Museum Learning and Engagement Coordinator

The Des Moines Art Center is a museum, art school, and sculpture park in Iowa's capital city, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. As one of the state's oldest cultural organizations and an American Alliance of Museums-accredited institution, the Art Center is a dynamic employer grounded in public service, collaboration, and meaningful community impact.

Our historic facility, situated within Greenwood Park, features three architecturally significant buildings designed by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier, and is home to one of the most prolific collections of 20th- and 21st‑century art in the Midwest. Through exhibitions, public programs, and educational experiences, the Art Center connects people with art and ideas, cares for visitors, art, and community, and fosters lifelong learning.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is central to this work and is reflected across every aspect of our mission and programming.

The Museum Learning and Engagement (MLE) Coordinator provides administrative support for all Museum Learning and Engagement functions. The Museum Learning and Engagement Coordinator combines resources, processes, and people to execute the Art Center's robust tour program. This position supports all department staff in an administrative capacity for public programming, school tours and events, and docent class, including scheduling, communication, attendance tracking, and reporting.

The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about museum education and believes in the power of art to foster curiosity, learning, and meaningful connections. They are energized by supporting the Museum Learning and Engagement department through strong administrative, organization, and technology skills, bringing exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to coordinating multiple varied projects and priorities. A committed relationship-builder and fast learner, this person is motivated by helping activate the Art Center primarily by scheduling and coordinating tours, public programs, and visitor engagement initiatives.

They are a strong communicator who brings positivity, professionalism, and energy to their interactions with colleagues, Docents, tour participants, local school systems, and museum guests.

This position reports to the Tour and Docent Program Manager. The position has frequent contact with peers and managers in Museum Learning and Engagement, Security and Visitor Experience, Community Access Programs, Information Technology, and the Studio Arts team. In addition, this role provides administrative and operational support to the Senior Director of Museum Learning and Engagement.

• Proficient with Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Experience with Forms is desirable.
• Provides administrative support for Museum Learning and Engagement events using multiple software platforms and a museum-wide database. Prepares events for public registration, marketing, internal resource bookings, and communication. Systems include Artifax, Staff Savvy, and MUSE.
• Manages the full cycle of tour bookings, from first inquiry to confirmation to post‑visit survey. Tour schedule consists of 300‑500 tours.
• Communicates tour assignments both internally to museum staff and externally to Docent volunteers, tour contacts, and city partners on a weekly basis.
• Responsible for the meticulous and timely tracking and reporting of tour and event attendance for Museum Learning and Engagement events and programs.
• Supports the Tour and Docent Programs Manager in the scheduling and execution of all Docent training classes and Docent‑based activities.
• Provides excellent customer service via email, over the phone, and in person.
• Liaises daily with members of the Docent Program, which currently numbers 70 volunteers and cultivates positive and supportive relationships.
• Acts as the key point of contact between Museum Learning and Engagement and Security and Visitor Experience on all aspects relating to tour.
• Provides in‑person staff support for Museum Learning and Engagement programs…