Description
The Director of Learning & Engagement is responsible for expanding access to meaningful learning opportunities across the museum experience—onsite, in the community, and virtually—for all ages and abilities. The Director will evaluate the Museum’s current educational initiatives and develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that aligns with Everson’s mission and commitment to DEAI values, current pedagogy, and best practices in the field. The Director will bring an enthusiastic and proactive attitude, work well in a team setting, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and fluid work environment.
The Director of Learning & Engagement is a critical member of the senior leadership team and manages two full-time staff positions, a 50-member docent corps, and seasonal fellows, interns, and volunteers. The Director of Learning & Engagement also serves as staff liaison to the Learning & Engagement Committee of the Board of Trustees.
The Director of Learning & Engagement works with Museum staff, interns, volunteer docents, and contracted artists and teachers to support program initiatives such as tours, outreach, youth and adult classes, camps and workshops, and a wide variety of public programs.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)
Set overall departmental vision with clear goals and measurable outcomes. Represent departmental priorities and projects to Museum leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.
Build, inspire, and lead a high-performing team that prioritizes cross-department collaboration and communication.
Manage hiring logistics, recruiting, and onboarding for interns and fellows in coordination with Human Resources.
Guide team members’ growth and development and foster a positive and inclusive attitude in a fast-paced work environment.
Set and manage annual departmental budget, working collaboratively with the Director of Finance.
Build and expand relationships with teachers, school administrators, arts and cultural organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other external stakeholder groups to increase equitable opportunities for visitation and collaborative partnerships.
Oversee the development of both printed and digital educational resources that promote the Museum as a space for inclusion.
Accurately collect and analyze program evaluation data and prepare recommendations for equitable and inclusive program development.
Collaborate with the Development team on fundraising for programs, projects, and initiatives, including grants and gifts which support the Museum’s emphasis on promoting arts access.
Initiate and maintain partnerships with local arts organizations and businesses.
Lead interpretive program planning for exhibitions and collaborate with curatorial department to ensure that content and interpretive techniques best meet audiences’ needs.
Develop and implement onsite, outreach, and virtual programs relating to special exhibitions and collections for a diverse range of audiences
Ensure public programs are developed cross-departmentally, connect with strategic priorities, and strengthen relationships with new and current Museum audiences.
Liaise with area college/university faculty on curriculum-related opportunities.
Maintain ongoing workshop programs with a focus on developing additional revenue streams for the Museum.
Work with local and statewide school and higher education administrators to prioritize the value of Museum visits, integrated art curriculum, and resources.
Work with exhibiting and visiting artists to develop and execute public programs, classes, and workshops.
Work closely with the Marketing team to expand visibility of programs and outreach and ensure programs are promoted accordingly.
Oversee docent program management in collaboration with the Manager of K-12 and Family programs, and partner with docent executive board. Supervise docent recruitment, training, and professional development.
Oversee development of tour curricula based on NY standards and best practices in visitor engagement and diverse learning styles.
Develop overall strategies for experience-based learning opportunities for all ages and abilities and ensure program revenues meet budget goals.
Oversee Everson youth camps (winter, spring, and summer).
Lead the school tour program, which serves school districts from all over Central New York.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position supervises the Manager of the K-12 & Family Programs, the Diane and Bob Miron Fellow, and summer Fellow staff. Supervisory responsibilities include assisting in employee training, planning, assigning, and directing work and resolving office matters on as needed basis.
This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits package. Please send resume, cover letter and three professional references to jneuner@everson.org. Please reference Director of Learning & Engagement in the subject line. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Everson Museum of Art is committed to maintaining a work place free of unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, including past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, partnership status, reproductive decision-making, sexual orientation and any other characteristics or other protected classes recognized by applicable federal, state or local law. Everson Museum of Art is fully committed to equal opportunities for all employees.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent training and experience in art education, museum studies, fine arts, or related field required. Graduate degree preferred.
Demonstrated experience with public programs.
Experience working with K-12 students.
Fine arts experience and studio management knowledge.
Knowledge of gallery-based learning pedagogies and practices.
Knowledge of museums and/or other non-profit organizations, structures and processes.
Knowledge of databases and/or registrations systems, or willingness and ability to learn.
Ability to work on a schedule that supports the Learning & Engagement Department, including some flexible and variable hours, such as weekends and evenings.
Strong team player and interpersonal skills.
Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within and beyond the institution.
Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail, including ability to work on multiple programs and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Excellent computer skills required, including Microsoft Office platform, Zoom, Google suite, and Salesforce (or other CRM).
