Director of School Programs

Country Music Foundation • Nashville, TN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has an opening for a full-time exempt Director of School Programs in the Education Department. This position is responsible for all aspects of curriculum-aligned services for teachers, students, and the community. The Director will oversee programs that serve PreK–12+ grade students at the Museum, via videoconference, and in schools, as well as staff. With knowledge of country music and interest in popular culture, the Director will guide the development of classroom resources and related programs for teachers, ranging from professional development workshops to curriculum guides that bridge learning standards with exhibit content. This position also provides direct support to the Words & Music® Program, the Museum’s flagship education program that teaches songwriting. The role combines best practices in museum education, including object-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and visual thinking strategies, with academic standards to support subject areas in an interdisciplinary way. Through strong leadership and vision, the Director of School Programs will contribute to the continued success and growth of student and teacher services in the Museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center. This full-time position reports to the Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, museum studies, music, or related field
• A minimum of 5 years work history in a museum or school
• A minimum of 3 years supervisory experience
• Significant understanding of museum education practices, including object-based and inquiry-based learning, visual thinking strategies, as well as knowledge of K-12 curriculum and standards
• Significant experience working with children and adults through educational programming in diverse settings
• Comfort navigating databases and analyzing reports
• Proven ability to write high-quality, outcome-based lesson plans/curriculum
• Previous experience designing and facilitating professional development programs for adult educators
• Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills with strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of American music history, songwriting, and educational pedagogy
• Passion for children and a solid understanding of child development
• Dedication to providing developmentally appropriate, engaging, and high-quality educational opportunities
• Strong project planning, time-management, research, organizational, and analytical skills
• Excellent dialogue-based teaching, public speaking, and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work with accuracy and close attention to detail
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Willingness to travel throughout Middle Tennessee and occasionally out of state
• Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

• Experienced music educator
• Proficiency in songwriting, playing a musical instrument, and sound recording technology
• Knowledge of ELA, STEAM, and arts integration
• Experience with Ticketure and Tableau
• Experience using WordPress to update Teacher Resource Portal content
• Passion for and deep knowledge of country music
• Knowledge of current music copyright and royalty laws

Responsibilities

• Manage and evaluate full-time staff, on-call educators, and school program volunteers
• Oversee outcomes-based gallery tours, school programs, curriculum-aligned lesson materials, and online resources.
• Oversee implementation of on-going training for tour guides including staff, on-call educators, and school tour volunteers.
• Oversee teacher programs and offerings, including professional development programs and teacher appreciation events.
• Manage school programs’ web content and organization, including the Teacher Resource Portal.
• Support Words & Music school programs, including summer songwriting camp, partnership programs, student performances for Museum events, and more.
• Lead planning, staff training, and ongoing evaluation for school programs.
• Oversee development, implementation, and maintenance of curriculum-aligned programs and lesson materials, including digital resources that support asynchronous learning.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training for local professional songwriters that participate in Words & Music.
• Connect current national educational initiatives to the Museum’s educational offerings, including National Arts Standards, college and career readiness, STEAM, and early childhood education, among others.
• Lead planning and coordination for partnership theater programs including String City (school shows), All Access, and special programs.
• Lead curriculum-aligned education initiatives related to exhibition content.
• Support educational grant initiatives through planning, execution, evaluation, and ongoing refinement.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement, plan and facilitate the annual student art exhibition and program in Taylor Swift Education Center with partner schools and contracted artists.
• Lead evaluation efforts across all aspects of school programs, including assessment of current offerings and materials through utilizing logic model frameworks, implementing assessments, analyzing outcomes, and making modifications to ensure programs meet desired outcomes.
• Lead collaborations with partner schools, program partners, and area school districts.
• Represent and promote the Museum by attending meetings, workshops, and conferences, as necessary.
• Oversee department reporting, records, and budget with accuracy and attention to detail and oversee quarterly and annual reporting with timeliness.
• Contribute knowledge and insights to school programs’ publicity and marketing efforts to area educators and education institutions, including the creation of e-blasts, brochures, mailings, speaking appearances, and other such pieces and engagements.
• Increase national profile of the Museum’s curriculum-aligned offerings to grow services provided outside Tennessee.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
• Competitive Pay
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays (14) and Floating Holidays (2)
• 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
• Continuing Professional Offerings
• Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
• Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
• Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
• Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
• Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
• FSA and Dependent Care Options
• Dog Friendly Work Environment
• Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director