Director, Community Engagement

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Museum of Natural History seeks a full-time Director, Community Engagement to lead the development of local partnerships and expand community programming. The role supports the museum's strategic plan by increasing accessibility and applying scientific knowledge to local impacts, especially around climate change and biodiversity losses.

Responsibilities include building new partnerships, collaborating with educators and content experts, and expanding community access through pilot

Qualifications

• Seven to 10 years of professional experience with at least five years in community organizing or community engagement.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, managing, and sustaining collaborative relationships with community-based organizations.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify community-based partners and develop scope, launches, and pilots for onsite and community programming.
• Collaborate with community groups and content experts to create programming.
• Strengthen relationships with community partners by understanding their needs and interests related to programming and practices, including leading discussions.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify new community relationships for ongoing collaborations.
• Collaborate with Education and Public Programs to align partnerships with educational and exhibition programming.
• Conduct outreach to support launching two new pilot programs to expand Museum visitor access.

Skills

Community engagement

Partnership development

Communication

Analytical thinking

Planning

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Director, Community Engagement

Posting Details information has been reorganized to present a clear job description. The American Museum of Natural History seeks a full-time Director, Community Engagement to lead efforts to develop new local community partnerships and deepen and activate existing partnerships. This role supports the Museum’s strategic plan, focusing on increasing accessibility and application of scientific knowledge, particularly related to climate change and biodiversity losses and their local impacts.

Responsibilities

• Identify community-based partners and work with colleagues to develop scope, implement launches, and evaluate pilots for onsite and community-based programming.
• Collaborate with community groups and scientific/educational content experts to create programming.
• Strengthen existing relationships with community partners to understand their needs and interests related to the Museum’s programming and practices, including organizing and leading discussions.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify new community relationships to create ongoing collaborations.
• Collaborate with Education and Public Programs to identify community groups and partners that align with educational and exhibition programming and events.
• Conduct outreach to support launching the framework for two new pilot programs to expand Museum visitor access.

Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range is $130,000/year to $145,000/year. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of a diverse community. Salary and placement are determined based on factors such as skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, specialization, and experience.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Seven to 10 years of professional experience with at least five years in community organizing or community engagement.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, managing, and sustaining collaborative relationships with community-based organizations.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in community development, human development, public policy, public service, education, or related field.
• Experience as a community organizer or working with community-based organizations.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods (sitting or standing).
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning: frequently position oneself to accomplish job duties. Balancing: maintain body equilibrium to prevent falls.

Working Conditions and Details

• Category: Full-Time
• Total Hours per Pay Period: 70
• Union Status: Non-Union
• FLSA: Exempt
• Expected Salary Minimum: $130,000/year
• Expected Salary Maximum: $145,000/year

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate in employment or access to facilities, programs, or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics as required by law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction records and other rights as provided by law.

Quick Link

https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4567

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: GS921P

Open Date: 10/22/2025

Close Date: (not specified)

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

See application portal for details.

Supplemental Questions

1. Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
   • Yes
   • No
2. Do you have seven to 10 years of professional experience, with at least five years in community organizing or community engagement?
   • Yes
   • No
3. Have you demonstrated success cultivating, managing and sustaining collaborative relationships with community-based organizations?
   • Yes
   • No

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter. Optional Documents may be requested.