Educator in Charge, Public Programs and Engagement

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Note: No application deadline was provided by the employer. Please refer to the posting date for reference, as availability may change.

Location: New York, NY (commuting distance required)
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $145,000–$160,000 annually

About The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of global art across two landmark locations in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Since its founding in 1870, The Met has aimed to be more than a repository of exceptional objects; it serves as a dynamic cultural institution, committed to engaging the broadest possible audience and fostering a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Staff across all roles—from security and conservation to education and curatorial—live by The Met’s core values: respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity.

About the Education Department

The Met’s Education Department is central to the Museum’s mission, offering in-person and virtual programs that make art meaningful and accessible for all. As a global leader in museum-based education, the department supports a wide range of public initiatives—from school partnerships and internships to artist performances, lectures, symposia, and multilingual tours.

The Role

The Director of Public Programs and Engagement (PPE) is a senior leadership position within the Education Department, responsible for developing and implementing inclusive, accessible, and innovative programming for public audiences onsite, offsite, and online. This role oversees initiatives tied to The Met’s collections, exhibitions, festivals, artist residencies, community partnerships, and more.

The Director will lead a team of 16 staff (with four direct reports), shape strategic priorities for public programming, and collaborate cross-departmentally to expand audience engagement locally and globally.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the strategic vision for Public Programs and Engagement in alignment with the Museum’s and Education Department’s goals
Oversee development and delivery of high-quality public programs for adult and intergenerational audiences, including talks, performances, festivals (e.g., MetFest), and community activations
Direct the international artist residency program and initiatives to foster authentic community engagement
Partner across Museum divisions to build collaborative approaches to programming
Establish and implement evaluation systems to measure program impact, innovation, and inclusivity
Supervise, coach, and support PPE team members; manage recruitment, onboarding, and professional development
Collaborate on budget planning and financial oversight
Represent the Education Department on the senior leadership team and support Museum-wide strategy
Stay current with trends in museum education, public engagement, and audience development
Foster a culture of experimentation, diversity of thought, and cross-functional teamwork

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Art History, Museum Education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in museum-based education or public programming
At least 5 years in a leadership role with staff management responsibilities
Proven experience designing and delivering inclusive, high-impact programs
Familiarity with program evaluation, metrics, and reporting
Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
Effective project and budget management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital tools for engagement
Knowledge of fundraising and external partnerships is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $145,000 – $160,000 annually (final offer based on experience and qualifications)
Location: Must reside in NY, NJ, CT, or PA and be able to commute to The Met’s sites

Benefits include:

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer match
Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, holidays)
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending and health savings accounts
Commuter benefits
Free financial planning services
Tuition reimbursement for professional development
Staff discounts and subsidized cafeteria
Free access to museums across NYC via Museums Council pass

Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

The Met is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. Individuals who may not meet 100% of the qualifications but have a strong alignment with the role’s purpose and responsibilities are encouraged to apply.

The Museum provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. For support during the application process, please contact: benefits@metmuseum.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected category in its employment practices.