Job Title: Programs Officer

Department: Program Development
Reports To: Museum Director / Museum Manager
Unit: Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Early-Career / Mid-Career Professional

Position Summary

The Programs Officer at YSMA will lead the development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of museum educational programmes, public events, workshops, outreach activities, and audience engagement initiatives. This role supports the Museum’s mission to create dynamic learning experiences for diverse audiences—students, families, artists, researchers, and the general public—both onsite and offsite. The Programs Officer will also contribute to sustainable funding strategies, including sourcing sponsorship, writing programme funding proposals, and cultivating partnerships with external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Development & Delivery

• Design, develop, implement, and evaluate a wide range of educational programmes and public events, including school visits, workshops, lectures, tours, camps, artist talks, community outreach, and special museum activities.
• Align programmes with the museum’s mission, exhibitions, collections, learning goals, and strategic priorities.
• Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant to diverse audiences.
• Develop and update educational materials, guides, curricula, and digital content to support learning outcomes.

Coordination & Operational Management

• Coordinate logistics for all programmes, including scheduling, venue management, staffing, facilities, budgeting, and performance evaluation.
• Work collaboratively with curatorial, marketing, volunteer, and visitor services teams to ensure successful execution of events.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, interns, and contract facilitators supporting programme activities.
• Maintain accurate records of programme attendance, feedback, impact metrics, and reports for internal evaluation and funder requirements.

Audience Engagement & Outreach

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, universities, cultural organisations, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders to expand programme reach.
• Represent the Museum at educational forums, public meetings, and professional gatherings.
• Develop outreach strategies to engage new and underserved audiences and promote lifelong learning opportunities.

Funding & Sponsorship

• Research and identify funding opportunities (grants, sponsorship, partnerships) to support museum educational programmes and events.
• Write and submit funding proposals, sponsorship packages, and donor communications.
• Manage programme budgets in collaboration with the finance team and ensure responsible use of funds.

Marketing, Evaluation & Reporting

• Work with the communications team to promote programmes via the museum website, social media, newsletters, and community channels.
• Collect, analyse, and report programme evaluation data to inform continuous improvement.
• Prepare periodic reports for internal leadership and external partners on programme outcomes and impact.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Museum Studies, Public Administration, Cultural Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in educational programme design, event coordination, or public engagement.
• Excellent organisational, project management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking and facilitation.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and passion for museum education and community engagement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital content tools; experience with social media strategy is an advantage.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred

• Experience in fund-raising, grant writing, or sponsorship proposal development.
• Knowledge of art, culture, or museum practice relevant to YSMA’s mission.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across functions.

Core Competencies

• Programme Design & Facilitation: Ability to translate strategic objectives into engaging, educational, and impactful programmes.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Clear communicator with confidence in public engagement and partnership development.
• Organisational Excellence: Strong planning, prioritisation, and time management skills.
• Audience-Centred Thinking: Understanding of diverse learning strategies and ability to tailor programme content accordingly.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Creativity in programme conceptualisation and responsiveness to new challenges.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience, and samples of programme proposals or events you’ve developed (if available) to: ysma@pau.edu.ng