Status: Full-time | Non-Exempt
Location: 929 E. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Reports to: Development & Partnerships Director
Working Schedule: Monday — Friday
- Must have flexibility to adjust hours as needed for evening and weekend events, special programs, or coverage needs.
To learn more about the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and our values:
Join the Betty Brinn Children's Museum Team!
Position Summary:
The Community Partnerships Manager provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Museum's community access, educational outreach, and partnership-based programming. This position is responsible for supervising the Education team, overseeing temporary or seasonal outreach staff (as needed), managing program quality and evaluation, and ensuring that all community access initiatives align with the Museum's mission, educational philosophy, and strategic goals.
The Manager leads the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of programs including Wonder Wagon, Field Trips, Community Access Days, Baby Beginnings, Sensory-Friendly Sessions, Community Artist Series, and other educational initiatives. This position serves as a key leader in fostering and strengthening community partnerships, increasing access to Museum experiences, and advancing educational outcomes for children and families throughout the region.
Responsibilities:
Staff Leadership & Team Development (25%)
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Directly supervise Education Facilitator I and Education Facilitator II positions.
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Recruit, train, onboard, coach, and evaluate assigned staff.
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Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and annual performance evaluations.
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Develop team goals and individual professional development plans.
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Create and manage department staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage across Museum programs, field trips, outreach events, and community engagement activities.
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Partner with Museum leadership to recruit, train, and supervise Education Facilitators and seasonal or temporary outreach facilitators (as needed).
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Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
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Monitor team performance and provide coaching to ensure high-quality guest and educational experiences.
Program Leadership & Community Engagement (40%)
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Lead the planning, implementation, and day-to-day management of all community access and educational outreach programs.
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Oversee Wonder Wagon, Field Trips, Sensory-Friendly Sessions, Community Access Days, and related educational initiatives.
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Serve as a lead facilitator and Museum representative at outreach programs, community events, and field trips as needed.
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In partnership with the Development & Partnerships Director, establish annual program goals, key performance indicators, and success measures aligned with Museum priorities.
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Ensure programs are welcoming, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with best practices in early childhood and informal learning.
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Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders.
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Regularly identify opportunities to expand access, strengthen partnerships, and increase participation among underserved audiences.
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Represent the Museum at community meetings, outreach events, and partnership activities.
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Actively identify and seek partnership opportunities that support and advance our program objectives and educational offerings.
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Collaborate with internal departments to ensure exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.
Program Evaluation, Strategy & Continuous Improvement (20%)
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Develop and maintain evaluation frameworks for educational and community access programs.
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Analyze participation, attendance, revenue, engagement, and learning outcome data to assess program effectiveness.
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Collect and evaluate partner, caregiver, educator, and participant feedback.
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Prepare reports and recommendations for Museum leadership regarding program performance and growth opportunities.
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Develop and implement continuous improvement plans to strengthen program quality, impact, and operational effectiveness.
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Monitor educational trends, community needs, and industry best practices to inform program development.
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Identify opportunities for new initiatives, partnerships, and innovative educational experiences.
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Collaborate with leadership on long-term planning for educational and community engagement strategies.
Operations, Administration & Budget Management (15%)
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Oversee reservation scheduling and program logistics through Salesforce, Google Workspace and other Museum systems.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for community access and educational program inquiries, bookings, and coordination.
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Develop and monitor program budgets, expenses, revenue goals, and resource allocation.
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Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely invoicing, payment processing, and financial reporting.
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Maintain accurate program records, participation data, and documentation.
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Oversee inventory management and procurement of program supplies and educational materials.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
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Minimum of five years of experience in Museum education, youth development, community engagement, nonprofit programming, or a related field.
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Minimum of two years of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
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Valid and clean driving record and comfortable driving the Wonder Wagon
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Strong passion and commitment to the Mission of BBCM!
Essential Functions, Physical Demands & Work Environment Requirements:
The duties, physical demands, and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:
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Safely and independently operate and drive the Wonder Wagon vehicle to off-site locations throughout the Milwaukee area.
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Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds.
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Facilitate engaging, hands-on, play-based learning experiences for children and families.
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Present programs and activities to groups of children, families, school groups, and community audiences.
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Represent the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in a welcoming, mission-aligned manner while interacting with guests, community partners, and the public.
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Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical activities, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and moving materials throughout scheduled shifts.
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Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on program and event needs.
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Remain alert to guest safety, identify potential hazards, and respond appropriately to incidents, emergencies, and unsafe conditions.
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Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-traffic, interactive environment while maintaining positive, professional interactions with guests, coworkers, volunteers, and community partners.
Skills and Abilities:
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Positive, can-do attitude with a strong commitment to providing exceptional service to Museum visitors, participants, and community partners, ensuring that all experiences are positive, engaging, and impactful.
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Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM software.
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Strong communication skills to clearly and effectively engage with a wide range of community stakeholders, from educators to nonprofit partners.
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Exceptional interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships with external partners to ensure repeat participation in programs.
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Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, including booking and coordinating events, ensuring smooth scheduling, and following up with stakeholders.
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Problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and devise solutions quickly, whether related to scheduling, program delivery, or logistics.
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Adaptability to changing priorities and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
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Data-driven mindset with the ability to track and analyze participation data, assess progress toward goals, and use insights to inform decisions and improve programs.
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Passion for working with children and the community, with a deep understanding of early childhood and school-aged education.
Benefits & Salary:
BBCM offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
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Medical Insurance (BBCM pays 70- 80% of the cost)
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Dental Insurance (BBCM pays 70- 80% of the cost)
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Vision, Critical Illness, Accidental Insurance, Supplementary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment eligibility
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HSA with employer contributions
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Employer-paid plans for Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance & Long-Term Disability
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401k with the Museum contributing 3% at year-end (not matching every pay period)
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18 days PTO
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Separate sick time
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Nine Paid Holidays
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Free downtown parking
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Free BBCM Family Membership
The starting salary for this position is $62,500
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. All employees—with or without a disability or accommodation—are expected to meet the performance standards and essential requirements of their position.
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