Jobs at The Mob Museum
Director of Public Programs
Location: Las Vegas (Downtown), NV
Department: Content & Exhibits
Type: Full Time
Min. Experience: Experienced
Position Overview:
The Director of Public Programs will develop and coordinate the implementation of a creative, dynamic schedule of public programming that educates the community, raises the organization’s profile, and increases attendance. Programs will range from regularly offered enhancements to the Museum experience to special weekend and evening programs to large-scale annual events. The Director of Public Programs will exhibit the skills needed to dynamically introduce speakers and moderate panel discussions. Reporting to the Vice President of Exhibits and Programs, the Director of Public Programs plays an integral role in promoting the organization’s mission of advancing the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society.
Major Tasks and Responsibilities:
Experience / Qualifications / Requirements:
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in History, Public History, Museum Studies, Media, Education, Event Management, or a related field. A master’s degree in one these areas is preferred.
The Director of Public Programs will develop and coordinate the implementation of a creative, dynamic schedule of public programming that educates the community, raises the organization’s profile, and increases attendance. Programs will range from regularly offered enhancements to the Museum experience to special weekend and evening programs to large-scale annual events. The Director of Public Programs will exhibit the skills needed to dynamically introduce speakers and moderate panel discussions. Reporting to the Vice President of Exhibits and Programs, the Director of Public Programs plays an integral role in promoting the organization’s mission of advancing the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society.
Major Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Identify and develop potential topics, historical and contemporary, for public programs.
- Identify and develop relationships with potential speakers for public programs.
- Negotiate and execute agreements with speakers within the Museum’s public program budget parameters.
- Work closely with other departments in the scheduling and execution of public programs.
- Create and implement public programs that educate guests, drive attendance, , and generate media interest.
- Build a diverse annual calendar of public programs that aligns with the Museum’s overall educational and marketing strategies. This calendar will feature a mix of programmatic activities, including but not limited to:
- Large-scale events featuring headliner speakers and panel discussions
- Author and expert talks.
- Daytime and weekend speakers and programs.
- Special programs to highlight new exhibits.
- Special programs to be conducted in the Starlight Plaza.
- Special events geared toward Museum members and donors.
- Educational programs geared toward professional development and general enrichment of staff.
- Introduce speakers and manage question-and-answer sessions with guests.
- Conduct Q&A programs and moderate panel discussions.
- Effectively represent the Museum in interviews with television, radio, print, and other media outlets.
- Quickly develop a strong familiarity with the history of organized crime and law enforcement, as well as Las Vegas history, through extensive reading and other research.
- Serve as the main point of contact for all public programs by maintaining communication with speakers, staff members, and guests, creating the run of schedule, and coordinating decisions on event logistics across the organization.
- Provide timely, detailed and well-written program descriptions to facilitate the creation of effective marketing materials to promote public programs.
- Lead meetings and disseminate information to ensure that public programs are well communicated within the organization.
- Take a lead role in the development and management of the annual public programming budget.
- Help identify potential sponsors and community partners for public programs.
- Explore ways to diversify the organization’s revenue streams through corporate, foundation, government, and other philanthropic funding sources.
- Participate in Director-level organization leadership and strategic direction setting with special advocacy for matters related to public programs, content, and education.
- Aid in fostering an organizational culture that values innovation, promotes inclusion, and inspires excellence in the work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Experience / Qualifications / Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning or program development in a museum, cultural center or entertainment attraction is preferred.
- Strong public speaking skills are a must. Excellent written communication skills are a must.
- Knowledge of and a passion for history and contemporary criminal justice issues is desired.
- Able to manage people effectively in high-stress situations and to collaborate well across departments.
- Able to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of age levels and cultural backgrounds.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, vendors, community organizations, and the public.
- Proven track record of developing, motivating, training and supervising staff.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
- Strong organizational skills and software competency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Flexible, innovative, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
- Able to constantly operate a computer or other office productivity machinery.
- Passion for creating a world-class museum that is unrivaled in content and recognized for a truly outstanding guest experience.
- Enthusiasm for working in an organization where change is frequent, structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and good humor are absolute necessities.
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, ideally in History, Public History, Museum Studies, Media, Education, Event Management, or a related field. A master’s degree in one these areas is preferred.
