• Develop and steward an overarching educational framework that unifies The Octagon, the AIA Headquarters, and the courtyard into a coherent visitor and learner experience.
• Lead the narrative and content strategy for the reinterpretation of The Octagon, including its reimagined permanent exhibition, serving as educational lead and primary internal client for exhibition and interpretive planning vendors.
• Provide strategic and educational oversight of exhibitions and public-facing experiences across the campus, working in close partnership with the Sr. Manager, Octagon Museum & Global Campus Exhibitions.
• Establish evaluation structure and outcome measures for all educational and public programming, using data to refine campus wide learning and support growth toward a target of up to 100,000 visitors annually within three years (2029).
• Embed inclusive, community centered, and equity focused practices across all interpretive and educational initiatives.

• Develop and oversee a four seasons public programming calendar engaging design enthusiasts, students, professionals, and general audiences across the campus.
• Implement the shared educational framework through lectures, workshops, tours, civic dialogues, and special programs that connect exhibitions, the built environment, and campus stories, including the sustainability focused walking tour.
• Collaborate with Architects Foundation and AIA partners on community engagement and external partnerships to extend the campus’ reach and relevance, including with historically underrepresented communities.
• Build the campus's identity as a public destination for design thinking, civic conversation, and creative learning, supporting sustained growth in annual visitation.

• Design the educational arc for Architects Foundation scholarship and fellowship recipients, from selection through alumni engagement, integrating cohort experiences, mentorship, and campus-based experiences that draw on the Octagon and campus programs.
• Own the learning strategy and alumni experience for scholarship and fellowship recipients, ensuring meaningful engagement beyond the award and clear connections with educational programs and interpretation.
• Guide the design and delivery of the fellowship experience in partnership with the Foundation Specialist, Scholarships and Administration, who manage day to day administration of scholarship and fellowship cycles.
• Collaborate with development and marketing colleagues to translate scholarship and fellowship learning experiences into compelling stories for donors, partners, and public audiences.
• Manage the scholarship and fellowship budget of $475,000.

• Ensure The Octagon is staffed and welcoming during public hours, Wednesday through Saturday, through a coverage plan shared with the Sr. Manager and front of house staff.
• Set and uphold standards for visitor experience, tour quality, and public facing engagement across the campus, modeling an active, visible on-site presence.
• Work closely with the Sr. Manager, Octagon Museum & Global Campus Exhibitions, who leads daily operations, manages part time and docent staff, and executes logistics for exhibitions and programs.
• Support strategies to increase public visitation, deepen engagement, and position The Octagon and the campus within Washington DC's cultural landscape.

Team, Budget, and Institutional Leadership

Provide leadership across people, finances, and institutional strategy.

• Significant progressive experience of 8 or more years, in museum education, public humanities, design education, or a closely related field, including demonstrated senior or leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success developing public programs and interpretive frameworks for broad, diverse audiences.
• Background or strong interest in architecture, design, urban history, or the built environment.
• Experience directly supervising staff, including coaching, performance development, and accountability.
• Strong fiscal management skills with experience overseeing significant operating budgets across multiple program areas.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, community centered educational practice that welcomes diverse visitors and learners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizations and with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Passionate advocate for design education, design history, and design and architecture disciplines.
• Experience working on capital or renovation projects involving interpretive exhibition design.
• Experience managing scholarship, fellowship, or grant programs within a nonprofit, foundation, or cultural institution.
• Familiarity with collections management practices and the operational realities of a historic site open to the public.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in museum education, public history, public humanities, architecture, design, or a related field preferred.

• Minimal travel; occasional local or regional travel for programs, partnerships, or professional engagements as needed.

• Directly supervise:
  • Sr. Manager, Octagon Museum & Global Campus Exhibitions.
  • Foundation Specialist, Scholarships and Administration.
• May collaborate with consultants, contractors, interns, and volunteers on program and exhibition delivery.