| Manager, Learning Engagement
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Schedule: Full-Time, Salary Exempt | Some evenings, weekends, and program-related events
Be Part of a World-Class Guest Experience
At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, learning is woven into every guest experience. Through tours, classes, lectures, community programs, and hands-on activities, our Learning Engagement team helps connect people of all ages to art, nature, and culture.
We seek a Manager, Learning Engagement who is passionate about creating meaningful educational experiences and leading teams that bring those experiences to life. This role blends program strategy, people leadership, and community engagement to help ensure learning opportunities are welcoming, inclusive, and impactful.
Why This Role Matters
Learning experiences are central to Meijer Gardens’ mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. As the Manager of Learning Engagement, you will help shape and deliver programs that connect diverse audiences to our exhibitions, collections, and gardens, fostering curiosity, discovery, and lifelong learning.
What You’ll Do
Lead Learning Programs and Experiences - Develop and implement engaging learning programs that support exhibitions, gardens, and seasonal programming
- Coordinate guided experiences, lectures, workshops, classes, and drop-in learning activities
- Facilitate or host programs when needed, modeling strong educational practices and guest engagement
Shape Program Strategy and Content - Align learning programs with exhibitions and interpretive goals in collaboration with curatorial and interpretation teams
- Apply current best practices in museum and environmental education, including inclusive and universal design approaches
- Support cultural programming, lecture series, and community-centered events that deepen visitor engagement
Lead and Support Learning Engagement Teams - Supervise and coach Coordinators, Educators, and Volunteers
- Provide training in facilitation techniques, accessibility, guest experience, interpretation, and safety
- Foster a collaborative and welcoming team culture focused on excellence
Manage Program Operations - Oversee logistics for learning programs (scheduling, registration, materials prep, delivery)
- Maintain SOPs and operational systems that support consistent delivery
- Coordinate guest presenters and vendors, including contracts, invoicing, and logistics
Build Partnerships and Community Connections - Collaborate across the organization to support exhibitions and programs
- Work with community partners, clubs, and organizations to deliver programs that reflect diverse perspectives and interests
Evaluate Impact and Support Program Growth - Collect and analyze data including attendance, feedback, and outcomes
- Support grant reporting and program evaluation efforts
- Assist with budgeting and resource planning
What You Bring - 3+ years of supervisory or management experience
- 5+ years of experience in museum education, cultural programming, environmental education, or a related field
- Experience designing and delivering public-facing learning programs
- Strong leadership, facilitation, and public speaking skills
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities
- Ability to translate complex ideas into engaging, accessible learning experiences
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Education, Public History, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Preferred Qualifications: Teaching certification and/or First Aid/CPR certification. Bilingual Spanish/English skills, and experience working with diverse audiences in cultural or educational settings
What Makes This Opportunity Unique - Work at one of the leading cultural institutions in the Midwest
- Help shape educational experiences that connect visitors to art, nature, and culture
- Lead programs that serve a wide range of audiences, from community groups to lifelong learners
- Collaborate with teams across horticulture, exhibitions, performing arts, and guest experience
- Contribute to programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness
Our Values
We look for team members who embody: - Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
- Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
- Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
- Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
- Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.
If you are passionate about creating inclusive learning experiences and enjoy leading teams that help bring ideas to life, we'd love to hear from you.
Working Conditions: Indoor office and classroom environment with outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Must be willing to: work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends, evenings, and events; travel occasionally; work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted and culturally diverse museum environment. Required to operate computers and office equipment. Must have mobility to work in office and across grounds, facilities, and exhibition areas and the ability to lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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