Job posting: Associate Educator for Youth Learning

 
From: "Phillippa Pitts phillippa.pitts@gmail.com [talk at museum-ed.org]" <talk@museum-ed.org>
Date: June 22nd 2018

Under the general supervision of the Director of Learning and Interpretation, makes the museum accessible to young people and by extension their families, through creation and implementation of programs that encourage curiosity and exploration of works of art through varied avenues. Supports the Portland Museum of Art’s (PMA’s) mission by developing and facilitating learning opportunities for youth audiences within both the museum and the community using the PMA’s collection and special exhibitions as a foundation.

Position Type: Staff Positions
Department/Division: Learning and Interpretation
Reports to: Director of Learning and Interpretation

Essential Job Functions: 
  • Develops and implements programs for youth audiences (preK-12 students) of various experience levels that focus on discussion-based learning strategies and emphasizes looking at and discussing works of art, including programming that targets underserved populations. Develops materials for docent use during school tours that enriches the experience in the galleries; develops clear strategic goals for school group experiences in the museum.
  • Oversees logistics and communication of docent program, serves as a model for gallery teaching, and shares knowledge of best practices in open-ended gallery teaching, including but not limited to Visual Thinking Strategies. Organizes and facilitates training for docents to deliver engaging learning experiences for preK-12 audiences, and collaborates with Art and Education staff on docent training for adult tours, including Winslow Homer Studio tours.
  • Plans and facilitates professional development opportunities for educators that expand understanding of the PMA collection and special exhibitions, while also providing teacher training and strategies that can be utilized within the galleries or classroom. Leverages the support of programs such as Culture Club-Portland to expand attendance and engagement with Portland Public schools.
  • Generates and implements programming for family audiences that encourages adult/child collaborative learning, maximizes the experience of looking at and discussing works of art, and celebrates the creative process. Shapes content and activities that ensure accessibility and appropriateness for family audiences who have varied levels of comfort and experience with museums and art making.
  • Leads development of new programming for teen audiences through research of current best practices in the field; creates sustainable programs for teen audiences through PMA’s school tour program, as well non-school opportunities for engagement. Works collaboratively within the department to develop interpretative materials and gallery experiences for teen and family audiences.
  • Develops and implements benchmarks, metrics, and systems of data collection, evaluation and analysis, including audience evaluation, to measure and evaluate efficient and effective use of resources toward accomplishment of established goals; incorporates this into department work in meaningful ways. Develops and monitors programmatic budgets as assigned to ensure efficient spending and income within approved parameters.
  • In collaboration with Philanthropy staff, participates in donor relations and assists with writing and developing grants to secure financial resources for programming. Develops project and program evaluation methods to assist in grant reporting and measurement of program effectiveness.
  • Implements programmatic initiatives related to the PMA’s multifaceted inclusivity and diversity action plan, which is designed to promote inclusiveness, prevent discrimination, and create an organization that challenges and changes practices that present barriers.
  • Fosters relationships and builds philanthropy with patrons at the PMA, as defined by displaying behavior that welcomes all individuals contacted during work. This may include answering questions, utilizing approachable body language such as smiling and making eye contact, thanking people for visiting the PMA, and other open and engaging behavior daily.
  • Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
  • Complies with all Portland Museum of Art safety rules and procedures.
  • Regular attendance at the workplace is required.
Supervisory Responsibility: 
Supervises occasional part-time college or high school interns, fellows, and temporary employees, including interviewing and selecting candidates, training and development, scheduling, counseling, and evaluating performance.

Education and Experience: 
Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, History, or Education required; Masters in museum education, museum studies or education preferred. At least 3-5 years museum education experience focusing on youth programming with an emphasis on creative engagement strategies.

Qualifications: 
  • Creative thinker with knowledge base of American and contemporary art.
  • A skilled museum educator with proven record of creative and successful programming for engaging youth audiences, particularly with high school programs and teen audiences.
  • Experience facilitating gallery talks, tours and programs for youth audiences; experience training docents to work with youth audiences.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, including excellent public speaking skills; ability to adhere to PMA brand charter and style guide.
  • Knowledge of current best practices in youth engagement and programming that can appeal to visitors of all skill and experience levels.
  • Proven track record of generating and engaging new audiences based on strategic goal setting.
  • Flexible and creative problem-solver; ability to multi-task, organize work, and meet deadlines with careful attention to detail and commitment to quality in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with coworkers and a variety of individuals contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to operate computers, media equipment, and assigned software, including Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  • Must be available to work evening and weekend hours as needed.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Terms: 
The Associate Educator for Youth Learning position is a full-time, full-benefits, salaried, exempt, employment-at-will position.

To Apply: 
Please email cover letter, résumé, and completed PMA Application for Employment (available at website) http://www.portlandmuseum.org/about/employ.shtl , to HR Director at: aeyl.pma.062018@portlandmuseum.org. Job applications will be accepted electronically only and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The Portland Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, status as a whistleblower, marital status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.







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