Strategic Operations Manager

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non‑profit charitable organization.

Strategic Operations Manager

Full‑Time

Exempt

Strategic Operations

Director of Strategic Operations, Learning and Engagement

December 8th, 2025

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non‑profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a “living room” where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful.

You belong here: make the most of this moment.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic‑minded individual to join the Learning and Engagement team as Strategic Operations Manager. The Strategic Operations Manager plays a key role in supporting the growth, innovation, and operational excellence of Learning and Engagement programs, including Public Programs, Community Engagement, and School Programs. This position collaborates with departmental leaders to ensure successful delivery of initiatives, focusing on operational efficiency outreach, marketing coordination, data analysis, and project management.

The role emphasizes strategic planning and operational support to advance the museum’s mission and enhance audience engagement.

• Manage planning, execution, and monitoring of program growth ensuring timely and successful project completion
• In collaboration with program content leads, develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies to achieve program goals and objectives
• Proactively identify and address project risks and challenges to ensure program success and desired outcomes
• In collaboration with the Director of Strategic Operations, put in place systems to ensure all projects are moving forward in a timely fashion and there is a process in place for stakeholder visibility and influence
• Oversee the coordination of resources, both human and material, required for program activities

• Collaborate with program content leads to develop business cases and feasibility assessments for new program initiatives
• Lead the development of comprehensive program proposals, including financial modeling, timelines and expected outcomes for new initiatives
• In collaboration with program content leads, develop business plans for initiatives and programs related to expansion planning ensuring growth and scale of the initiatives

• Monitor and analyze program Key Performance Indicators and make recommendations for program improvements
• Create comprehensive reports and dashboards to help support storytelling, marketing and outreach efforts
• In collaboration with program content leads and the Data Strategy team, develop rubrics for program effectiveness

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to assess program cost‑effectiveness and return on investment
• Collaborate with the AWE finance team and Director of Strategic Operations to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and analysis
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as business administration, nonprofit management, marketing, public administration or a related field
• Knowledge of…