Director of Public Engagement and Learning, IS-1701-13

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

Department: Asian Pacific American Center

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Yao-Fen You

Compensation: $121,785 - $138,024 / year

Description

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for all public engagement, educational, and learning initiatives. 
• Develop and implement a comprehensive learning strategy that advances APAC’s mission and expands audience engagement. 
• Advise the Director on education, public programming, audience engagement, and learning-related initiatives. 
• Lead the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of educational and public-facing programs for diverse audiences. 
• Identify and pursue innovative opportunities to engage learners in formal, informal, and out-of-school learning environments. 
• Contribute to the development and implementation of long-range strategic plans for education and public engagement. 

• Design and oversee culturally relevant, community-responsive, and research-based educational programs that explore AANHPI history, culture, and lived experiences. 
• Develop learning experiences and resources for PreK-12 students, educators, families, and general audiences. 
• Ensure educational content, resources, and outreach efforts are aligned with organizational goals and accessible to diverse audiences. 
• Serve as the organization's lead expert on educational theory, curriculum development, learning standards, and museum-based pedagogy. 
• Research emerging trends and best practices in museum education, informal learning, and community-based engagement to enhance programs and visitor experiences. 
• Analyze audience data, visitor feedback, and program evaluation results to inform program development and continuous improvement. 

• Collaborate with curators, designers, media specialists, and exhibition teams to incorporate educational and interpretive components into exhibitions. 
• Develop family-focused, school-centered, and public programs that deepen engagement with exhibition content. 
• Oversee the successful delivery of educational projects, including K-12 programs, educator professional development, gallery tours, digital learning initiatives, public programs, and community convenings. 
• Ensure educational offerings create meaningful, engaging, and impactful learning experiences for visitors of all ages. 

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, cultural institutions, and public and private sector stakeholders. 
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement data-driven community outreach strategies that expand local and national engagement. 
• Engage community organizations to identify needs, strengthen relationships, and develop collaborative educational initiatives. 
• Represent APAC in professional associations, committees, working groups, public forums, and high-level negotiations. 
• Serve as a key ambassador for APAC's educational mission and community engagement efforts. 

• Lead, mentor, and support education and engagement staff, ensuring a high level of pedagogical expertise and visitor-centered program design. 
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the team. 
• Establish performance goals, monitor program outcomes, and ensure timely execution of initiatives. 
• Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions to achieve strategic objectives. 

• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets for educational and public engagement programs. 
• Ensure effective allocation of resources and alignment of expenditures with organizational priorities and program goals. 
• Collaborate with Advancement staff to identify funding opportunities and support fundraising initiatives. 
• Contribute to donor cultivation and stewardship efforts by demonstrating program impact and outcomes. 
• Prepare grant reports, donor updates, and program summaries for funding organizations and stakeholders. 
• Monitor program performance, assess risks, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful outcomes and responsible stewardship of resources. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in museum interpretation, education, or public programming  
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, particularly in leading cross-functional teams  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences  
• Expert knowledge of the development of programs on current and relevant issues that relate to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.  
• Knowledge of and experience working with AANHPI communities, organizations, and stakeholders in the United States, specifically on education-related initiatives.  
• Experience managing budgets and staff, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery  
• Demonstrated ability to provide management oversight, leadership, and direction with at least five years of supervisory experience, including experience creating and managing a budget  
• Demonstrated experience, ability, and desire to collaborate with colleagues from multiple departments and disciplines.  
• A data centric mindset as demonstrated by the understanding and use of audience data to inform decision making  
• Experience managing large scale public engagements