Vice President of Education and Engagement

Summary of The Role

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven leader to build on the Aquarium’s strong foundation in education and take it to its next level of impact—strengthening its role as a core driver of guest experience, public engagement, and conservation action.

The Vice President of Education and Engagement will partner with an experienced and dedicated team to expand and connect existing programs into a unified, story-driven experience—deepening curiosity, creating emotional connection, and inspiring agency across every audience, from young children to lifelong learners, and from casual guests to committed advocates and supporters.

This role will bring great alignment and scale to the Aquarium’s education efforts. Working in partnership with key contributors across the organization, the Vice President of Education and Engagement will weave educational storytelling across on-site guest experiences, exhibits, digital platforms, and community programs into a cohesive, audience-experience approach that enhances what already works while expanding measurable engagement and relevance.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $170,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

Key Priorities for the Vice President of Education and Engagement

Define a bold, audience-centered vision

• Establish a multi-year strategy that positions education as a core partner in the creation of a welcoming, accessible, and culturally responsive guest experience, brand narrative, and conservation impact
• Shift from program-based delivery to experience design and storytelling at scale

Transform the guest learning journey through emotional storytelling

• Design education experiences that create emotional connection, memory, meaning, and a sense of personal stewardship and agency across all ages
• Partner with Guest Experience, Exhibits, and Marketing to ensure a seamless, story-driven journey from entry to exit.

Expand beyond the walls of the Aquarium

• Build scalable off-site, community-based, and digital education platforms
• Leverage virtual learning, content distribution, and partnerships to reach audiences far beyond physical attendance
• Position the Aquarium as a global voice in ocean education

Integrate education with brand marketing and philanthropic narratives

• Collaborate closely with Marketing and Development to align campaigns, storytelling, and audience development strategies
• Ensure education content fuels audience growth, loyalty, and relevance

Build a high-performing, innovative team

• Lead and develop a team that consistently delivers creative, high-impact learning experiences
• Foster a culture of experimentation, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement

Drive strategic partnerships and philanthropy

• Cultivate relationships with funders, education partners, and content collaborators
• Translate educational vision into compelling funding opportunities and donor engagement

Lead with data and measurable impact

• Establish clear metrics to evaluate learning outcomes, engagement, and behavior change–
• Use data and insights to continuously refine programs and demonstrate impact to stakeholders

Ensure operational and financial excellence

• Own the department budget, aligning resources with strategic priorities
• Identify efficiencies while investing in high-impact, scalable initiatives

Serve as a visible institutional leader

• Act as a public spokesperson and thought leader in informal education, ocean science, and conservation engagement
• Elevate the Aquarium’s reputation as a leader in immersive, impactful learning

Experiences & Qualifications:

• 10 years of progressive leadership in informal learning, guest experience, or mission-driven public engagement organizations (e.g., museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, or immersive experience organizations)
• Proven success in designing and scaling education programs across physical and digital platforms.
• Experience securing funding, managing grants, and partnering with Development to grow impact.
• Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and developing leaders.
• Strong analytical capability, with experience using data to measure outcomes, adapt strategies, and prove impact.
• Excellent communication skills and credibility as a public-facing leader.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to set and meet strategic objectives on time and within budget.

Education or Comparable Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience developing impactful learning experiences that combine scientific credibility, compelling storytelling, and audience engagement. Advanced study in science, communications, education, or related fields is a plus.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

This role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and non-standard hours to support programs, events, fundraising activities, and leadership responsibilities. Occasional domestic travel is expected.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that welcomes and respects diverse experiences, backgrounds and heritages. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Interested and Qualified?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!