Application Deadline
11/17/2014

Dia:Beacon seeks museum guides to lead thematic and interactive tours through the Dia:Beacon galleries. This is an hourly, part-time temporary position, which is scheduled on an as-needed basis during museum hours of operation.

Dia:Beacon, located in Beacon, NY, houses Dia Art Foundation’s art collection from the 1960s to the present. The museum, which occupies a former Nabisco printing factory, features installations of works by some of the most significant artists of the last half century, as well as special exhibitions, new commissions, and public and education programs.

Successful candidates will be deeply committed to advancing their own practice as educators through engagement with Dia’s collection, and will be prepared to facilitate meaningful visitor discovery in the Dia:Beacon galleries. Dia Guides are provided with training and learning opportunities, however, qualified applicants must have in-depth knowledge of contemporary art and Dia’s collection. Guides report to the Arts Education Associate and are scheduled by the Manager of Group Tours; tours last approximately 1 hour.

Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Lead original, thematic tours of the collection and special exhibitions at Dia:Beacon for K-12 school groups, adult groups, and/or the general public.
• Facilitate inquiry-based and interactive learning in the galleries.
• Participate in ongoing reflection and evaluation related to the delivery of tours.
• Attend mandatory guide training and optional professional development opportunities as needed through the curatorial and visitor services departments.
• Comply with all museum rules, procedures, and protocols.

Qualifications:
• Background in or demonstrable knowledge of contemporary art and education, and firm understanding of artists represented in Dia’s collection.
• Experience working with K-12 and/or adult populations in formal or informal educational capacities.
• Must be a creative and critical thinker with the ability to synthesize and present information on the collection accurately and appropriately for various audiences, while being responsive to a group’s level of engagement and interest.
• Candidates should be congenial, organized, and articulate.
• College graduate preferred.
• Must be available to lead at least eight tours per year.

This position requires a background check.

Preference given to candidates most qualified and available to lead tours for K-12 school groups on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the academic school year.

Dia Guides are paid at a competitive hourly rate. Employees have the opportunity to learn about the Dia:Beacon collection through presentations by curators, artists, writers, and historians. Staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants may apply for this position by emailing the following materials to beaconprogram@diaart.org with Dia Guide as the email subject heading:

1. Cover letter concisely addressing your interest in Dia’s guide program, and your understanding of how people learn about and engage with contemporary art.
2. Professional resume indicating relevant experience as an educator and knowledge of contemporary art.

No phone calls or emails to addresses other than the one specified, please.

For additional information visit www.diaart.org
Dia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.