Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development provides strategic leadership for the museum's vision, philosophy, and practice related to learning and development for children from birth through age eight (8) and the adults who care for them. This position champions research-informed, play-based learning experiences that position the museum as a leader in early childhood education, family engagement, and informal learning. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director develops innovative learning experiences, cultivates strategic partnerships, and ensures that exhibits, programs, and professional learning opportunities reflect current research, equity-centered practices, and the developmental needs of young children. The Director serves as a thought leader and ambassador for the museum, representing the organization in local, regional, and national conversations about early childhood learning.

Requirements

6-8 years of experience in a related educational setting required, including direct experience interacting with children and families.
Experience and enthusiasm for working with young children and families required.
Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice in early childhood settings.
Strong problem-solving experience, flexible thinking, and ability to adjust expectations and actions with an open mind.
Must be dependable, adaptable, and a good communicator.
Highly organized with excellent communication skills.
Takes initiative and is able to work with a team but also work independently.
Mobility: Ability to move throughout museum spaces to interact with visitors, staff, and partners.
Lifting and Carrying: May occasionally move furniture, equipment, and supplies weighing up to approximately 35 pounds.
Manual Dexterity: May use a variety of tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, and other equipment, as required to perform job duties.
Communication: The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, guests/visitors, and partners. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
FBI fingerprint results, PA Child Abuse History Certificate (Act 33), and PA State Criminal Record Check (Act 34) are required.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate or other advanced degree in an early childhood related field preferred.
Substitution of years of experience may be considered equivalent to formal educational training.
experience with teaching or administration in a museum setting a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement programming and engagement approaches for early childhood learning that align with the museum's mission, strategic priorities, and community impact goals.
Work with the Creative Experiences and Experiential Learning teams to shape the redesign of the Museum's early childhood area, the Nursery.
Identify emerging trends, research, and innovations in early childhood development and translate them into museum practice.
Activate the Museum's Nursery exhibit and other spaces with playful learning experiences, hands-on manipulatives, and programming for young children and families.
Implement expanded museum programming focused on reaching caregivers and childcare professionals.
Serve as an internal thought leader on issues related to learning, child development, and family engagement.
Collaborate with exhibit designers, educators, researchers, and community partners to create developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging museum experiences.
Ensure learning experiences support curiosity, creativity, kindness, problem-solving, social-emotional development, communication, and joyful play.
Integrate culturally responsive and accessible practices throughout educational offerings.
Translate research and evaluation findings into practical strategies that strengthen visitor experiences and organizational learning.
Provide leadership and mentorship for education staff and cross-functional teams.
Develop professional learning opportunities that strengthen practitioner knowledge of child development, facilitation, and family engagement.
Build and sustain partnerships with schools, early learning providers, universities, libraries, healthcare organizations, and community agencies.
Pursue opportunities for collaborative research, grant-funded initiatives, and thought leadership.
Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources.
Support fundraising efforts through grant development, donor engagement, and program storytelling.
Ensure educational initiatives align with organizational priorities, operational capacity, and financial sustainability.
Participate on one Museum committee.
Act as Director on Duty periodically on weekends.