Public & Community Programs Assistant Manager

Public And Community Programs Assistant Manager

Imagine Children's Museum is looking for a Public And Community Programs Assistant Manager, the energetic, on-the-floor leader who turns every public program, activation, and community event into something families remember. You're not behind a desk; you are modeling the kind of playful, engaged facilitation that makes a visit to Imagine unforgettable.

One moment you're co-facilitating a program because the team needs an extra hand. Next, you're coaching a team member through a big event, chatting with a visiting family about why play matters, or stepping in to handle an unexpected hiccup with the calm confidence of someone who's seen it all before. You work hand in hand with the Public Programs Manager, and when they're not on-site, you are the leadership presence the team and our visitors count on.

You'll thrive here if you:

• Light up when you're in front of people, not behind a computer
• Lead by example - your energy and warmth are contagious on the floor
• Can pivot quickly when priorities shift mid-day (because they will)
• Care deeply about mission-aligned, learning-driven experiences for kids and families
• Want to support coaching and growing a team
• Have the flexibility to be there when it counts - including evenings and weekends

What you'll actually be doing:
Leading program delivery on the floor. Modeling playful, high-quality facilitation for staff, artists, and performers. Engaging directly with visitors and community partners. Supporting staff scheduling, training, and day-to-day team support. Stepping in for the Public Programs Manager when needed, so the department never misses a beat.

If you're a natural leader who finds purpose in the energy of a busy floor and wants every program to be fun, playful, and genuinely meaningful, we'd love to meet you.

Come be the reason the magic never stops!

Position Requirements:

• Ability to support and coach a diverse team of program staff and contracted artists under the direction of the Public & Community Programs Manager.
• Comfortable being highly visible on the floor and speaking confidently with visitors, families, and community partners about programs and events.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, public-facing environment that requires staying active and engaged on the floor for extended periods.
• Creative thinker able to create and deliver high-quality, audience-centered experiences for children and families that are mission and exhibit-aligned.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective problem-solving, flexibility, and ability to respond quickly to changing needs or challenges.
• Ability to work respectfully and professionally with colleagues, community partners, artists, performers, volunteers, and the public.
• Awareness and sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, and other differences when working with diverse staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive program practices.
• Experience working with artists and/or arts organizations is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and database systems.
• Position requires evening and weekend availability based on program and event needs.
• Transportation, valid driver's license, and insurance as required by Museum policy.
• Ability to complete basic first aid training.
• Commitment to Imagine Children's Museum's culture and core values.

Education and/or

Experience:

• 1–2 years of experience in public program support, coordination, or education preferred.
• Experience working with children and families in a public-facing or community program setting.
• Knowledge of child development and informal learning strategies for children ages 1–12.
• Experience working with or coordinating artists, performers, or creative program facilitators.
• Background in arts education, museum education, or community programming preferred.
• Comfort presenting to groups and adapting to changing or unpredictable situations.
• Bilingual or multilingual is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Public & Community Programs Coordinator, Lead Curiosity Guide, Curiosity Guides. May oversee volunteers, interns, and contracted artists or performers during programs and…