Programming and Community Engagement Unit Head JOB

1 Job Details

Job Title: Programming and Community Engagement Unit Head

Department: Al Ain Museum

Section: Education and Community Engagement

Unit: Programming and Community Engagement

2 Role Purpose

Manage the design, development, and execution of innovative public programs and community engagement initiatives that foster inclusive participation and cultural appreciation. Support the museum’s mission by attracting diverse audiences, building strong community ties, and positioning Al Ain Museum as an active and relevant cultural hub.

3 Key Responsibilities

Programme Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public programming and engagement strategy aligned with the museum’s educational and cultural goals.


• Conceptualize new and engaging programs, events, and workshops that respond to the needs and interests of diverse audience segments, including youth, families, elders, People of Determination, and underrepresented communities.


• Guide and lead research on target audience groups to ensure programming relevance, using focus groups, surveys, or interviews as needed.


• Stay current with trends in cultural programming, education, and digital engagement to continuously improve the quality and innovation of offerings.


• Integrate feedback and evaluation findings into the development cycle to strengthen future programming.

Programme Execution

• Manage the end-to-end execution of public engagement programs and community events, ensuring smooth logistics and operations.


• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of collaborative programs.


• Contribute to the production of educational and interpretive content, ensuring materials are accurate, engaging, and inclusive.


• Lead efforts to engage the public through effective promotional strategies in collaboration with the marketing and communications team.


• Manage and maintain a master calendar of public programs, workshops, and outreach activities.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop and strengthen partnerships with schools, universities, NGOs, cultural groups, and local communities to extend the museum’s reach and relevance.


• Identify and pursue opportunities to build deeper connections with underserved and priority communities.


• Represent the museum in local forums, events, and public initiatives to advocate for community-centered museum practice.

Shared Activity

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into unit business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.


• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the unit by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.


• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned unit to foster a value driven culture within the organization.


• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned unit activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.


• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.


• Ensure that all unit reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet DCT requirements, policies and quality standards.


• Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, by reporting incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

4 Communication and Businss Relationships

Internal

• Al Ain Museum relevant sections


• DCT Relevant Sectors / Departments

External

• Schools, Universities, Educational Institutions, and community groups


• Government Entities


• Any relevant external party

5 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Culture, Museum studies, Education, Museology or any relevant degree.

6 Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in developing and delivering audience centric museum programs in a museum or cultural setting with at least 3 years of experience in a managerial position.


• Demonstrated experience in public engagement, community partnerships, and inclusive programming practices.

7 Skills

• Language: Full professional English proficiency both in speaking and writing.


• Ability to manage multiple initiatives and programmes, agility & ability to work in a very fast paced environment.


• Strong understanding of sector-specific trends, market dynamics, and organizational strategies.


• Advanced research and analytical skills to support evidence-based decision-making.


• Cross-cultural adaptability and sensitivity when engaging with diverse internal and external stakeholders.


• Strong personal development focus, continuously enhancing skills and capabilities.


• Proactive in shaping initiatives and driving them forward with accountability and ownership.


• Strong customer-centric approach, consistently prioritizing stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.