Description

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA) in Hagerstown, Maryland seeks an innovative, collaboratively-spirited Director of Education to design multigenerational, impactful learning experiences for a diverse public. The Director of Education must have deep knowledge of learning theories, educational trends, and best practices for interpreting museum collections and the ability to work with others for appropriate curriculum integration. Strong project management, budgeting skills, and financial literacy are key aspects of the administrative function of this role.

The Director of Education will be part of a team committed to elevating the regional reputation of the museum while contributing to the city’s revitalization, and maintaining the museum’s stature as a cornerstone for arts and culture in Hagerstown.  

The successful candidate will bring an understanding of, and appreciation for, the unique role that the museum plays in the region and enthusiasm for the museum’s potential to broaden its audience. The successful candidate will possess high emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and a passion for building lasting connections. Diplomatic skill in tandem with the dexterity to problem solve, nurture relationships, and build rapport within the community. Additionally, the Director of Education must possess strong managerial, administrative, planning, and motivational skills; The ideal candidate will have the skills to develop innovative programming while also following through with administrative responsibilities. 

As a member of the senior management team, the Director of Education will collaborate with colleagues to expand audiences and enhance the reputation of the museum. 

This position is eligible for a flex work schedule (subject to change), with a minimum requirement of three work days in the office each week, and attendance for after-hours programs and events. In-office attendance may be required during certain periods. The museum conducts pre-employment background checks and drug testing as part of our selection process.

WCMFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and racial equity and urges qualified diverse applicants to apply.

Benefits include: medical, dental, and vision insurance options. 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match and contributions. Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life and disability insurance.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications stated in this position description. 

Email materials to info@wcmfa.org. Subject line: Director of Education Search; application deadline: June 20, 2026

About the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1931, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA) is a premier regional fine art museum. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and with a collection of more than 8,000 objects, WCMFA is the only fine art museum within a 65 miles radius. Free to the public, the museum has an ambitious schedule of temporary exhibitions, classes, lectures, concerts, and online interpretive programs. The permanent collection has strengths in American art, Old Masters, and art of world cultures. A beloved community resource, located on the lakefront in historic City Park in Hagerstown, Maryland, the museum has served seven generations of local residents, and is considered one of the best small museums in America. The museum is raising funds for an ambitious expansion and has recently completed the schematic design phase of planning. 

WCMFA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. The Museum is a private, non-profit 501c3 institution with an annual budget of approximately $1.7 million. 

Director of Education Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director, The Director of Education plays a central role in ensuring that the museum offers high-quality learning experiences related to the arts and humanities that expand and enhance the visitors’ experience of the museum’s collections and exhibitions. The Director of Education is responsible for general educational program development, with related museum administrative duties, and considerable public contact. The Director of Education ensures that a diverse slate of mission-related programs is offered for visitors of all ages including: classes, tours, workshops, outreach programs, gallery experiences, lectures, concerts, etc.…for all audiences (pre-K, K-12, family, adult, senior). 

Hours:            This is a full-time (min. 35 hours per week) exempt position, periodic weekend work and evening hours required. 

Reports to:      Executive Director 
Status:             Full-time, exempt with benefits

Responsibilities:

        Collaborate on overall interpretive planning for collections & exhibitions in consultation with curatorial team and director. 

        Oversee the balance, content, quality, and relevance of all public programming at the museum.

        Develop strong educational initiatives and programming (tours, classes, workshops, camps, performances, lectures) that further the educational mission of the museum, and invite and embrace the entire community. A mix of programs should be planned to expand upon both temporary exhibition and permanent collection content. An entrepreneurial approach to developing new earned income opportunities is encouraged.

        Set goals. Define target audiences, and collect, evaluate, and respond to visitor feedback and data.

        Assure that the museum’s vision of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion is demonstrated through educational programs, collaborations, and teaching.

        Develop and maintain relationships with other arts, community, and education organizations, partners, and leaders.

        Train (or plan training for) and supervise volunteer docents and paid teaching staff as necessary, also schedule and plan all-staff training for each new exhibition or installation. 

        Develop and expand museum outreach to schools, senior centers, and other non-profits.

        Partner with Development to write grant narratives, provide budget information, and assist with reporting requirements.

        Provides input on marketing materials and social media posts for programs.

        Oversee the recruitment of teachers and the training of teachers and volunteer docents as necessary, which may include: bringing in outside speakers, evaluation, and regular assessment, as well as internal collaboration with the curatorial department.

        Expand the museum’s K-12 offerings and market beyond the Washington County Public School System, while maintaining the museum’s close relationship with WCPS.  

        Develop and maintain accurate annual budget information and forecast budget requirements throughout the fiscal year. 

        Maintain accurate records.

        Build and maintain strong interdepartmental and cross-department communications.

        Participate in the general management of the museum and represent the Education Department in the community.

        Participate in regular professional development and stay current on best practices in the field.

        Other duties as requested by management

Requirements

Required

        BA in Museum Education, history, art history, or a related field required (advanced degree preferred). 

        Minimum three years of experience in a museum education department.

Self-motivated with ability to work independently 
Teaching experience required, preferably in a museum setting.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively deal with staff, teachers, and a diverse public.
A track record of working collaboratively as part of a team to deliver high-quality educational experiences.
Excellent organizational skills and record keeping with attention to detail.
Comfort with technology, including familiarity with Excel spreadsheets and Microsoft Office. 
Ability to handle a variety of responsibilities and stay calm under pressure.
Manage emergencies according to museum protocols.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Clearance of a criminal background check and drug test.
 

Preferred

        Knowledge of best practices in adult learning and experience designing and delivering effective adult education.

        Familiarity with educational standards and experiential learning.

    Familiarity with best practices and current knowledge of accessibility practices.

        Knowledge of current audience research and familiarity with museum education theory, interpretive strategies, and visitor engagement.

        Interest in emerging technologies.

Physical Requirements

    Ability to project and modulate your voice.

    Complete CPR training, certification, and recertification.

    Bend and/or stoop, climb, and lift up to 25 lbs. to perform tasks that may be required in the course of museum operation.

    Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as part of leadership team and when required by museum programs.