Formed in 1968, the Docent Council engages the public with art and the collection of the Wadsworth Atheneum. Docents welcome thousands of visitors every year and conduct tour experiences for Pre-K through Grade 12 students, college students, adults, and families relating to all collection areas and exhibitions. Their service and dedication to excellence in teaching allows visitors to experience infinite possibilities for learning, contemplation, and enjoyment of art. Docents are valued as professional educators and are educated and evaluated accordingly. The approximately 100 members of the Docent Council come from all walks of life.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide and supervise training program for active Docent Council with approximately 100 volunteers. Coordinate, present and prepare content and teaching resources on the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Work continually with docents to improve touring and teaching skills and cultivate expertise in all collection and audience areas. Coordinate docent appreciation and recognition.
• Communicate all information impacting touring to docents. Establish and maintain positive, two-way communication with the docents, individually and collectively, to build their connection to the Museum and its educational programs, and to enhance their understanding of Museum educational goals and outcomes.
• Manage docent-led tour programs in the galleries for preK-12 through university to adult audiences (including public drop-in tours, Austin House visits and curriculum-structured tours). Work with Group Visit Coordinator on tour and docent coordination to insure smooth scheduling and logistics.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of museum education theory and practice as well as art history.
• Experience developing and implementing training programs.
• Skilled gallery teacher with excellent public speaking skills. Dedication to interactive and interdisciplinary teaching.
• Excellent management and interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy, with demonstrated ability to lead and coach volunteers.
• Strong organizational skills. Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously and adapt to change.
• Ability to work well in a team, as well as motivate volunteers.
• Budget management skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as program schedule requires.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in art history, museum education, art education or related field.
• Three to five years of experience teaching in museums or other informal educational settings.

Please send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to email address provided.