---
title: 'Director of Public Engagement at Seattle Art Museum'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-public-engagement-seattle-art-museum-seattle-x0x5j7hby9vp'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-09'
---

# Director of Public Engagement at Seattle Art Museum

- **Company:** Seattle Art Museum
- **Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Compensation:** $113k–$126k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-11-05
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/seattleartmuseum/cc1418dc-59fa-4d90-95c8-587a2a0106b3

## Job description

## ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Public Engagement leads the strategic direction, development, and performance of innovative, accessible, and engaging public engagement programs for adult and intergenerational audiences across all SAM sites. This role sets departmental priorities, manages resources and outcomes, and builds sustainable community relationships that advance institutional goals. They also provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for the Public Engagement team, including site managers, coordinators, and teaching artists.

## ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

## RESPONSIBILITIES

Department Strategy & Leadership Establish and execute a multi-year public engagement strategy aligned with SAM’s institutional priorities, audience goals, and commitment to equitable, visitor-centered experiences with art Direct the department’s portfolio of public programs, setting priorities, quality standards, resource allocations, and measures of success across all museum sites Develop and implement strategies to broaden participation, deepen audience engagement, and expand community awareness and appreciation of art Lead, coach, and evaluate department staff; establish performance expectations, develop talent, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture Provide strategic direction for lectures, discussions, gallery talks, symposia, performances, film series, late-night events, outdoor programs, and exhibition-related experiences Establish effective operating systems, cross-functional processes, and decision-making practices to improve program quality, efficiency, and coordination Own departmental annual plans, goals, staffing and professional development priorities, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives Partner with Development to identify funding opportunities, shape proposals, steward funder relationships, and ensure timely grant reporting and delivery against commitments Partner with Marketing & Communications and Visitor Experience to define audiences, align outreach, strengthen promotion, and translate audience insights into program decisions Represent SAM with artists, cultural leaders, community organizations, and peer institutions; initiate partnerships and collaborative initiatives that advance public engagement priorities Lead department participation in annual operating and capital planning, including resource forecasts and financial trade-offs Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets; ensure responsible financial stewardship, contract oversight, and reporting on program impact Program Strategy & Execution

## About Seattle Art Museum

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, connecting art to life across three distinct locations in Seattle.
- **Entity Type**: Nonprofit organization
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, United States
- **Founded**: 1933
- **Founders**: Not publicly available (founded as a civic institution)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos; Visual Arts; Arts & Culture
- **Target customers**: B2C (general public, art enthusiasts, tourists, families, students, educators, local community members)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "SAM connects art to life. Through the transformative power of art, SAM ignites creativity, builds connections, and strengthens community. Across three unique locations, we share global collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and dynamic programs that engage, educate, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds." [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/info/about-sam)

## Products & Services
- **Three Museum Locations**: The Seattle Art Museum (downtown), the Seattle Asian Art Museum (Volunteer Park), and the Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle waterfront) — each offering permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and educational programming.
- **Permanent Collection**: A collection of over 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures, featuring art from around the world with a focus on building bridges between cultures and centuries.
- **Exhibitions & Programs**: Groundbreaking temporary exhibitions, gallery tours, public programs, and educational initiatives for all ages.
- **Educational Programs**: Internships, volunteer programs, docent training, teen and family programs, and community partnerships.
- **Retail & Visitor Services**: Museum store, dining, and event spaces available at various locations.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not applicable (nonprofit organization). Publicly available audited financial statements (Form 990, Form 990-T) are available upon request.
- **Key Metric**: Annual attendance figures are publicly reported in audited statements. The organization employs approximately 365 employees, 10 executive leaders, and over 200 volunteers. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: The museum is governed by a board of trustees. Key leadership includes Scott Stulen (Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO). [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/info/about-sam)
- **Growth Signals**: The museum has a dedicated Equity Team and has integrated racial equity into its strategic plan since 2017. It has a strong commitment to sustainability, including Salmon-Safe standards at the Olympic Sculpture Park. LinkedIn follower count is 27,291 with a yearly growth of +21.7%. [linkedin.com](https://linkedin.com/company/seattle-art-museum)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique Three-Location Model**: SAM operates three distinct venues (downtown, historic park, waterfront), offering diverse experiences within one institution — a rare model in the museum world.
- **Deep Community Roots**: Founded in 1933, SAM is the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest with a long history of cultural leadership.
- **Commitment to Equity & Inclusion**: A formal equity statement and dedicated Equity Team, with a strategic plan addressing social justice and structural change, sets it apart from many peer institutions.
- **Sustainability Leadership**: Operates the Olympic Sculpture Park to Salmon-Safe standards and integrates environmentally responsible practices across all operations.

## Strategic Focus
- **Racial Equity & Inclusion**: Continuing to embed equity into all operations, with a focus on reducing barriers and facilitating art experiences for all.
- **Community Engagement**: Deepening connections with local communities through educational programming, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities.
- **Sustainability**: Maintaining and expanding environmentally responsible practices across all three locations.
- **Financial Transparency**: Publicly sharing audited financial statements to maintain trust and accountability.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Work**: Employees contribute directly to a mission that connects art to life and strengthens community through the transformative power of art.
- **Diverse Career Paths**: Opportunities span a wide range of professional fields including art handling, conservation, curatorial, education, event planning, development, finance, legal, marketing, operations, security, technology, and visitor experience. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
- **Commitment to Equity**: SAM is "dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee" and actively seeks candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and on-site roles available in Seattle, WA. The culture emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and respect for diversity.
- **Compensation**: Recent job postings show competitive nonprofit salaries (e.g., People & Culture Director: $128,000–$157,000/year; Assistant Conservator: $69,300–$84,700/year; Assistant Registrar: $63,500–$77,600/year). [indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Seattle-Art-Museum)
- **Employee Sentiment**: Indeed work wellbeing score is "Average" (70). Work & Life Balance rated 3.9/5; Compensation & Benefits rated 3.0/5; Job Security & Advancement rated 2.8/5. [indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Seattle-Art-Museum)
- **Internships & Volunteering**: Offers internships relevant to career goals and volunteer roles that support the museum's mission. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)

## Sources
1. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
2. [jobs.lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/seattleartmuseum)
3. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/info/about-sam)
4. [linkedin.com](https://linkedin.com/company/seattle-art-museum)
5. [indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Seattle-Art-Museum)

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