Director of Public Engagement

ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Public Engagement leads the strategic direction, development, and performance of innovative, accessible, and engaging public engagement programs for adult and intergenerational audiences across all SAM sites. This role sets departmental priorities, manages resources and outcomes, and builds sustainable community relationships that advance institutional goals. They also provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for the Public Engagement team, including site managers, coordinators, and teaching artists. ABOUT SAM As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community. RESPONSIBILITIES Department Strategy & Leadership Establish and execute a multi-year public engagement strategy aligned with SAM’s institutional priorities, audience goals, and commitment to equitable, visitor-centered experiences with art Direct the department’s portfolio of public programs, setting priorities, quality standards, resource allocations, and measures of success across all museum sites Develop and implement strategies to broaden participation, deepen audience engagement, and expand community awareness and appreciation of art Lead, coach, and evaluate department staff; establish performance expectations, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture Provide strategic direction for lectures, discussions, gallery talks, symposia, performances, film series, late-night events, outdoor programs, and exhibition-related experiences Establish effective operating systems, cross-functional processes, and decision-making practices to improve program quality, efficiency, and coordination Own departmental annual plans, goals, staffing and professional development priorities, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives Partner with Development to identify funding opportunities, shape proposals, steward funder relationships, and ensure timely grant reporting and delivery against commitments Partner with Marketing & Communications and Visitor Experience to define audiences, align outreach, strengthen promotion, and translate audience insights into program decisions Represent SAM with artists, cultural leaders, community organizations, and peer institutions; initiate partnerships and collaborative initiatives that advance public engagement priorities Lead department participation in annual operating and capital planning, including resource forecasts and financial trade-offs Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets; ensure responsible financial stewardship, contract oversight, and reporting on program impact Program Strategy & Execution Oversee the design and delivery of an integrated, high-quality portfolio of public engagement programs across sites, ensuring artistic relevance, accessibility, operational readiness, and alignment with strategic objectives Direct cross-functional planning with Curatorial, Education, Security, Facilities, Visitor Experience, and other teams; resolve competing priorities and complex program challenges Guide collaboration with curators, community advisors, museum educators, artists, and performers to develop programs connected to special exhibitions, permanent collections, and community interests Community Partnerships & Audience Development Set the strategy for inclusive community engagement, access initiatives, and partnerships that expand participation and build lasting relationships with underserved audiences Cultivate and steward relationships with community leaders, artists, cultural organizations, and educational partners; represent SAM externally and negotiate collaborative opportunities Monitor trends, peer practices, and audience feedback; use qualitative and quantitative evidence to assess effectiveness and inform future investments Oversee community partnership programs, establishing clear objectives, reciprocal expectations, and measures of impact Other Duties Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work WE ARE LOOKING FOR Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in education, art history, museum studies, arts management, cultural studies, public history, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience Seven to nine years of progressively responsible experience in public engagement, cultural programming, museum education, or related work, including at least three years of people management experience Demonstrated success developing and executing department-level strategies that connect artistic and educational excellence with meaningful, broad audience participation Deep knowledge of innovative cultural programming, audience engagement practices, and contemporary museum approaches Experience leading complex program portfolios, developing and managing budgets, evaluating outcomes, and overseeing contracts and operational resources Demonstrated commitment to equity, antiracist practice, accessibility, and culturally responsive programming Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence stakeholders, and align diverse partners around shared institutional objectives Track record of building trusted, sustained partnerships with diverse communities, neighborhood organizations, artists, and cultural institutions Ability to advise senior leaders and communicate effectively with executives, trustees, donors, staff, community partners, and the public Strong collaborative leadership, judgment, adaptability, and ability to navigate organizational complexity Demonstrated ability to broaden and diversify audiences through inclusive program and partnership strategies Sound, timely judgment and diplomacy in resolving complex or sensitive issues Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt communication for diverse audiences Proven people leadership, coaching, performance management, and organizational planning capabilities Strong strategic planning, analytical, project management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree Three years of supervisory experience in a museum or similar environment Expertise with project management, community engagement, and culturally responsive programming FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt Reports To: Chief of Creative Strategy & Storytelling Work Location: Seattle Art Museum Downtown BENEFITS Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan. Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually. Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, jury duty, 14 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming. ACCOMODATION The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation. SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!