Career Center

Ford's Theatre—a premier arts and cultural institution in Washington, DC, and with a brand known across the United States and further afield—welcomes nominations and applications for the role of Director of Education. 

Originally opened in 1863, Ford’s Theatre celebrates and explores the legacy of the 16th President of the United States, President Abraham Lincoln. With educational programming, museum exhibits, and theatrical productions, Ford’s Theatre has welcomed millions of site visitors, patrons, and learners since re-opening its doors in 1968. Shows at Ford's Theatre range from classic to contemporary works; its museum includes exhibits on Lincoln’s presidency; and, its Center for Education and Leadership offers outreach and educational programs, seminars, and workshops. Operating through a partnership between the National Park Service and Ford's Theatre Society, Ford’s Theatre is known for hosting the Lincoln Medal awards ceremony—a medal awarded to a person (or persons) who, through their body of work, accomplishments, or personal attributes, exemplifies the lasting legacy and mettle of character embodied by President Lincoln. Past recipients of the medal include The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dr. Maya Angelou, General Colin Powell, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Julie Andrews, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Aretha Franklin, and Sidney Poitier. 

The Director of Education is a member of the senior management team and oversees—alongside their staff—all outreach evaluation including education and interpretive programs and resources (on-site, offsite, and online).  Other responsibilities under the purview of the Director include a range of programming, whether that be school and teacher programs, field trips, student matinees, historical exhibitions, and both the history and education sections of the Ford’s Theatre website and any related platforms.  Among other important relationships at Ford’s Theatre—which includes Ford’s Deputy Director to whom this role reports—the Director of Education works closely with the Director of Development, the Director of Marketing and Communications, and the Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion to strategize, promote, and raise funds in support of educational and interpretive programs.  The Director of Education also works closely with the National Park Service on museum interpretation and education throughout the historic site. 

With respect to qualifications, of utmost importance is alignment with the organization’s ongoing work to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment for all artists, staff, students, educators, scholars, theatregoers, visitors, and volunteers—given this, the Director of Education must have a track record of being a champion for work in this area. The candidate most likely to realize success in the role will bring strong leadership experience ideally gained within an interdisciplinary work setting, and will possess direct experience in and/or a strong appreciation for the arts, culture, and history.  The ideal candidate will also: bring a deep understanding of grade school environments; have experience with organizational outreach efforts; and, have the ability to develop and implement a range of innovative learning-experiences for patrons and visitors.  Finally, the incumbent will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a strong commitment to quality customer service, and a Master’s level degree or relevant work experience in a field related to the work undertaken in this portfolio. 

Ford’s Theatre Society is an independent, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization, one that values and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and working environment. From unconscious bias training for our company members, to the staff-led anti-racism committee, Ford’s is proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage people of color, and of all gender identities and abilities to apply.  Interested applicants can send their resume to Candice Frederick of Jason Murray at cfrederick@bipocsearch.com