Director of Learning

Discovery Center Collective: Don Harrington Discovery Center & Wildcat Bluff Nature Center 

Job Title: Director of Learning (Full-time, Exempt) 

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Discovery Center Collective (DCC) includes two interactive, recreational learning spaces in Amarillo, TX: Don Harrington Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. The Director of Learning oversees learning and education for all ages at both locations. We are seeking a dynamic, intuitive and compassionate team leader with team management experience to spearhead our educational strategies, and keep us competitive and relevant in the changing worlds of education and museums. The Director will lead a passionate and dedicated team of Educators to manage the following organizational departments:

1. School Programs and Services: School contracts, field trips, community outreach programs, virtual learning (locally, nationwide and internationally), and other school programs.
2. Public Programs: Camps, Museum experience/learning, Exhibit content, Interpretive Signage, Space Theater programming.

The Director will lead a team of up to 1-2 managers, 2-3 coordinators, 5-10 PT educators, 10-15 seasonal camp employees, and other interns, employees and volunteers as needed. The Director will be a public face for the Education Department and the Discovery Center Collective, and will work with other community organizations and partners, school districts, nonprofits, and community leaders. A high level of professionalism and successful team management experience is necessary. The Director reports to the CEO and interfaces and interacts with all organizational departments, including marketing, operations, exhibits, development, and facilities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Responsibilities: 

• Work with Education team to: 
  • Develop learning programs for all ages, for schools, camps and the public, with a focus on current trends and relevance in the ever-changing world of education.
  • Develop and implement staff training programs and ensure staff is appropriately trained in workshops, programs, and demonstrations.
  • Align programs with the strategic plan with a focus on revenue growth.
  • Support growth of on-site school and public programs, daily museum experience, community outreach, seasonal camps, family programs, virtual learning, public events, outdoor education, and other initiatives to grow impact and  revenue.
  • Oversee planning, promotion and execution of public and educational events.
  • Provide direction and support for department initiatives including hands on program support and teaching as needed.
  • Act as liaison for parent interactions and actively work with and address children in seasonal holiday camps and school programs.
  • Pursue and secure school contracts to deliver educational content at DCC sites and on campuses.

• Director Team Member: 
  • Attend Director Team meetings and support collaborative leadership and problem solving across Museum departments. 
  • Attend conferences, workshops, events, and business meetings on behalf of CEO and Leadership Team.
  • Keep current on best practices and industry trends in museums and formal and informal education, and advise colleagues and departments.
  • Build collaborative relationships with community businesses and nonprofits.
  • Fill in as short term lead / point person for staff in other departments if needed.
  • Actively pursue professional development in museum education. 

• Administration: 
  • Provide monthly and other reports and statistics as requested, and engage other departments as needed to ensure quality delivery of programs and events.

• • Provide information and support for grant applications and advancement initiatives, and participate in institutional planning and initiatives. 
  • Work with Marketing department to develop and implement marketing efforts for education programs. Refresh website content as needed.
  • Oversee departmental management and use of program registration systems (Activeworks, Cogran), Altru museum management system for educational programs and events, scheduling and HR platforms (Connecteam, Bamboo) and internal team project management systems.
  • Meet regularly with CEO and other department heads to develop strategy around and report on education / public programs. 
  • Supervise full time and part time staff positions, volunteers, and additional staff as assigned, and complete HR functions as needed.
  • Manage annual departmental budget to reflect organizational priorities and monitor income and expenses.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

• Ability to design and deliver/teach content for varying ages, infant through adult. 
• Ability to design and implement training programs for educators.
• Demonstrated experience in team management (5-10 people), with a proven track record in program creation and revenue stream analysis, management, and growth.  
• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college or university required, or commensurate  job experience; Master’s Degree preferred. 
• Preferred 5 – 7 years museum education management experience, with an understanding of the role of education in a museum and best practices. 
• Keen understanding of formal and informal educational systems and trends.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and learner-centered  strategies. 
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, strong public speaking and public relations skills. 
• Excellent organization abilities, including managing simultaneous projects and keeping track of details.
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, publishing, email, and web software.  
• Ability to work within a high-energy, collaborative team environment. 

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to do close work with a computer monitor and perform repetitive hand movements,  and lift up to 30 pounds occasionally. 
• Ability to work typical business hours Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings as needed.
• This position has a primary office at Don Harrington Discovery Center, but will also work at Wildcat Bluff Discovery Center regularly.

COMPENSATION:  

Full time, 40 hours, exempt. Pay range is $55,000-65,000 annually with yearly review for increase. Salary commensurate with experience.  Benefits include medical, dental, vision, FSA, life insurance, and others. Discovery Center Collective has been recognized as a 'Best Workplace for Working Parents' in 2026.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE POSITION:  

Apply through Bamboo HR, accessible through the DCC website at the following link:
https://discoverycentercollective.org/about-dcc/careers/. Include your resume with a cover letter summarizing your interest in working in museum education, your team management experience, and why you want to work at the Discovery Center! Please provide at least one reference from a supervisor and one or two references from direct reports. Resumes sent without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000