Program Facilitator

The High Desert Museum, located in Bend, Oregon, is a renowned private, nonprofit institution that has been captivating visitors since its establishment in 1982. As an interdisciplinary museum, it uniquely blends the diverse narratives of the High Desert region, which extends across 11 states in the Intermountain West. The Museum is celebrated not only for its extensive indoor space housing permanent and changing exhibitions but also for its engaging outdoor exhibits, such as the Autzen Otter Exhibit, Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center, and the High Desert Living History Ranch. Serving as one of the largest cultural hubs in Oregon east of the Cascades, the Museum attracts nearly 220,000 visitors annually, a number that significantly exceeds the population of Bend. The Museum has earned prestigious accolades including accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, and recognition through awards like the Western Museums Association's Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

Working at the High Desert Museum means joining a diverse and talented community that is passionate about cultural education and environmental stewardship. The facility is nestled in a serene Ponderosa pine forest, offering an inspiring workplace where staff regularly engage with artists, educators, wildlife professionals, and thousands of enthusiastic schoolchildren. This makes the Museum not only a place of learning but also a vital community resource celebrated for fostering collaboration and connection.

The role of the Program Facilitator is integral to the advancement of the High Desert Project initiative. This initiative is designed to encourage dialogue and connection across various perspectives, aligning with the Museum’s founding vision. The Program Facilitator will have the exciting responsibility of planning, coordinating, and facilitating immersive event series that engage diverse groups in meaningful conversations about pressing regional issues. These events may include unique field trips, collaboration with artists to create immersive installations, and dialogic sessions aimed at fostering understanding across differences. The Program Facilitator will continuously innovate engagement strategies to connect participants from varied backgrounds and iterate on the initiative's approach based on experiential learning.

Furthermore, the Program Facilitator plays a pivotal role in building and nurturing relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the region, representing a broad spectrum of views and experiences. The Facilitator contributes to shaping the long-term vision of the High Desert Project, ensuring its relevance and impact endure. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt with a starting salary of $50,000 plus depending on experience. Benefits include strong health and welfare packages, paid holidays, personal days, and vacation time.

Ideal candidates are skilled facilitators and organizers with experience in community engagement, conflict management, or program coordination. They are detail-oriented professionals capable of managing multiple stakeholders and logistics, enthusiastic about promoting a sustainable future where community and landscape thrive in harmony. The High Desert Museum welcomes applicants from diverse professional and lived experiences who are passionate about contributing to this compelling mission.