What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Learning and Engagement [Updated 1/20/2026] position at AIA New York | Center for Architecture?
Department: Learning & Engagement
Reports to: Executive Director
Effective Date: March 2026
Organization: CFA
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Summary:
The Director of Learning & Engagement leads the Center for Architecture’s educational strategy, overseeing all learning programs, and supervising the Learning & Engagement team. This role is responsible for strengthening existing programs, expanding offerings for non–K–12 audiences, and developing strategic partnerships that advance CFA’s mission. The Director reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with CFA staff, AIA New York Chapter colleagues, Board members, funders, and key external stakeholders.
Duties/Responsibilities:
o Youth & Family Programs; Family Days, Vacation and Summer programs, and occasional Special Program offerings
o Community programs serving youth and families
o Teen Programs: Weekend workshops, Discover Architecture career exploration, Annual Architecture and Design College Fair
Education and Experience:
CFA/AIA NY operates on a hybrid schedule with two remote workdays per week. This role includes occasional offsite program needs and select weekend commitments based on programming schedules.
Salary Range: $110,000 – $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to jobs@aiany.org. Please put the job title and your last name in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands listed below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law.
This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
Reports to: Executive Director
Effective Date: March 2026
Organization: CFA
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Summary:
The Director of Learning & Engagement leads the Center for Architecture’s educational strategy, overseeing all learning programs, and supervising the Learning & Engagement team. This role is responsible for strengthening existing programs, expanding offerings for non–K–12 audiences, and developing strategic partnerships that advance CFA’s mission. The Director reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with CFA staff, AIA New York Chapter colleagues, Board members, funders, and key external stakeholders.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Oversee all education programs for K-12 students, teachers, youth and families, including:
o Youth & Family Programs; Family Days, Vacation and Summer programs, and occasional Special Program offerings
o Community programs serving youth and families
o Teen Programs: Weekend workshops, Discover Architecture career exploration, Annual Architecture and Design College Fair
- Set annual and long-term programmatic goals for the Learning & Engagement Department in collaboration with the management team, organizing staff and schedules to achieve them
- Supervise and coach the Learning & Engagement team (Lead Design Educator, Design Educator, School Programs Manager, Youth Programs Manager)
- Hire, train, manage and evaluate a roster of freelance design educators with assistance from Youth and School Program Managers; expand this group as needed to meet demand and expand program audiences
- Evaluate and improve existing programs to ensure high quality
- Develop new programs, initiatives, and partnerships to expand programming to new audiences
- Implement and integrate the legacy AIANY Tours program into the CFA program offerings, developing and expanding its reach and audience engagement
- Strategize and oversee the development of architecture education resources made available to the public on our website
- Develop and manage the Learning & Engagement Department budget in conjunction with Finance and Ops Director; Partner with the finance department to reconcile related receivables from various agencies
- Collaborate with Exhibitions staff to produce bi-annual exhibition
- Collaborate with Development Department on educational grants and fundraising proposals and reports
- Collaborate with the Communications Department on year-round outreach and informational campaigns about educational programming through eblasts, enews articles, social media posts, etc
- Manage NYC Public Schools Arts Vendor Contract and relationships with NYCPS program partners
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture, design, engineering and/or arts or museum education/administration
- 10 years’ experience and proven expertise in education program administration including school, youth and community programming
- Solid understanding of K-12 curriculum standards for New York City, NY State and nationally, with expertise on connections to architecture and design/STEAM programming
- Excellent project managements skills, able to prioritize tasks, coordinate a team effort, and meet deadlines
- Expertise leading hands-on art/design projects with youth groups in school, museum and community settings
- Professional and friendly manner
- Ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail, thorough and accurate
- Experience with fundraising and grant-writing
- Strong computer skills including Office 365, Adobe Suite, and CRM or data management software
CFA/AIA NY operates on a hybrid schedule with two remote workdays per week. This role includes occasional offsite program needs and select weekend commitments based on programming schedules.
Salary Range: $110,000 – $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to jobs@aiany.org. Please put the job title and your last name in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands listed below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law.
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with some remote work as needed.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.
- Must be able to move about the office, gallery, and program spaces to support events, meetings, and educational activities.
- Must be able to lift and move items up to 30 lbs. occasionally (such as program supplies or exhibition materials).
- Must be able to set up and break down program spaces, which may involve bending, reaching, and light physical activity.
- Periods of standing and walking may be required during programs or events.
This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed.
Salary : $110,000 - $120,000