Careers

Department: Learning & Engagement
Reports to: Executive Director
Effective Date: March 2026
Organization: CFA
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Job Summary:
The Director of Learning & Engagement leads the Center for Architecture’s educational strategy, overseeing all learning programs, and supervising the Learning & Engagement team. This role is responsible for strengthening existing programs, expanding offerings for non–K–12 audiences, and developing strategic partnerships that advance CFA’s mission. The Director reports to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with CFA staff, AIA New York Chapter colleagues, Board members, funders, and key external stakeholders.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Oversee all education programs for K-12 students, teachers, youth and families, including:
o School Programs: Learning By Design: NY in-school residencies, School Visits, Professional Development for teachers
o Youth & Family Programs; Family Days, Vacation and Summer programs, and occasional Special Program offerings
o Community programs serving youth and families
o Teen Programs: Weekend workshops, Discover Architecture career exploration, Annual Architecture and Design College Fair
• Set annual and long-term programmatic goals for the Learning & Engagement Department in collaboration with the management team, organizing staff and schedules to achieve them
• Supervise and coach the Learning & Engagement team (Lead Design Educator, Design Educator, School Programs Manager, Youth Programs Manager)
• Hire, train, manage and evaluate a roster of freelance design educators with assistance from Youth and School Program Managers; expand this group as needed to meet demand and expand program audiences
• Evaluate and improve existing programs to ensure high quality
• Develop new programs, initiatives, and partnerships to expand programming to new audiences
• Implement and integrate the legacy AIANY Tours program into the CFA program offerings, developing and expanding its reach and audience engagement
• Strategize and oversee the development of architecture education resources made available to the public on our website
• Develop and manage the Learning & Engagement Department budget in conjunction with Finance and Ops Director; Partner with the finance department to reconcile related receivables from various agencies
• Collaborate with Exhibitions staff to produce bi-annual exhibition
• Collaborate with Development Department on educational grants and fundraising proposals and reports
• Collaborate with the Communications Department on year-round outreach and informational campaigns about educational programming through eblasts, enews articles, social media posts, etc
• Manage NYC Public Schools Arts Vendor Contract and relationships with NYCPS program partners

Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's or master's degree in architecture, design, engineering and/or arts or museum education/administration
• 10+ years’ experience and proven expertise in education program administration including school, youth and community programming
• Solid understanding of K-12 curriculum standards for New York City, NY State and nationally, with expertise on connections to architecture and design/STEAM programming
• Excellent project managements skills, able to prioritize tasks, coordinate a team effort, and meet deadlines
• Expertise leading hands-on art/design projects with youth groups in school, museum and community settings
• Professional and friendly manner
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, thorough and accurate
• Experience with fundraising and grant-writing
• Strong computer skills including Office 365, Adobe Suite, and CRM or data management software

CFA/AIA NY operates on a hybrid schedule with two remote workdays per week. This role includes occasional offsite program needs and select weekend commitments based on programming schedules.

Salary Range: $110,000 – $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to jobs@aiany.org. Please put the job title and your last name in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands listed below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law.
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with some remote work as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Must be able to move about the office, gallery, and program spaces to support events, meetings, and educational activities.
• Must be able to lift and move items up to 30 lbs. occasionally (such as program supplies or exhibition materials).
• Must be able to set up and break down program spaces, which may involve bending, reaching, and light physical activity.
• Periods of standing and walking may be required during programs or events.

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

Reports to: School Programs Manager
Organization: CFA
Department: Education
Effective Date: July 2025
Classification: Contractor

The Center for Architecture is seeking freelance Design Educators to teach in our K–12 architecture and design education program, Learning By Design; a multi session residency offered during the school day. Programs typically run for 6–10 weeks, serving multiple classes with weekly 90-minute classroom workshops on a program theme. Our programs use hands-on, project-based design activities to enrich classroom studies, build students’ understanding and appreciation of architecture and the built environment, and develop their design sensibilities and critical thinking skills.

Candidates must be willing to travel to program sites throughout the city and to collaborate with partner teachers to develop age-appropriate, sequential lessons that integrate architecture and design into classroom studies.

Education/Experience:
• Bachelor's or master's degree in education and/or arts education, architecture, design, engineering;
• Minimum two years’ experience leading hands-on art/design projects with K-12 audiences in a school, museum, or community setting;
• Excellent classroom management skills and ability to work with students of varying abilities;
• Familiarity with NYC Public Schools curriculum, NY State Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts and curriculum standards, including the Social Studies and Science Scope and Sequence;

Qualified candidates will be asked to provide sample lessons plans based on topics provided by the Center for Architecture and to lead a design-based activity for CFA staff. Design Educators accepted for employment must be fingerprinted by the New York Public Schools before taking on a program in an NYC public school. The CFA will reimburse the fingerprinting fee.

Compensation: Design Educators are paid on a per program basis as independent contractors at a rate of $165/90-minute classroom session with students. Additional compensation is provided for planning meetings, curriculum research, and other training and meetings as required.

Application Instructions: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format to lmazzola@centerforarchitecture.org. Please put the job title and your last name in the subject line of your email. No phone calls, please.

About the Center for Architecture: The Center for Architecture is a leading cultural venue for architecture and the built environment in New York City. The Center for Architecture shares a home with the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and has the unique advantage of drawing upon the ideas and experiences of practicing architects to produce thought provoking exhibitions, informative public programs, and engaging design education experiences for K-12 students, teachers and families. It also leads New York City’s annual month-long architecture and design festival, Archtober. The Center for Architecture’s aim is to educate a broad audience about the built environment and the value of contemporary architectural practice in urban life.