SR Manager Program Development

About ESPHS:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.
Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.

Job Overview: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Manager of Program Development to join our dynamic team at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. This leadership role is central to developing and implementing dynamic, mission-driven programming that engage diverse audiences and reflect our commitment to justice education. The Senior Manager’s work will enhance the visitor experience, aligning with the museum’s mission and strategic goals as a national leader in justice education.   

The Senior Manager is an agile thinker and problem-solver who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings strong experience in public programming. This role requires someone who is not only a planner but also hands-on in implementation—able to pivot when needed and manage multiple complex projects with confidence and creativity.

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Development: 

• Develop and implement a wide array of museum programs, including educational workshops, lectures, festivals, and public events—delivered both in-person and virtually. 

• Revise and enhance existing programs based on evaluation feedback and changing needs, ensuring they meet the organization’s strategic objectives, missions and values.  

• Work collaboratively across the organization to create new programs that enhance the museum's educational offerings. 

• Utilize evaluation tools and visitor feedback to inform and refine program effectiveness and make improvements, including proactively revising and evolving existing programs. 

• Lead workshops and other public programs as necessary. 

• Collaborate across departments to create interdisciplinary experiences that expand the museum’s educational impact. 

• Serve as a facilitator or host for public programs and internal trainings as needed. 

• Support the development, maintenance and refreshing of permanent and temporary exhibits, ensuring they are content-rich, accessible and reflective of current scholarship and visitor interest.  

Team and Project Management 

• Hire, lead and mentor a team of program interns and fellows, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that builds capacity and leadership within the team. 

• Manage cross-departmental coordination to ensure smooth delivery and integration of programs. 

• Manage external contractors and vendors as part of program implementation. 

• Maintain flexibility in scheduling and project development, adapting to workflows to meet shifting organizational priotities and tight deadlines when necessary. 

Community Engagement and Partnerships  

• Collaborate with members of the Learning and Engagement team to build and sustain partnerships with local and national community organizations, educators, artists and cultural institutions.  

• Co-create education programs with community partners to ensure diverse voices and ived experiences are reflected in museum content.  

• Represent Eastern State in public forums and professional networks, building visibility with key audiences. 

Strategic and Institutional Alignment 

• Contribute to the museum's strategic planning process, ensuring that all programming and exhibit work aligns with Eastern State’s mission, values and long-term vision. 

• Support institutional goals through responsive, forward-thinking project development that adapts to evolving visitor expectations and social context. 

• Monitor trends and best practices injustice education, public history and museum programming to keep Eastern State at the forefront of the field.  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Public History, Art History, Education, Justice Studies or related field; Master’s degree preferred. 

• Minimum of 5 years experience in public programming, including at least 2 years in a leadership role. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and budgets , prioritize competing demands, and remain calm and focused under pressure. 

• Strong research, communication and critical thinking skills. 

• Excellent at multitasking, managing time, thinking strategically and solving problems. 

• Agile and open to change – able to shift course as needed and guide teams through ambiguity. 

• Strong leadership and team management skills. 

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and incarceration; lived experience with incarceration strongly preferred.   

• Collaborative and team-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. 

• Experience with community-based programming and/or co-creative program development is highly valued. 

• Knowledge of current trends in museum practices and technologies. 

• Budget and vendor management experience a plus. 

• Comfort with visitor-facing work and willingness to step into public roles as needed. 

Wage: 55k - 60k Annually

Commitment to Diversity:
We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.