Public Programs Manager

Fernbank-Museum-of-Natural-Histor; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Fernbank Museum of Natural History seeks a Public Programs Manager to oversee planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of non-school group educational experiences for children, teens, families, and adults. The role ensures high-quality visitor experiences and collaborates across departments to support Fernbank's mission.

Responsibilities include managing curriculum, community programming, camps, staff supervision, budget oversight, and contributing as content lead for temporary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEAM field, education, natural history, or museum studies.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in science education – formal or informal – including program coordination and development.
• Minimum 2 years' supervisory experience.
• Weekend availability required plus some holiday and evening work as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage curriculum, educational activities, schedules, operational procedures, and evaluation methods for assigned programs.
• Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of year-round public programming, including birthday party programs, STEAM Lab programs, and daytime drop-in programming.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual summer camp sessions, including hiring, training and managing Summer Camp Counselors.

Skills

People skills

Communication

Problem solving

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in STEAM field, education, natural history, or museum studies

Job description

Job Summary:

Fernbank's Public Programs Manager oversees the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of non-school group educational experiences that engage children, teens, families, and adult audiences. This position provides oversight for the Museum's public programming portfolio, supervises public program staff and seasonal camp personnel, and collaborates across departments to deliver high-quality visitor experiences that support Fernbank's educational mission.

Major Job Functions

• Develop and manage curriculum, educational activities, schedules, operational procedures, and evaluation methods for assigned programs
• Community Programming
  • Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of year-round public programming, including birthday party programs, STEAM Lab programs, and daytime drop-in programming
  • Collaborate with other departments to coordinate and implement select Discovery Days and Fernbank After Dark events
• Summer and School Break Camps
  • Lead the planning and execution of annual summer camp sessions, including hiring, training and managing Summer Camp Counselors
  • Lead the planning and execution of school break camps
• Staff Management
  • Hire, train, and manage part-time Exhibit Facilitators
  • Supervise, coach, and support the Public Programs Coordinator
  • Hire and supervise interns to provide mentorship and professional development in assigned program areas
• Other
  • Work with the Director of Education and other members of the Education team to develop an annual operating budget
  • Maintain records and data related to all areas of program oversight
  • Occasionally serve as content lead for Fernbank’s temporary exhibits, including some press appearances and communications as well as auxiliary content creation
  • Other projects and duties, as assigned, to support the goals and mission of the Education Department and the Museum

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEAM field, education, natural history, or museum studies
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in science education – formal or informal – including program coordination and development
• Minimum 2 years' supervisory experience
• Weekend availability required plus some holiday and evening work as needed

Skills & Attributes

• Must enjoy working with people, especially children
• Flexible disposition, able to make decisions and solve problems with a positive attitude in quickly changing situations
• Self-starter, able to work independently and see projects through to completion
• Comfortable learning to work with educational animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and some terrestrial invertebrates
• Excellent organization and communication skills, able to manage multiple projects and tasks

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

Open Date 9/10/2026

Number of Openings 1

EOE Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization

Fernbank, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is one of the most popular and iconic cultural attractions in Atlanta. Home to the world's largest dinosaurs, Atlanta's biggest movie screen and one of the largest assemblages of urban Piedmont forest in the United States, Fernbank brings science to life through immersive programming and unmatched experiences that encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants. Fernbank continues its environmental legacy to protect Fernbank Forest while fulfilling an educational mission to inspire lifelong learning of natural history.

Fernbank's Values:

• Science and the natural world inspire us.
• Curiosity drives us.
• Inclusivity strengthens us.
• Community empowers us.
• Resourcefulness advances us.
• Integrity grounds us.

This position is currently accepting applications.