Creative Manager

Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

The Creative Experiences Manager leads the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of Creative Discovery Museum’s public programs featuring the arts, cultural events, and holidays/civic recognitions. Reporting to the Director of Museum Experience, this role is responsible for the creation of dynamic, hands‑on, multi‑sensory programs and pop‑ups across the museum; supports the artistic and creative capacities of the Museum Experience team; and ensures that every visitor can access playful, meaningful creative experiences rooted in CDM’s educational framework on a robust, year‑round schedule.

This strong communicator cultivates and manages external relationships with artists and community partners, utilizing the CDM Artist RFP process and Artist contract process. The Creative Experiences Manager works collaboratively to shape guest‑centered programming that is fun, safe, and welcoming. This position champions inclusive, developmentally appropriate approaches and ensures that creativity is woven into the museum’s daily rhythm and public programs/special events.

• Create, manage and informally evaluate (through staff and guest feedback) a portfolio of annual/seasonal creative experiences, including
  • Public Programs
  • Artist in Residence
  • Theme weeks
  • Temporary exhibit‑related programming and events
• Cultivate and manage artist and community partner relationships as they relate to museum activities. Manage the CDM Artist Request for Proposal (RFP process) and artist contracts process. May attend community events as the museum representative for Arts & culture programs.
• Develop visual guides, prep systems, and supply management workflows to ensure outstanding guest and partner experiences. Partner with the EPIC Engagement Manager and EPIC Engagement Coordinator to equip EPIC Guides with runs‑of show/rotations for event days, prepped materials, and effective facilitation techniques.
• Lead/Co‑Lead cross‑departmental communication (meetings as needed and follow‑ups) to align creative experiences with museum‑wide initiatives, events, and seasonal themes (“Megathemes”). Ensure that information is published on  boards for all events and happenings.
• With the Director of Museum Experience, ensure adequate staffing and staff preparation for all events and happenings. Serve as Point Person for all public programs, or make arrangements within the department (at the discretion and approval of the Director of Museum Experience) to prepare an alternate Point Person. Designate a staff member to host/greet/accommodate all artists and community partners and communicate with Guest Relations.
• With the Director of Museum Experience, develop a comprehensive annual plan (timelines and budget) for public programs and Art Studio engagements.
• Supervise the Arts Coordinator and Art Studio. Facilitate the Art Studio 1‑2 days per week and backup the Arts Coordinator in all duties.
• May collaborate with Exhibits, Facilities, and other departments on creative enhancements to exhibit spaces aligned to themes/events and/or props and content when requested.
• As a manager in the Museum Experience Department, may be asked to provide coaching, modeling, and professional development focused on creativity, the arts, open‑ended exploration, and inclusive engagement strategies.
• As a manager in the Museum Experience Department, may be asked to facilitate programs in the purview of the Museum Experience department, function as designated “Floor Support,” and other backup roles within the team.
• Other duties as assigned including backup within the Education department.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to support, motivate, and coach peers.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced, guest‑centered environment.
• Skilled in program facilitation for diverse audiences.
• Strong logistical, organizational, and scheduling abilities.

• 2+ years of experience in art education, museum programming, maker education, community arts, or related fields.
• Experience as a front‑line employee in a…