VP of Education & Engagement

Summary of The RoleWe are seeking a strategic, results-driven leader to build on the Aquarium’s strong foundation in education and take it to its next level of impact—strengthening its role as a core driver of guest experience, public engagement, and conservation action.The Vice President of Education and Engagement will partner with an experienced and dedicated team to expand and connect existing programs into a unified, story-driven experience—deepening curiosity, creating emotional connection, and inspiring agency across every audience, from young children to lifelong learners, and from casual guests to committed advocates and supporters.This role will bring great alignment and scale to the Aquarium’s education efforts. Working in partnership with key contributors across the organization, the Vice President of Education and Engagement will weave educational storytelling across on-site guest experiences, exhibits, digital platforms, and community programs into a cohesive, audience-experience approach that enhances what already works while expanding measurable engagement and relevance.Minimum starting pay for this role is $170,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.Key Priorities for the Vice President of Education and EngagementDefine a bold, audience-centered visionEstablish a multi-year strategy that positions education as a core partner in the creation of a welcoming, accessible, and culturally responsive guest experience, brand narrative, and conservation impactShift from program-based delivery to experience design and storytelling at scaleTransform the guest learning journey through emotional storytellingDesign education experiences that create emotional connection, memory, meaning, and a sense of personal stewardship and agency across all agesPartner with Guest Experience, Exhibits, and Marketing to ensure a seamless, story-driven journey from entry to exit.Expand beyond the walls of the AquariumBuild scalable off-site, community-based, and digital education platformsLeverage virtual learning, content distribution, and partnerships to reach audiences far beyond physical attendancePosition the Aquarium as a global voice in ocean educationIntegrate education with brand marketing and philanthropic narrativesCollaborate closely with Marketing and Development to align campaigns, storytelling, and audience development strategiesEnsure education content fuels audience growth, loyalty, and relevanceBuild a high-performing, innovative teamLead and develop a team that consistently delivers creative, high-impact learning experiencesFoster a culture of experimentation, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvementDrive strategic partnerships and philanthropyCultivate relationships with funders, education partners, and content collaboratorsTranslate educational vision into compelling funding opportunities and donor engagementLead with data and measurable impactEstablish clear metrics to evaluate learning outcomes, engagement, and behavior change–Use data and insights to continuously refine programs and demonstrate impact to stakeholdersEnsure operational and financial excellenceOwn the department budget, aligning resources with strategic prioritiesIdentify efficiencies while investing in high-impact, scalable initiativesServe as a visible institutional leaderAct as a public spokesperson and thought leader in informal education, ocean science, and conservation engagementElevate the Aquarium’s reputation as a leader in immersive, impactful learningExperiences & Qualifications:10+ years of progressive leadership in informal learning, guest experience, or mission-driven public engagement organizations (e.g., museums, zoos, aquariums, theme parks, or immersive experience organizations)Proven success in designing and scaling education programs across physical and digital platforms.Experience securing funding, managing grants, and partnering with Development to grow impact.Demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and developing leaders.Strong analytical capability, with experience using data to measure outcomes, adapt strategies, and prove impact.Excellent communication skills and credibility as a public-facing leader.Strong business acumen with the ability to set and meet strategic objectives on time and within budget.Education or Comparable Experience:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience developing impactful learning experiences that combine scientific credibility, compelling storytelling, and audience engagement. Advanced study in science, communications, education, or related fields is a plus.Please apply directly through this link: https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/employment/info/vice_president_of_education_and_engagement