Director of Learning & Engagement

Department: Learning & Engagement
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time/Exempt

Overview
A Senior Staff position, ICA LA’s Director of Learning & Engagement (DLE) leads all education and public programs activities at the museum. An essential role in providing a range of opportunities for public engagement with ICA LA’s exhibitions, Artist-in-Residence program, and civic, educational, and community building topics; creating a welcoming environment; advancing community outreach; and furthering meaningful partnerships, the DLE oversees the conceptualization, production, and documentation of all public programs and special projects.

Recognized for its bold curatorial vision that illuminates untold stories and emerging voices in contemporary art, ICA LA’s curatorial program showcases artists, both local and international and of different generations, who expand the social, political, and formal dimensions of contemporary art. ICA LA’s Learning & Engagement (L&E) program is equally distinguished, and the museum seeks to remove hierarchy between the Curatorial and L&E Departments, the staff of which partner closely in the development of programs.

The L&E department at ICA LA has developed a distinctive pedagogical methodology of “fieldwork,” rooted in research and community engagement. Artists invited to exhibit at ICA LA work directly with the Learning & Engagement team; by listening and learning about their needs and interests, and those of their communities, ICA LA determines how to better serve and advocate for them through the museum’s public programming.

L&E is also noteworthy for its dedication to meaningful partnerships, which are considered a key ingredient for the reach and impact of ICA LA’s programming. Partnerships have allowed the museum to further diversify its own programming and build community. These partnerships are flexible (of various length and ambition) and occur on an individual basis (i.e., education programs developed with individual artists or community leaders) and on an institutional basis (i.e., co-developing a series of programs with an art school or peer organization, securing summer internships for youth fellows with creative sector nonprofits and businesses). As ICA LA is the only museum in the Arts District of DTLA, the museum aspires to be “at the table” with businesses, nonprofits, governmental agencies, and individuals invested in the future of culture in Downtown LA.

The L&E program also has a long history of engagement with technology, such as creating virtual reality tours of all our exhibitions and other innovative approaches through which to share art and create learning opportunities for diverse audiences, notably youth and families.

While ICA LA remains committed to distinguished L&E programs, including our youth professional development program, Agency of Assets, and the Bookshelf Residency, the DLE is encouraged to bring forward their areas of interest and expertise and best practices within the museum education field and to build upon the program’s history by proposing new ideas and directions that align with ICA LA’s mission.

The DLE is also a key team member and leader for the museum’s strategic goals, capital campaign, and long-term planning, and supports general museum objectives, fundraising, board relationships, and daily operations.

For a complete list of responsibilities and qualifications for this role, please visit www.theicala.org/opportunities.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, with and at least two professional references, and writing samples to opportunities@theicala.org, including the name of the position in the subject line.

No calls or in-person unscheduled visits.

Salary: $90,000 – $110,000, annually

Benefits: Healthcare (including vision and dental), vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays,
following a probation period

Education requirements: Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree

Deadline to apply: February 13, 2026

Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter, References

How to apply: Send a cover letter, CV, with and at least two professional references, and writing samples to opportunities@theicala.org, including the name of the position in the subject line.