Director of Learning and Discovery
Description
Overview
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, seeks an accomplished education leader to shape how one of the country's most iconic institutions shares its collections and stories. As Director of Learning & Discovery, you will guide an experienced team and set the direction for programs serving students, teachers and families, in Cooperstown and nationwide. This is a distinctive opportunity for a senior museum professional ready to build — expanding partnerships, deepening evaluation and advancing inquiry-based practices that connect American history and culture to audiences of every age, background and ability.
Position Type
This is a full-time, benefit eligible position that will work in-person at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY. Benefits associated with this position include health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, flexible spending account, employee assistance program and paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 per year.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Strategic Leadership: Provide direction for Museum learning programs and initiatives; develop long-term strategies aligned with institutional priorities and effective museum practices.
• Program Development and Oversight: Oversee on-site and virtual school programs, field trips, workshops, family learning, gallery teaching, interpretive tours and the Baseball Discovery Zone; support consistent, high-quality visitor experiences.
• Learning Innovation and Accessibility: Guide the design of engaging, inquiry-based and object-centered learning experiences that reflect the diverse history and culture of baseball and serve audiences of different ages, backgrounds and abilities.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Supervise the Manager of Teaching & Learning, Manager of Discovery & Interaction and other assigned staff; provide coaching, performance feedback, training and opportunities for professional growth.
• Educator and Audience Development: Create learning resources, teaching guides and professional-development opportunities for educators and group leaders; collaborate with marketing and communications to promote programs and increase participation.
• Partnerships and Outreach: Cultivate relationships with schools, districts, higher-education institutions, community groups and cultural organizations; develop outreach, traveling programs and digital learning opportunities to extend the Museum’s reach.
• Departmental Operations: Develop and manage departmental budgets and workflows, monitor resources and evaluate program costs to support efficient and effective program delivery.
• Program Evaluation: Collect and analyze information on audience participation, learning outcomes and program effectiveness; prepare reports and use findings to inform improvements, planning and fundraising or grant support.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Collaborate with curatorial, exhibitions and other Museum teams to align learning content, interpretation and institutional priorities.
Secondary Responsibilities
• Represent the Hall of Fame at professional conferences, learning events and external meetings as needed.
• Support relationships with community partners, donors and benefactors by communicating the impact of Museum learning programs.
• Participate in or facilitate learning programs and special events as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- An advanced degree (master’s or above) in Museum Studies, Education, History or a related field is required, together with a record of progressively responsible leadership gained in a comparable position.
- Teaching and/or leadership experience in a museum learning environment is essential, with demonstrated knowledge of inquiry-based practices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong understanding of museum pedagogy, object-based and inquiry-based learning and effective interpretation for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and evaluate learning programs, interpretive experiences and outreach initiatives.
- Experience supervising, mentoring and training educators, presenters or volunteers.
- Knowledge of inclusive learning practices, accessibility, universal design for learning and relevant digital tools.
- Ability to build successful partnerships with schools, community organizations and other educational institutions.
- Strong communication, public speaking, organizational and analytical skills, including the ability to use program data to guide decisions.
Physical Demands & Work Requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively and facilitate learning programs for diverse audiences, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Position may involve extended periods of standing while conducting or modeling interactive learning programs.
- Occasional bending, stooping and lifting or carrying program materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Understanding occasional regional and national travel may be necessary.
- Must be available to work during the Hall of Fame’s special events throughout the year, including mandatory availability during Hall of Fame Weekend, the Hall of Fame’s signature annual event.
Technology, Tools & Equipment
- Standard office and presentation technology, including computers, projectors and interactive whiteboards.
- Data collection and evaluation tools, including surveys, CRM systems and databases.
- Virtual learning and conferencing platforms.
- Audio/visual equipment used for presentations and digital programming.
- Museum teaching collections and baseball artifacts.
Interested candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.