Current Opportunities
Director of Education
About Crystal Bridges
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. Our vision is to activate an institution that transforms lives through experiences that encourage the discovery of new ideas, expanded dreams, and inspired actions.
Crystal Bridges is committed to creating an institution that reflects the diversity of our region and nation. We are especially mindful of those in our community impacted by inequity due to ability, language, class, age, gender, religion, sexuality, race, and ethnicity and are working diligently to address perceived and real barriers that keep anyone from fully experiencing the museum as a guest, volunteer, or employee. To achieve true reform, we must have a diverse, highly qualified team dedicated to:
• providing an unparalleled guest experience for all,
• offering relevant programs,
• developing an inclusive collection,
• demonstrating progressive leadership.
We will not compromise in the time, energy, and effort required to achieve our collective, articulated goals.
Culture Pillars
Each one of us is a vital component of this team, empowered and responsible for fulfilling the mission and vision. We are united in our purpose and in our obligation to act respectfully and with integrity.
• We listen actively and speak honestly
• We honor our commitments
• We champion lifelong learning
• We are unstoppable when we work together
History
Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation as a non-profit charitable organization for all to enjoy. Philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton chairs the museum’s board of directors. The museum opened to the public on 11-11-11. Crystal Bridges takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall. Guest amenities include a restaurant on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds, the Museum Store designed by architect Marlon Blackwell, and a library featuring more than 50,000 volumes of art reference material. Sculpture and walking trails link the museum's 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.
The Collection
Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the colonial era to the current day. Included within the collection are iconic images such as Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Kerry James Marshall’s Our Town, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola [3]—each reflecting a distinct moment in American artistic evolution—as well as major works by modern and contemporary American artists, including Alma Thomas, Luis Jimenez, Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois, Felix Gonzales-Torres, and James Turrell. The permanent collection, which continues to grow through a strategic acquisition plan, is on view year-round and is enhanced by an array of temporary exhibitions.
Education and Engagement
Crystal Bridges provides year-round programming for all ages, including lectures, performances, classes, and continuing education for K-12 teachers. More than 45,000 schoolchildren visit the museum each year as part of the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit Program, which offers schools reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses associated with a school field trip, including transportation costs, substitute teachers, and lunch. A new initiative to develop high-quality distance learning opportunities for students and teachers is currently under way.
Position Summary
The Director of Education is responsible for the vision, strategic design, development, and supervision of the Education division, which includes Public Programming, School and Teacher Programs, Community Outreach, the Guide Program, and Distance Learning. Primary to this role is the creation, development, and ongoing management of all educational programs and of the staff and volunteers within those areas.
This position requires a museum professional that is both a manager and an educator, skilled in leading the creation of a variety of programs that foster visitor engagement and support the museum’s mission. The Director of Education serves as a member of the museum’s Leadership team and works in collaboration with administrators, staff, and volunteers at all levels. S/he reports directly to the Executive Director & Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and has 3-4 direct reports.
The Role:
The Director of Education will lead the Education division of the museum and share strategic leadership responsibilities across the organization with the Director of the Momentary, Chief Curator, Director of Curatorial Affairs, Chief Strategy Officer, Director of Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Exhibitions, Chief Engagement Officer, Director of Communications, Deputy Director, and the Executive Director & Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
Organizational Leadership:
• As a critical member of the museum’s leadership team, plan, manage, and evaluate the progress of the organization toward its dual goals of access and impact.
• Promote, facilitate, and embody an engaged, impact-oriented culture grounded in respect, collaboration, learning, and the mission and values of the museum.
• Embody the spirit of the organization by serving as champion in supporting proposals to develop and grow staff-related programs.
• Serve as part of the Leadership team that sets priorities, establishes policies, develops budgets, and sets long-range strategic goals for the museum.
• Work closely with museum staff, volunteers, and board to drive the mission and vision of the institution forward.
Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions):
• Oversee the short- and long-term vision and correlating plans for the Education division.
• Create, manage, and direct the development of strategic initiatives for the museum’s education programs.
• Plan, develop, and implement a diverse yearly schedule of program offerings, including onsite programs, partnerships, and the utilization of distance learning, new media, and other technology.
• Effectively collaborate on joint programming initiatives with other museum departments, including the trails and grounds, library, culinary, retail and special events teams.
• Develop initiatives for educational impact in the community and schools, and support initiatives for arts-infused curriculum.
• Identify and maintain key community partnerships.
• Continuously improve offerings for those with accessibility needs or barriers.
• Lead the Windgate Advisory Board.
• Act as Education’s primary liaison for all curatorial, exhibition, and interpretation-related activities, ensuring a strong connection between departments.
• Foster a culture of open communication and spirited collaboration.
• Serve as an advocate for the guest experience.
• Support internal training initiatives, in collaboration with human resources.
• Manage the creation and spending of department budgets, endowments, and gifts.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for earned and contributed revenue.
• Identify, recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff members, interns, and volunteers.
• Ensure the museum enjoys a lively and productive relationship with educators and the education community locally, regionally, and nationally and make appropriate contributions to the field.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
• Bachelor’s degree in the arts, education, or related field required.
• Knowledge about current practices in museum/community education, multiple learning styles, and visitor studies is required.
• Enthusiastic, patient, and flexible leadership style is required.
Work Experience:
• Minimum of 4 years management-level experience required.
• Applied educator experience is preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
• Exemplary written, verbal, and listening communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Highly developed public speaking skills and demonstrated mastery of teaching techniques.
• Strong staff management and mentoring skills.
• Self-directed work style, and the ability to work independently and effectively.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain the highest ethical standards, related to organizational responsibilities and public accountability.
• Ability to create and successfully manage multiple budgets.
• Demonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Proficient computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Database and additional software knowledge preferred.
• A positive, proactive outlook and a great sense of humor is very desirable.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Physical demands: In the work environments described below, this position requires sitting at a desk/workstation and utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, and verbal and written conversation with others. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and in museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some overnight travel may be necessary.