Evaluation & Visitor Research Lead – Religion & Arts

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston seeks an Evaluation Manager to lead evaluation and visitor research, focusing on how religion and spirituality shape interpretation of our collection and spaces.

This five-year, grant‑funded, full‑time exempt position will design multi‑phase studies, collect data, and translate insights into actionable recommendations for internal teams and public programs. Applicants must submit a sample evaluation plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Religious Studies, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology or related field
• 3–5 years of evaluation experience in cultural or informal learning settings
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Knowledge of culturally responsive evaluation frameworks
• Ability to discuss data and insights clearly to internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment to welcoming, inclusive, accessible experiences for diverse audiences
• People-centered with relationship-building and listening skills
• Strong project management and deadline-tracking abilities
• Flexible, eager to learn, patient, with a sense of humor

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-phase research to understand visitor perception of religion and spirituality and improve interpretation
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection (interviews, surveys, etc.)
• Coordinate with Public Programs and Collections teams for scholarly convenings
• Translate data into actionable recommendations for interpretation and exhibitions
• Liaise with external research partners and internal teams
• Support staff training in evaluation and data collection
• Manage multi-year grant project, budgets, milestones, reporting
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Interpretation

Skills

Evaluation experience

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Culturally responsive evaluation

Religious literacy

Data storytelling

People skills

Project management

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies or related field

Job description

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston seeks an Evaluation Manager to lead evaluation and visitor research, focusing on how religion and spirituality shape interpretation of our collection and spaces.

This five-year, grant‑funded, full‑time exempt position will design multi‑phase studies, collect data, and translate insights into actionable recommendations for internal teams and public programs. Applicants must submit a sample evaluation plan.