Gallery Learning Manager & Docent Program Lead

Seattleartmuseum; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical plan

Dental and vision coverage

Life insurance / LTD / AD&D

Flexible Spending Account

Short Term Disability

SAM 403b retirement plan

Paid time off + holidays

Orca card subsidy

Onsite fitness facility

SAM membership benefits

Job summary

The Seattle Art Museum is seeking a Manager of Gallery Learning to lead SAM’s docent program and develop educational resources for students and teachers. You will recruit, train, and evaluate docents, create tour study guides, and collaborate with the School & Educator team to advance in-gallery learning practices.

We value equity, accessibility, and strong collaboration with educators and volunteers, offering comprehensive benefits and a Downtown Seattle location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education or related field.
• Four years of museum or related-field experience.
• Knowledge of informal learning strategies and K‑12 education.
• Commitment to access, equity, and inclusion in content and audience engagement.
• Knowledge of volunteer management and intergenerational volunteers.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication, tailored to the audience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom; Slack/Asana or willingness to learn.
• Ability to pass security background clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage SAM’s school and adult‑touring docents, including recruitment, training, and evaluation.
• Research and design equity‑centered materials for K‑12 and adult tours and resources.
• Oversee docent program administration, schedules, and budgeting.
• Collaborate with School & Educators to develop best practices for docent procedures and communication.
• Serve as a resource for staff and volunteers in object‑based learning and in‑gallery facilitation.
• Publish gallery learning resources and calendars for multiple channels.
• Support school tours and art workshop facilitation as needed.
• Evaluate programs through surveys and interviews for continuous improvement.
• Support other audiences and cross‑departmental coordination as needed.
• Track expenditures and contribute to annual department budgeting.
• Create regular qualitative and quantitative reports for grants and information sharing.
• Participate in antiracism, cultural competency, and equity initiatives.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Relationship building

Teamwork and collaboration

Technology literacy (MS Office, Zoom)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, curriculum & instruction, art education, art history, related field, or equivalent experience

Four years of experience in the museum or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zoom

Slack

Asana

Internet research

Job description

The Seattle Art Museum is seeking a Manager of Gallery Learning to lead SAM’s docent program and develop educational resources for students and teachers. You will recruit, train, and evaluate docents, create tour study guides, and collaborate with the School & Educator team to advance in-gallery learning practices.

We value equity, accessibility, and strong collaboration with educators and volunteers, offering comprehensive benefits and a Downtown Seattle location.