Associate Educator for Gallery Learning

Under the general supervision of the Director of Learning and Interpretation, this position is responsible for interpretative resources, in-gallery programs and online opportunities that help general public visitors of all ages and experience levels learn about and engage with the museum’s collection and special exhibitions. The Associate Educator for Gallery Learning supports the Portland Museum of Art’s (PMA’s) mission and contributes to the vitality of the community by connecting art of the past and the work of living artists with issues relevant to the museums constituencies.

Click here to download the PMA application.

Position Type:
Staff Positions
Department/Division:
Learning and Interpretation
Reports to:
Director of Learning and Interpretation
Posted:
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Essential Job Functions:
  • Ensures quality learning experiences for visitors of various experience levels by developing diverse opportunities for engagement with works of art, including but not limited to gallery guides and other written interpretative materials, gallery talks and tours, special interpretative gallery installations, audio tours and other digital resources.
  • Works closely with the Director of Learning and Interpretation and in collaboration with the Curatorial Department to develop and maintain a unified and goal-oriented approach to museum-wide interpretation, including permanent collection galleries, special exhibitions, interactive gallery space, as well as unique aspects of the museum such as the Winslow Homer Studio and the historic McLellan House.
  • Coordinates a regular schedule of gallery talks and tours for general public audiences, as well as informal-learning gallery opportunities facilitated by a variety of individuals such as Ask Me volunteers, docents, visitor experience associates, and security staff; works collaboratively with Audience Engagement and Communications staff to ensure appropriate scheduling and marketing; organizes and facilitates related training sessions; facilitates gallery learning opportunities on a regular basis.
  • Works collaboratively with the Curatorial department to engage Maine’s vibrant community of contemporary artists; works closely with select artists to design and execute participatory gallery experiences that link the permanent collection and special exhibits to contemporary art practice
  • Works collaboratively within the department to develop innovative interpretative materials and gallery experiences for youth, family and adult audiences.
  • Develops and implements evaluation tools to measure, interpret, and analyze gallery learning programs and materials; fosters a culture of reflection and evaluation through regular audience evaluation and incorporates this into department work in meaningful ways.
  • Organizes and facilitates Docent training sessions and works closely with Docents on in-gallery programs that help general public visitors of all ages learn about and enjoy the museum’s collection and special exhibitions. Organizes, trains, and supervises interns, volunteers, and contracted professionals assisting with gallery programs and partnerships, and serves as an advocate for general public audiences, with special emphasis on adults, within the PMA by leveraging opportunities for museum-wide attention.
  • In collaboration with the Development department, assists with writing and developing grants to secure financial resources for programming and participates in donor relations. Develops and monitors programmatic budgets to maintain efficient spending and income. Develops project and program evaluation methods to assist in grant reporting and measurement of program effectiveness.
  • 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 and high school interns and is responsible for interviewing and selection, training and development, scheduling, 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 gallery learning and interpretation required.
Qualifications:
  • Creative thinker with knowledge base of American and Contemporary art.
  • A skilled museum educator with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups and individuals; particularly strong focus on working with adult audiences.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, including excellent public speaking skills; ability to adhere to PMA brand charter and style guide.
  • Experience facilitating gallery talks and tours, as well as training docents.
  • Knowledge of current best practices in interactive museum experiences that can appeal to visitors of all skill and experience levels; Proven track record of development of outstanding interpretative materials and resources including working knowledge of new media.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize 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.
Working Conditions:
  • The majority of work is performed in a museum or gallery setting or in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Occasional bending and lifting required. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, postage machine, fax machine, art supplies, mat cutter, and other office and art-making equipment. Work involves extended sitting and computer use.
Terms:
The Associate Educator for Gallery Learning position is a full-time, full-benefits, salaried, exempt, employment-at-will position. Evening and weekend hours will be required.
To Apply:
Please send cover letter, résumé, and completed PMA Application for Employment (available for download at www.portlandmuseum.org/about/employment) to: aefgl.pma.122014@portlandmuseum.org or mail to: Business Manager, Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The Portland Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.