Director of Engagement

We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Four museums on three continents, united by the power of groundbreaking art to connect us to ourselves and to each other. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced, celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art, they initiated the creative risk-taking that is today synonymous with “Guggenheim” throughout the world. Across the globe, each Guggenheim stands not just as a backdrop for visionary art but as masterpieces in and of themselves to experience.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Director of Engagement leads the museum's strategy for audience engagement by developing dynamic public programs, advancing visitor-centered experiences, and fostering meaningful connections between audiences, art, and the institution. This role provides strategic leadership across public programming, performance, visitor experience, and engagement initiatives, working collaboratively across departments to strengthen audience relationships and position the museum as a vibrant cultural destination.

SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated experience leading audience engagement strategies within museums or cultural institutions.
• Expertise developing public programs, performances, and interdisciplinary experiences.
• Exceptional cross-functional leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Experience using evaluation and audience insights to inform strategic planning.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Must demonstrate strategic thinking and be a creative problem solver.
• Exepreince as a collborative leader and audience advocate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Leadership

• In concert with Deputy Director, Learning & Engagement, develop and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy that advances the museum's mission and audience goals.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen visitor engagement across the full museum journey—from discovery and arrival through post-visit relationship building.
• Establish priorities, goals, and metrics to evaluate audience engagement and institutional impact.
• Champion audience-centered planning and visitor insight across departments.
• Engagement Experience Design
• Apply visitor research, journey mapping, and audience insights to identify opportunities for improving engagement.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the museum and within Learning & Engagement to create seamless visitor experience - shaping how audiences discover, experience, and connect with the museum before, during, and after every visit.
• Develop strategies that increase participation, belonging, and long-term audience relationships. 

Public Programs & Performance

• Oversee the development and execution of a year-round portfolio of public programs, performances, lectures, conversations, and special projects.
• Shape programming that reflects the museum's exhibitions, architecture, and collection while expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary artistic expression.
• Develop and innovate program formats that invite new audiences and build repeat visitation.
• Supervise Public Programs Managers in program planning, production, evaluation, and budget management.
• Partnerships & Institutional Collaboration
• Cultivate partnerships with artists, cultural organizations, educators, and community groups towards meaningful museum collaborations.
• Serve as a strategic partner across departments to align engagement initiatives with institutional priorities.
• Lead cross-functional working groups that advance audience-centered initiatives, including programming.
• Represent the museum externally through partnerships and public engagement opportunities.

WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties upon request.
• Occasionally work may be conducted outdoors, exposure to varied weather conditions.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays on occasion.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

REPORTS TO:  Deputy Director, Learning & Engagement

LOCATION:  1071 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10128

WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid eligible, and hours vary based on position

POSITION TYPE:  Full-time, Exempt.

SALARY RANGE:  $120,000-125,000 Annually

The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution.  We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience.  The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.

Department: Education
This is a management position
This is a full-time position