School Programme Unit Head World-Class Art Destination

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural organization in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Schools Programmes Unit Head to establish and manage relationships with educational institutions. This role requires a strong background in educational program design and project management, excellent leadership skills, and fluency in Arabic and English. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in enhancing community engagement through innovative outreach programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an educational program for a museum or cultural institution.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Experience budgeting and tracking spending.

Responsibilities

• Establish and manage relationships with k-12 educational institutions.
• Oversee the development of engagement strategies and plans.
• Implement outreach programs to enhance arts understanding.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Budget management

Educational program design

Fluency in Arabic

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelors Degree in Museum Education or equivalent

Job description

About the Client

Our client is a landmark cultural institution located in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art from across the world, with a special focus on narratives from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Designed to be a global platform for artistic dialogue, it brings together visionary architecture, ambitious curatorial programming, and community engagement to inspire new ways of thinking. This institution is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader mission to cultivate a dynamic cultural landscape and strengthen the Emirates role as a leading hub for arts and creativity.

Job Purpose

The role of the Schools Programmes Unit Head has responsibility for the establishment and management of relationships with k-12 educational institutions in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and the introduction of outreach programs designed to enhance an understanding and curriculum in the arts academic institutions, community members, officials, and other non-profit organizations by developing them to museums university & community engagement strategy and priorities, establishing partnerships, creating university and community engagement opportunities, managing and coordinating all activities linked to engaging these defined audience segments with educational and cultural activities and programs.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Oversees the development and implementation of engagement strategies and plans of the museum for the development of partnerships and relationships with academic institutions and community groups to build awareness and new audiences for the museum.
• Prepares and manages the budget for all unit initiatives and programmes.
• Manages the staff of the unit including recruitment & selection, performance management, mentoring & coaching, career development guidance, setting objectives and KPIs of their direct reports.
• Evaluate educational programs and generate reports to discuss future requirements with the Education Manager and Senior Public Programs Manager to ensure continuous improvement and success of initiatives.
• Supervision of Education Coordinators and volunteers in the delivery of educational programmes and services to visitors and students.

Responsibilities

Pre-Opening

• Support the Education Programmes Section Head & the Departmental Director in the preparation of the short and medium term plans for the unit in the run up the opening, opening events and first year of operations and assist in establishing priorities, methods, policies and procedures for implementing programmes in alignment with the strategic vision, mission and goals.
• Oversee the recruitment and selection of all staff of the Unit.
• Identify and develop partnerships and relationships with ADEK and k-12 educational companies and schools.

Outgoing

• Develop, implement and evaluate engaging outreach programmes designed around museum careers for P -12 students.
• Work with the Interpretation team to ensure the preparation of all support materials including student and family guides, educator guides and resource materials for the programmes.
• Liaising with ADEC / schools organizing tailor‑made workshops for the students.
• Working with the Interpretation, publications and marketing teams in the preparation of promotional copy and publication materials for the educational programs.
• Assisting in the training of Visitor Services Coordinators enabling the provision of educational tours of exhibitions.
• Implement a strategy for continued relationship opportunities with educational institutions, consisting of regular updates, meetings, and special events sessions for educators.
• Oversees the preparation of progress and status reports by analysing and summarizing the information, trends and forecasts of visits.
• Contribute to the development of departmental plans which project funding, feasibility, staffing, and related constraints of the department ensuring the availability of required resources to carry out the strategy and initiatives.
• Research the provision of K-12 education programming at other museums, heritage sites and visitor attractions locally, nationally and internationally.
• Supports the development and coordination of all programmes including research, collection, live, publishing, education and interpretive programs, as required.
• Cultivates and maintains effective relationships with K-12 educators and students throughout the UAE.

Person Specification

Required Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience with at least 3 or more years experience in delivering an educational program for a museum or cultural institution or educational organization;
• Proven ability to design and implement educational programs,
• Proven ability to lead / manage teams.
• Project management and planning skills.
• Experience budgeting and tracking spending.
• Experience in similar position in educational learning
• Knowledge of current practice in audience development and museum education
• Fluency in Arabic and English

Preferred Experience

• Working knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of education systems and practice in the UAE.
• Additional languages are highly desirable.

Required Education / Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Museum Education, Cultural Studies, History, and Museology or equivalent.

Preferred Education

• Masters Degree in Museum Education, Archaeology, Cultural Studies, History, and Museology or equivalent.
• Teaching qualification (adults).