The newly created Chief Public Experience Officer (CPEO) will have the opportunity to create and shape a broad department encompassing Education, Programing, and Visitor Services as they relate to the Museum’s many mission-driven initiatives. This is a unique prospect for a visionary leader who understands how to create and execute innovative engagement and learning opportunities across all ages. The Museum is looking for a dynamic and collaborative individual with a passion for excellence and the want to reach out to new audiences. The Chief Public Experience Officer will design and implement the engagement strategy and program portfolio for child, family, and adult learning delivered by the Museum, onsite, offsite, online, and in person. Existing programs represent a broad range of offerings that include gallery talks, lectures, films, demonstrations, concerts, and other engagements. This position will cultivate external partners in educational outreach, program delivery, and develop a sustainable strategy for online learning and content delivery. The CPEO will design, develop, and implement strategies for evaluating the impact of lifelong learning programs and for expanding external partnerships that are regional, national, and global in scope. This position will report to the President and serves as a member of the Museum’s Leadership Team, as well as supervise or direct a growing team of educators, program designers, docents, and volunteers. Salary is commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and build an effective, innovative, and professional team comprised of Education, Programs, and Visitor Services staff members
• Serve as a member of the Museum’s Leadership Team
• Participates in the planning and implementation of the institution’s intended growth initiatives
• Oversee the budget for the Education, Programs, and Visitor Services Department
• Organize, develop, and implement educational and public programs for myriad audiences
• Cultivate and maintain meaningful partnerships with schools and numerous community stakeholders to sustain innovative audience development and outreach
• Participate in the development of interpretive texts and media that meet the mission, complement existing and future exhibitions, and create valuable experiences for visitors
• Guided by a “customer service” philosophy, oversee all front-of-house staff, docents, and interns,
• Develop and maintain a robust tour program that meets the needs of diverse audiences—from student and adult tours to other access offerings
• Foster and maintain relationships with the local and broader Western art/history/culture community to identify artists, historians, culture bearers, and scholars for programming
• Manage defined projects with outside contractors and content specialists
• Remain current on new research, media, and trends in the field of museum education
• Continually evaluate and improve educational programming to ensure effective delivery of visitor experience, relevant to myriad audiences
• Along with other staff, coordinate external media to increase the institutional public profile
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 8+ years professional experience
• Proven track record at building successful and sustainable programs
• Excels at staff management
• Extensive knowledge of education, theory, practice, particularly with emerging trends in visitor experiences
• Knowledge and understanding of museums and/or arts oriented institutions
• Knowledge and understanding of marketing practices
• Extensive experience in educational development, management, and evaluation
• Extensive experience in visitor/customer services coordination and execution
• Experience with use of social media
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent critical thinking skills, oral, and written communication skills
• Ability to work well with others and maintain professional manner using tact, initiative, good judgment, and confidentiality
• Deadline driven and ability to prioritize competing tasks, while maintaining efficiency
• Advanced computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office

About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Home to one of the nation’s foremost collections dedicated to historic and contemporary Western and American Indian art and material culture, the Museum has served the public since its opening in 1965. The Museum Campus is situated on nearly 37 acres atop the Persimmon Hill District in rapidly growing and affordable Oklahoma City. It includes the main 228,000 square foot building housing multiple galleries and interpretive areas, the Donald C. & Elizabeth M. Dickinson Research Library and Archive, and the Sam Noble Special Event Center, in addition to sculpture gardens, event grounds, and ample parking. This iconic cultural and educational institution has seen nearly 12 million visitors from across the nation and globe over its first half-century of operation and remains one of Oklahoma’s and the region’s primary tourist destinations. Entering its next half-century, the Museum now embarks upon an ambitious multi-year plan to establish itself as the preeminent cultural and educational institution dedicated to the American West and its place within the broader national identity and culture.