Director of Public Engagement

Department Strategy & Leadership 

• Establish and execute a multi-year public engagement strategy aligned with SAM’s institutional priorities, audience goals, and commitment to equitable, visitor-centered experiences with art
• Direct the department’s portfolio of public programs, setting priorities, quality standards, resource allocations, and measures of success across all museum sites
• Develop and implement strategies to broaden participation, deepen audience engagement, and expand community awareness and appreciation of art
• Lead, coach, and evaluate department staff; establish performance expectations, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture
• Provide strategic direction for lectures, discussions, gallery talks, symposia, performances, film series, late-night events, outdoor programs, and exhibition-related experiences
• Establish effective operating systems, cross-functional processes, and decision-making practices to improve program quality, efficiency, and coordination
• Own departmental annual plans, goals, staffing and professional development priorities, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with Development to identify funding opportunities, shape proposals, steward funder relationships, and ensure timely grant reporting and delivery against commitments
• Partner with Marketing & Communications and Visitor Experience to define audiences, align outreach, strengthen promotion, and translate audience insights into program decisions
• Represent SAM with artists, cultural leaders, community organizations, and peer institutions; initiate partnerships and collaborative initiatives that advance public engagement priorities
• Lead department participation in annual operating and capital planning, including resource forecasts and financial trade-offs
• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets; ensure responsible financial stewardship, contract oversight, and reporting on program impact

Program Strategy & Execution 

• Oversee the design and delivery of an integrated, high-quality portfolio of public engagement programs across sites, ensuring artistic relevance, accessibility, operational readiness, and alignment with strategic objectives
• Direct cross-functional planning with Curatorial, Education, Security, Facilities, Visitor Experience, and other teams; resolve competing priorities and complex program challenges
• Guide collaboration with curators, community advisors, museum educators, artists, and performers to develop programs connected to special exhibitions, permanent collections, and community interests

Community Partnerships & Audience Development 

• Set the strategy for inclusive community engagement, access initiatives, and partnerships that expand participation and build lasting relationships with underserved audiences
• Cultivate and steward relationships with community leaders, artists, cultural organizations, and educational partners; represent SAM externally and negotiate collaborative opportunities
• Monitor trends, peer practices, and audience feedback; use qualitative and quantitative evidence to assess effectiveness and inform future investments
• Oversee community partnership programs, establishing clear objectives, reciprocal expectations, and measures of impact

Other Duties

• Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
• Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work 

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic