Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Program Specialist, Arkansas School Partnerships
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, United States, 72712
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.
Job Description:
Position Title:
Program Specialist, Arkansas School Partnerships Position Type:
Full-time FLSA Classification:
Exempt Division:
Learning and Engagement Department:
School Programs Reports To:
Program Manager, School Partnerships Location:
Little Rock, Arkansas Position Summary The Program Specialist, Arkansas School Partnerships, is a strategic role focused on expanding Crystal Bridges’ presence and impact in Central Arkansas—Arkansas’s most populous region and home to the state’s capital. With close proximity to school districts, community organizations, and state government, this role is uniquely positioned to build deep, sustained partnerships while also contributing to statewide advocacy efforts in arts and education. This position plays a key role in developing and delivering dynamic, arts-based learning experiences that connect students to American art, both in classrooms and at the museum. The Program Specialist designs and facilitates K–12 curriculum for in-classroom programs and virtual learning—while leading outreach efforts in Central Arkansas and beyond. A central goal of this position is to increase field trip participation from schools in the region. Key Responsibilities
Build and sustain strong partnerships with schools and districts—particularly in Central Arkansas—with the goal of increasing field trip participation and deepening school relationships Serve as a local liaison and trusted resource to educators Advocacy & Outreach
Represent the museum to external partners including school districts, cultural institutions, and community organizations Leverage proximity to state government agencies in Little Rock to support advocacy efforts in arts education Serve as a contributing voice in educator communications such as newsletters and PD promotion Community Engagement & Data Strategy
Build meaningful connections with local cultural institutions, nonprofits, and civic partners to extend the museum’s impact in Central Arkansas communities Lead public programming through the Mobile Art Lab, engaging audiences at regional festivals and events with hands-on, creative experiences Collect and share data related to participation, reach, and program outcomes Use data to inform strategy, identify growth opportunities, and ensure community-responsive programming Curriculum & Instruction
Design and deliver engaging, student-centered lessons aligned with the museum’s collection and educational priorities Implement programming across multiple formats: in-school instruction and virtual learning experiences Collaborate with the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction to refine and expand standards-aligned resources that support teacher needs and increase access statewide Contribute to digital content creation that extends Crystal Bridges’ educational reach, with attention to accessibility and innovation Qualifications
Proven track record in K–12 education, arts integration, or museum education with an emphasis on student-centered and inclusive practices Familiarity with education policy or experience engaging in education policy or advocacy work Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred Strong ability to develop and implement curriculum and programs aligned with academic standards and museum resources Experience cultivating relationships with educators, administrators, and school systems—especially in underserved or rural communities Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills in both classroom and public settings Ability to manage complex logistics, multitask across programs, and travel extensively throughout the state Creative problem-solver and self-starter, comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Museum Education, Education, or related field required; Master’s degree and teaching licensure preferred Minimum three years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, or education program management Work Environment & Schedule
This is a full-time, year-round position with a traditional Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule (40 hours per week). Some evening and weekend work is required to support community events, field trips, or museum programs Position is based in Little Rock, Arkansas. This role must be physically based in Central Arkansas to ensure strong, consistent engagement with schools, districts, and state education leaders in the region. Extensive in-state travel required, including frequent visits to Crystal Bridges in Bentonville and engagement across South and Northeast Arkansas. Work occurs in a mix of settings: museum galleries, school sites, classrooms, community festivals, office environments, and outdoor spaces This position operates with clear goals, regular communication, and close alignment with museum priorities. Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
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Program Specialist, Arkansas School Partnerships Position Type:
Full-time FLSA Classification:
Exempt Division:
Learning and Engagement Department:
School Programs Reports To:
Program Manager, School Partnerships Location:
Little Rock, Arkansas Position Summary The Program Specialist, Arkansas School Partnerships, is a strategic role focused on expanding Crystal Bridges’ presence and impact in Central Arkansas—Arkansas’s most populous region and home to the state’s capital. With close proximity to school districts, community organizations, and state government, this role is uniquely positioned to build deep, sustained partnerships while also contributing to statewide advocacy efforts in arts and education. This position plays a key role in developing and delivering dynamic, arts-based learning experiences that connect students to American art, both in classrooms and at the museum. The Program Specialist designs and facilitates K–12 curriculum for in-classroom programs and virtual learning—while leading outreach efforts in Central Arkansas and beyond. A central goal of this position is to increase field trip participation from schools in the region. Key Responsibilities
Build and sustain strong partnerships with schools and districts—particularly in Central Arkansas—with the goal of increasing field trip participation and deepening school relationships Serve as a local liaison and trusted resource to educators Advocacy & Outreach
Represent the museum to external partners including school districts, cultural institutions, and community organizations Leverage proximity to state government agencies in Little Rock to support advocacy efforts in arts education Serve as a contributing voice in educator communications such as newsletters and PD promotion Community Engagement & Data Strategy
Build meaningful connections with local cultural institutions, nonprofits, and civic partners to extend the museum’s impact in Central Arkansas communities Lead public programming through the Mobile Art Lab, engaging audiences at regional festivals and events with hands-on, creative experiences Collect and share data related to participation, reach, and program outcomes Use data to inform strategy, identify growth opportunities, and ensure community-responsive programming Curriculum & Instruction
Design and deliver engaging, student-centered lessons aligned with the museum’s collection and educational priorities Implement programming across multiple formats: in-school instruction and virtual learning experiences Collaborate with the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction to refine and expand standards-aligned resources that support teacher needs and increase access statewide Contribute to digital content creation that extends Crystal Bridges’ educational reach, with attention to accessibility and innovation Qualifications
Proven track record in K–12 education, arts integration, or museum education with an emphasis on student-centered and inclusive practices Familiarity with education policy or experience engaging in education policy or advocacy work Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred Strong ability to develop and implement curriculum and programs aligned with academic standards and museum resources Experience cultivating relationships with educators, administrators, and school systems—especially in underserved or rural communities Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills in both classroom and public settings Ability to manage complex logistics, multitask across programs, and travel extensively throughout the state Creative problem-solver and self-starter, comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Museum Education, Education, or related field required; Master’s degree and teaching licensure preferred Minimum three years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, or education program management Work Environment & Schedule
This is a full-time, year-round position with a traditional Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule (40 hours per week). Some evening and weekend work is required to support community events, field trips, or museum programs Position is based in Little Rock, Arkansas. This role must be physically based in Central Arkansas to ensure strong, consistent engagement with schools, districts, and state education leaders in the region. Extensive in-state travel required, including frequent visits to Crystal Bridges in Bentonville and engagement across South and Northeast Arkansas. Work occurs in a mix of settings: museum galleries, school sites, classrooms, community festivals, office environments, and outdoor spaces This position operates with clear goals, regular communication, and close alignment with museum priorities. Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
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