Current Opportunities

Position Title

Director of Museum Education

Immediate Supervisor

Executive Director

Classification

Full Time Exempt

Summary of Position:  The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts seeks a Director of Museum Education to oversee all aspects of Museum Education department functions including art library, museum programs and services. The Director of Museum Education leads department efforts to make the KIA the region’s recognized leader and partner in visual arts education. To support this effort s/he advocates for and supports the creation of programming that invites and embraces the entire community. S/he develops and maintains relationships with other arts, community, and education organizations and leaders. S/he supervises department staff including the Curator of Education, Assistant Curator of Youth and Family Programs and Librarian and assists other department directors and Executive Director as requested.

We believe the visual arts are for everyone. They inspire, fulfill and transform. This is a highly attractive opportunity to work in a senior position at a growing and well-respected AAMD-member museum that aims to serve as a leader regarding diversity and inclusion in museum practice at one of the Midwest’s most vibrant art destinations.  The Director of Education will be encouraged to champion experimental and innovative thinking and fresh approaches to art education. Nominations and applications are welcome in strict confidence by contacting Eric Johnson, Director of Finance and Personnel at jobs(at)kiarts.org through February 9, 2018.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·  Development of programs that align with KIA strategic plan and help all visitors to enrich their lives through meaningful educational and personal connections with works of art. Provide direction and support as needed for department initiatives including: tours and docent programs; adult programs; teacher/school programs and resources, family programs; teen programs, art library collections, policies and programs; interactive gallery and offsite outreach initiatives/exhibition.

·  Senior Staff team member: provide monthly reports and other reports and statistics as requested, provide information and support for grant applications and advancement initiatives, participate in institutional planning/initiatives.

·  Seeks opportunities to collaborate with other cultural and community organizations in southwest Michigan to expand and diversify the museum’s audience, extend the museum’s reach, and advance the KIA’s mission and interests.

·  Develops curriculum for docent training and candidate class. Present talks or secure speakers and presenters as needed for training sessions. Sit as member of Docent Council.

·  Responsible for organizing annual juried High School Area Show.

·  Department Marketing/Promotion. With Marketing Manager, develop and help implement marketing efforts for museum education programs. Other tasks include: refresh content and update department events on KIA website. Provide copy for Sightlines magazine. Keep educator and family email lists up to date. Responsible for E-Newsletters for teachers and special audiences.

·  Museum Education Board Advisory Committee. Coordinate committee meetings and communications for advisory and other ad hoc groups

·  Supervise department staff including Curator of Museum Education, Assistant Curator for Family and Youth Programs, Librarian. Conduct annual staff performance reviews.

·  Develop annual department budget that reflects KIA and department priorities and monitors income and expense lines.

·  Keep current on best practices in the museum and museum teaching fields including VTS methodology..

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Masters degree in Art History, Art Education, Museum Studies or Fine/Studio Arts along with sound knowledge of art history, museum teaching and object interpretation strategies.

Minimum of 5 years proven leadership experience in a museum setting is required along with understanding of the role of education in a museum and best practices in the museum education field.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Able to work well and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences including staff, volunteers, educators, funders, sponsors, members, general public and other constituencies.

Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, inclusion and learner-centered interpretation strategies.

Experience supervising personnel (volunteer and staff), program and budget development, project management and planning skills along with an ability to meet deadlines are necessary. 

Able to work effectively in a team setting within the department and collaborate across the organization.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Job Requirements

While performing this job, the employee will be required to sit, stand and work, to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally, do close work with a computer monitor and perform repetitive hand movements. Employee must be able to communicate verbally.While performing this job, the employee will be required to sit, stand and work, to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally, do close work with a computer monitor and perform repetitive hand movements. Employee must be able to communicate verbally.