Title: Director of Education and Programming

Department: Curatorial

Reports to: Chief Collections & Exhibitions Officer

Position Summary

The Director of Education and Programming at the C.M. Russell Museum leads the design and delivery of dynamic learning experiences that connect the community with the museum. This role goes beyond traditional art classes, shaping opportunities through tours, lectures, and a wide range of programs that bring people of all ages into deeper engagement with art and culture.

This full-time exempt position provides leadership, management oversight, and hands-on implementation of the museum’s educational offerings. The Director develops innovative, balanced programming that advances the museum’s mission and strategic goals, with activities spanning schools, youth, families, adults, public programs, and community outreach. Flexible hours are required for occasional evening and weekend events.

Primary Responsibilities

• Partners with the Chief Collections & Exhibitions Officer to set goals and priorities for the education department.
• Designs, delivers, and evaluates programs, seminars, workshops, tours, and the 4th Grade Essay Contest to connect the public with the collections, archives, and special exhibitions.
• Contributes to long-range planning and develops a thoughtful annual plan for the museum’s educational programs.
• Creates and manages the Education budget.
• Collaborates with the Operations team to provide group tours as needed.
• Expands the museum’s educational role in the community and region while leading efforts to strengthen the museum’s digital platform.
• Serves as liaison to the Education and Program Committees of the Board of Directors; schedules and leads meetings, works with the committee chair to set agendas, and ensures follow-through on actions.
• Manages and evaluates education department instructors, lecturers, and contractors.
• Recruits, trains, and organizes docent volunteers, with responsibility for growing and strengthening the docent program.
• Works with curatorial staff to enrich the visitor experience both onsite and online.
• Acts as liaison between the museum and Indigenous partners.
• Oversees the care, improvement, and use of the Discovery Gallery.
• Builds strong rapport with diverse external audiences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Works with Development staff to ensure sponsors, donors, lenders, and partners connected to education programs are properly acknowledged and credited.
• Assists with grant writing for educational projects and manages funded grant initiatives.
• Partners with staff to market and promote museum programs; writes program descriptions and ensures education content is current on the museum’s website.
• Recognizes and celebrates the contributions of education volunteers.
• Preferred Skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Speaks with conviction and passion, demonstrating strong engagement in all presentations.
• Brings a clear vision for creating compelling written and digital content that inspires intellectual exploration.
• Approaches work with a global perspective, fostering inclusion and curiosity to enrich programming and highlight the importance of education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Art History, Museum Studies, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in museum education, public programs, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated success in program management, including developing, implementing, and evaluating educational or public engagement initiatives.
• Proven experience in audience development and community engagement.
• Background in fundraising, grant writing, and cultivating donor or partner relationships.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience managing staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Ability to think strategically, set priorities, and balance multiple projects.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in museum education and programming.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for programs and events.

Benefits

The C.M. Russell Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees. Benefits include:

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Simple IRA retirement plan with employer contribution
• Disability insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Complimentary museum membership and discounts in the museum store
• A supportive and mission-driven workplace culture

Research shows that many people hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We know it’s rare for someone to match 100%. If much of this description sounds like you, we strongly encourage you to apply.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to jnebel@cmrussell.org.

At this time, the museum is not offering internship opportunities.

Experience the life and times of one of the most well-known Western artists, Charles Marion Russell, while gaining valuable experience towards your future career. The C.M. Russell Museum offers the opportunity to experience the variety of career paths available within the field of museums and educational institutions. Through access to art collections that document the history of a disappearing culture, celebrate the traditions of native peoples, and depict the topography and landscape of the west, interns will also gain a new understanding and appreciation for Russell’s West.

In addition to the abundant opportunities at the museum, the community of Great Falls and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of resources. By extending research and learning the campus of Montana interns have the opportunity to explore the Northern Plains Indian culture and the life of early explorers such as Lewis & Clark; to witness the impacts of settlers, industrialization, and agriculture on the Western Frontier; to experience the landscape that inspired Russell to move to the West, and to learn about the valuable role art, culture, and history play in small communities.

Dufresne Scholar Award

As part of the museum’s greater educational mission, the purpose of the Dufresne Scholar Award Internship is to expand the museum’s role as a national learning institution and center of inquiry.  We seek to foster a widespread community of individuals and institutions that look to the arts as not only a means of personal enjoyment, but also as an invaluable tool for understanding cultural traditions, history, the environment, and the human experience.  Through our internship program, we hope to empower aspiring professionals who are dedicated to the lives and stories that have shaped our world today, thereby ensuring the viability and integrity of our nation’s cultural, historical, and educational institutions.   

At this time the museum is not offering internship opportunities.