team leadership.
Increased Reach and Impact on K-12 Students and Teachers
- Expand the Museum’s education programs to engage a greater number of students and educators and youth organizations (e.g., Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc.) both in-person and virtually.
- Strengthen relationships with school districts, teachers, and education leaders to ensure Midway’s programs align with classroom needs and curriculum standards.
Sustainable and Innovative Educational Programming
- Develop and implement high-quality, mission-driven programs that inspire and educate future generations.
- Leverage emerging educational technology to enhance digital and distance learning opportunities.
Growth in Strategic Partnerships and Funding
- Establish and maintain strong partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and youth serving entities to increase the Museum’s educational footprint.
- Work with the Development and Partnership team to secure funding through sponsorships, and donations to sustain and grow programs.
Excellence in Team Leadership and Professional Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing education team, fostering innovation and collaboration. Establish a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring staff stay updated on best practices in informal education.
Long-Term Institutional Impact
- Position the Education Department as a core pillar of the Museum’s mission, aligning programs with broader institutional goals.
Summary of Responsibilities
· Set the strategic vision for education programs that advance the Museum’s mission to inspire and educate future generations.
· Lead and mentor the education team, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.
· Develop and oversee programs that engage K-12 students, educators, and youth organizations ensuring alignment with state and national education standards (STEM, Civics, Social Studies).
· Expand digital learning initiatives, including virtual field trips, distance learning, and interactive online content.
· Build partnerships with schools, districts, youth organizations (e.g., Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc.) and community stakeholders to enhance program reach and impact.
· Represent the Museum’s education mission as an active member of the Education Committee and senior leadership team.
· Collaborate with internal staff to secure funding through sponsorships and donations.
· Manage departmental budget and resources to ensure efficient and sustainable program operations.
· Serve as an advocate for educators, understanding and addressing their needs through relevant and impactful programming.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Education/Experience:
· Bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, science, or related field.
· Minimum of five years of education leadership experience in museums, zoos, aquariums, or other informal education settings, developing and managing educational programs that serve K-12 students, teachers and youth organizations.
· Experience leading and mentoring staff and volunteers, fostering a strong team environment.
Skills/Abilities
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
· Knowledge of educational technology and its role in modern instruction and student engagement.
· Proficiency in digital learning platforms and course management systems.
· Proficiency with distance learning tools, including videoconferencing software and broadcast tools.
· Ability to design and coordinate quality education programs both in person and digitally for youth, students and teachers with diverse backgrounds, ages, and interests.
· Effective interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to develop collaborative working relationships internally and externally.
· Effective communication and public speaking skills, comfortable presenting to large audiences.
· Demonstrated ability to resolve problems with grace and diplomacy
Working Conditions
Job Conditions/Work Location: Work is performed aboard the USS Midway in former administrative offices restored to basic working conditions. Work will include some weekend and evening hours.
Physical Requirements: Sit for long periods of time. Ability to climb up and down stairs and ladders and to bend, stoop, and lift standard office supplies and small office items.
Equipment Operated: Computer, printer, scanner, telephone.
THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY