Director of Education and Outreach

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

Asia Society Texas (AST) is a premier cultural and educational center in Houston’s Museum District. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, AST’s annual 150+ public programs are curated to inspire empathy and foster a better understanding of our connectivity with one another. Focusing on uplifting diverse perspectives and people to further enrich Houston’s cultural vibrancy, AST is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and an affiliate of the Asia Society global network, comprised of 14 centers/offices.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

AST seeks an Education & Outreach Director to lead and expand its educational initiatives, ensuring impactful and engaging programming for students, educators, and the broader community. This role oversees curriculum development, outreach efforts, program execution, and strategic partnerships to foster global competency, intercultural understanding, and innovative educational experiences.

The Director of Education & Outreach is responsible for activating the Explore Asia exhibition with TEKS-aligned curriculum and school tours; developing dynamic K-12 student programming across art, culture, and global education; and managing a robust portfolio of educational programs, including family events, workshops, language and health classes, spring break programs, and summer camps.

The ideal candidate will have direct K-12 classroom or campus experience, a proven track record in program administration and staff management, and a strong background in education and, ideally, Asian studies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

K-12 Education Initiatives: Management of the Asia in the Classroom project, a digital educator portal with 150+ lesson plans, and Adventures of Asia, a webcomic platform for students

• Develop and manage outreach efforts to meet strategic goals for school field trips, educator engagement, and activation of AST digital resources.
• Serve as the primary liaison to Houston-area ISDs, charter schools, private schools, homeschool networks, and national and international education organizations.
• Lead the activation and continuous improvement and/or expansion of the project.
• Oversee maintenance of the project.
• Lead large-scale and collaborative partnerships with districts, universities, and community partners.
• Design and implement customized outreach packages for schools.
• Manage the pilot of a virtual exchange program connecting Houston-area schools with schools in Asia.
• Plan and execute the annual Global Education Symposium, a half-day conference providing professional development opportunities for educators from both K-12 schools and universities.
• Facilitate an inaugural Summer Institute for Educators.
• Organize 3-4 educator workshops per year in collaboration with university scholars.
• Oversee the management the docent corps, ensuring high-quality guided tours and educational engagement.

Program Planning & Management

• Serve as lead organizer for AST’s annual Lunar New Year Festival (a flagship event engaging 5,000+ guests).
• Develop and oversee a strategic, well-balanced schedule for education and outreach programs, including:
  • Adult learning initiatives (language classes, workshops for seniors, cultural programs).
  • Youth and family programs, including Super Saturday family events, spring break programs, and summer camps.
  • Cultural programs, such as food or art workshops highlighting Asian cultures.
• Supervise contractors and volunteers supporting educational and family programming.
• Lead and manage two advisory committees (Education & Outreach Committee and Global Education Steering Committee), including recruitment, engagement, and strategic oversight in collaboration with leadership.
• Assist other program pillars in outreach for corporations, community partners, and additional programming.

Administration

• Supervise and support a team of three staff members and additional contractors. Manage workflows on Airtable and other project/content management systems.
• Negotiate, prepare, administer, and monitor MOAs/agreements with contractors involved in the delivery of programs.
• Develop and manage all budgets, expenditures, and data related to department.
• Write grant fulfillment reports and identify new grant sources. Liaison regularly with grant officers.
• Assist Development Team in identifying and cultivating program underwriters and sponsors.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to promote E&O programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Bachelor’s or master’s degree (preferred) in education.
• A minimum of five years of experience in education administration, teaching, museum or arts education, and/or program development. Direct experience in K-12 education as a classroom teacher or administrator strongly preferred.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; high level of diplomacy and tact.
• Experience and/or background in Asian arts and cultures preferred with a strong knowledge of Asia and a willingness to learn quickly.
  • Ability to create a multi-faceted set of educational programs from the ground up.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• A passion for Asia Society’s mission and a strong desire to make a difference.
• Good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Values diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Proven organizational skills with a strong ability to set priorities, manage multiple projects, work independently, demonstrate initiative, and perform under pressure.
• Outgoing personality, with the ability to relate to people of all ages from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Team-centric with a strong ability to interact with the public and high-level stakeholders and work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.
• High personal integrity and ethical standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled people to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands and arms to handle, reach, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

RELOCATION:

Asia Society Texas Center does not provide compensation for interview travel or relocation expenses.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email your cover letter and resume to: HRDept@asiasociety.org. Indicate job title in the subject line.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No phone calls, please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Finalist will be required to provide three current references and complete a background check.

Asia Society Texas Center (ASTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. ASTC's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (preferred) in education.
• A minimum of five years of experience in education administration, teaching, museum or arts education, and/or
• program development. Direct experience in K-12 education as a classroom teacher or administrator strongly
• preferred.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; high level of diplomacy and tact.
• Experience and/or background in Asian arts and cultures preferred with a strong knowledge of Asia and a willingness to learn quickly.
• Ability to create a multi-faceted set of educational programs from the ground up.