Education & Programming Manager

Education & Programming Manager

Job Title: Education & Programming Manager
Reports To: Director of Education & Programming
Directs/Coordinates: Instructors/Collaborators, Docents
Supervises: Education Interns, when applicable
FLSA: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time, 40-hours/Salary
Salary: $72,500 to $80,000 based on qualifications and relevant experience
Benefits: Full-time employee benefits
Hours: Monday–Friday, with occasional weekends and evenings as required

Position Description

The Education & Programming Manager leads the development and management of educational programs, events, exhibitions, tours, and learning experiences that advance Sherman’s mission of lifelong learning. Working under the direction of the Director of Education & Programming, the Manager develops programs from concept through complete planning, including curriculum and content, audience, instructors and partners, financial proformas, pricing, capacity, and resource requirements.

The Manager prepares comprehensive planning packages for transition to the Experience Delivery Team for implementation while remaining engaged to provide educational content and program direction through completion. The Manager also leads the development and delivery of Sherman’s School & Youth and Docent & Tour programs, creating curriculum, interpretive experiences, and educational resources that inspire curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and create meaningful connections with Sherman.

ResponsibilitiesEducational Programs & Events Development

• Develop and manage a dynamic portfolio of educational programs, classes, workshops, and events that advance Sherman’s mission of lifelong learning, engage the community, attract new audiences, and inspire curiosity and continued participation.
• Develop programs from concept through complete planning, including curriculum and content, target audience, format, instructors and partners, schedule, pricing, capacity, financial proforma, and resource requirements.
• Evaluate existing programs based on participation, financial performance, mission alignment, guest feedback, and community impact; identify opportunities for continuous improvement and recommend offerings to expand, refine, reposition, or discontinue.
• Develop relationships and partnerships with educators, cultural organizations, artists, speakers, plant societies, subject-matter experts, and community partners that strengthen Sherman’s educational offerings.
• Collaborate with Experience Delivery, Philanthropy, Horticulture, and other departments to support program participation, content development, funding opportunities, community engagement, and shared organizational success.
• Model The Sherman Way through collaboration, curiosity, shared learning, accountability, and a commitment to creating exceptional educational experiences.

Exhibitions, Interpretation & Special Projects

• Develop the educational content, interpretive approach, and visitor learning components for exhibitions, interpretive initiatives, and special projects.
• Coordinate with project-based curators and other subject-matter experts to develop accurate, engaging, and accessible content.
• Prepare exhibition and special project planning requirements, including educational objectives, audience, content, schedule, budget, resource needs, and measures of success.
• Evaluate visitor engagement and educational outcomes and recommend opportunities to strengthen future exhibitions and interpretive experiences.

Program Planning & Experience Delivery Handoff

• Prepare comprehensive programs, events, and exhibits planning packages that include information and resources necessary for successful implementation, supporting thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and accountability in accordance with established Education & Programming standards and planning milestones.
• Transition fully developed and approved programs, events and exhibits to the Experience Delivery team for logistical execution, remaining engaged to provide educational content, program direction, instructor coordination, and guidance through completion.
• Work collaboratively with the Experience Delivery team to address program-related questions or adjustments, maintaining clear communication, accountability, and responsibility between program development and operational implementation.
• Review program results, including attendance, financial performance, participant feedback, and operational input, and recommend improvements to future offerings.

School & Youth Programs

• Lead the development and delivery of Sherman’s School & Youth programs, including school field trips, summer programming, scout programs, and other mission-aligned youth experiences.
• Develop and continually enhance curriculum, activities, and educational materials that create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Build relationships with schools, districts, teachers, and community organizations to identify needs, expand participation, and strengthen Sherman’s educational reach.
• Manage program goals, capacity, participation, educational outcomes, and day-to-day program requirements, working with the Director to identify opportunities for growth, accessibility, and financial or philanthropic support.
• Develop materials and train docents, interns, and other participants supporting school tours, field trips, and youth programs.

Docent & Education Tour Program

• Manage the day-to-day operation of Sherman’s Docent & Education Tour Program, including docent scheduling, communications, meetings, training, educational resources, and coordination.
• Develop and continually strengthen docent-led tours and educational experiences for general visitors, schools, members, donors, and special groups.
• Collaborate with Horticulture, Library, and other subject-matter experts to ensure tour content and educational materials are engaging, accurate, and consistent.
• Develop informal and self-guided learning experiences throughout the Gardens, including interpretive materials, seasonal content, discovery activities, and other opportunities for visitor learning.
• Support and develop the docent organization as an educational resource that expands Sherman’s mission and creates a warm, welcoming, engaging, and consistent experience for guests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Studies, Horticulture, Museum Studies, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in education, public programming, botanic gardens, cultural institutions, or a related setting.
• Demonstrated experience developing educational programs, events, and interpretive experiences, including curriculum/content development, instructors and partners, audience engagement, and program planning.
• Experience developing and managing program budgets and financial proformas, including revenue, expenses, pricing, and attendance projections.
• Experience or familiarity with Inquiry-Driven Learning, California NGSS, and Common Core Standards preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to use, or quickly learn, Microsoft Office, SignUp.com, Canva, GiveCloud, DonorPerfect, Constant Contact, and other applicable systems.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak, hear, stand, and walk. The position includes periods of administrative work as well as regular movement throughout the Sherman campus. The employee may occasionally push, pull, or lift items weighing up to 35 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in office, public-facing, garden, and event environments throughout the Sherman campus. The position requires regular interaction with staff, volunteers, instructors, vendors, members, and guests and may involve traversing uneven garden terrain. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

January 2027

Pay: $72,500.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person