Director of Learning and Community Outreach [Speed Art Museum]

The Speed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky, is pleased to announce that we are currently seeking an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual for our Director of Learning and Community Outreach. The Speed is committed to hiring talented individuals who share in the vision of discovering the joy and power of great art. The successful candidate will display curiosity to learn, energy, confidentiality and the ability to work well with others in a team-centered approach that is the core of the work ethic at the Museum.

The Speed is Kentucky’s largest art museum with a collection that spans 6,000 years of human creativity. An independent museum located on the campus of the University of Louisville, the Speed is currently undergoing a multi-phase expansion and renovation that includes a new North Building, Art Park and a public piazza.

The Speed Art Museum has repeatedly been voted Kentucky’s best museum and is considered one of the top ten sites each Kentuckian should visit. The Speed honors its mission to bring great art to our communities through its distinguished collections and as the Commonwealth’s number one venue for international art exhibitions.

The Director of Learning and Community Outreach will direct and manage a department of seven full-time staff. Creates and provides high quality learning programs for all visitors, Museum volunteers / interns, school children and teens, and teachers. As a member of the leadership Administrative Team, this person will take a leadership role in establishing institutional policies, practices and direction. Working closely with the Museum Director, Deputy Director – Advancement and Operations , Curators, Board Committee on Programs and Outreach, community volunteers and community partners, the Director of Learning and Community Outreach will implement a major transformation of the department in preparation for the re-opening in 2016.

Responsibilities/Duties

Serves in a senior management role to realize the Museums educational direction with a vision to expose the Museum to all communities of Louisville, engage a variety of audiences through Museum programs and events and educate the general public about the importance and appreciation of art.

Directs and manages the department and creates an education and evaluation plan that is geared towards different types of learners and learning experiences. Prepares and manages department budget based on annual operating plans and monitors to ensure programs are operating within budgetary limits.

Provides direction for the Assistant Director of School and Family Programs, the Assistant Director of Art Sparks and Art Detectives, the Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning and Docents, the Studio Coordinator, the Art Sparks Coordinator and the Programs Assistant.

Responsible for public programs development for adult and University audiences in conjunction with special exhibitions and the Museums permanent collection.

Works with community groups to provide educational experiences in partnership with other arts, cultural, educational and civic organizations at the Museum or off-site. Acts as main Museum liaison for statewide Arts Organizations.

Oversees the management of the docent volunteer program to ensure that all volunteers are trained, motivated and appreciated for meaningful work.

Supervises the management of school and family programs to ensure that the Museum provides curriculum-based, child-centered art education to K-12 school groups, as well as preschoolers.

In collaboration with the Curatorial Department, supervises the planning and development of interpretative materials, thematic tours, public programs, teacher workshops, symposiums, and other educational services to help adult and youth audiences better understand contemporary art. Oversees the management of Art Sparks, an award-winning interactive gallery.

In collaboration with Marketing and Communications, is instrumental in the Museums audience development. Also assists in the creation of the departments presence on the Museums website and social media.

Responsible for the development and coordination of the Museums calendar of events, which will require communicating with various Museum departments such as Curatorial and Marketing.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Excellent leadership, supervisory, planning and organization skills. Effective communication, presentation and problem handling skills. Strong written and oral skills, flexibility and sense of humor. Team-building skills with a collaborative management style. Creative, conceptual and analytical thinker. Ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of representatives of public and private organizations, Trustees, volunteers, vendors, Museum staff and the general public.

Knowledge of, and experience in, principles, practices, and techniques of Museum education and Museum management. Knowledge of visual arts and the cultural sector is a plus.

Presents a professional image in work attire and demeanor. Displays excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills to effectively manage the resolution of employee relations issues. Ability to interview, select and supervise staff, as well as delegate work effectively. Ability to establish goals and priorities for staff and evaluate performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Art Education or a related field required. PhD degree preferred. A minimum of 5 years working in a Museum Education department required, with previous experience in supervising staff preferred.

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation and personal time, employer paid health plan, dental plan, life insurance and 403(b) retirement savings plan.

For consideration all qualified internal and external candidates must submit application and resume through this Internet porthole.

Your interest in the Speed Art Museum is appreciated however; only candidates selected for interview process will be notified.

The Speed Art Museum prohibits discrimination in employment, programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The Speed Art Museum also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to museum facilities.