The Sid Richardson Art Museum displays permanent and special exhibitions of paintings of the American West, including paintings by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The works are the legacy of the late oilman and philanthropist, Sid W. Richardson, and were acquired by him from 1942 until his death in 1959. Following his philosophy of helping others, this free Museum is open seven days a week and offers educational resources, tours and programs for adults and children. The museum seeks enthusiastic and creative thinker to develop, implement, manage and evaluate onsite studio programs for children offered in conjunction with docent-guided gallery tours, spring break and summer camps, weekend workshops and family days. The individual will design and present programs that engage children in innovative and enjoyable studio activities, establishing a safe, inclusive and creative environment.  The Director of School and Family Programs will oversee the docent program, working collaboratively with the Director of Education Resources and the Visitor Services and Store Liaison to book tours/schedule docents; the Director of Adult Programs to plan and implement docent continuing education; and, the Director to evaluate docent programs. The individual will offer occasional studio activities for adults as a component of the public programs offered by the Director of Adult Programs. Periodically (+- every 5 years) a new docent course is offered; when offered, the Director of School and Family Programs will recruit and interview applicants and, in concert with the Education Team, the Director, and an outside consultant, implement a docent training course.

Responsibilities include:      

  • Conceptualize, develop, schedule and deliver age-appropriate studio art programs offered in conjunction with gallery tours for school audiences, engaging audiences in experiencing, understanding and enjoying the museum’s collection and special exhibitions, promoting museum’s mission.
  • Order and prepare supplies so they are ready for student use and so an art lesson may be completed in a 45 minute time period. Clean up after each studio lesson and prepare classroom for next event.
  • Plan, prepare and deliver children’s workshops, family days, and camps and manage registration of these events. Market programming through email and website.
  • Manage budget of consumable supplies to support program needs.
  • Maintain communications with docents to align tour/studio goals. Train docents to assist in studio classroom.
  • Document teaching experience. Evaluate programs.
  • Maintain organization-wide calendar of studio programs.
  • Provide institution-wide support as necessary.

Job Requirements

  • MA degree in art education preferred.  Demonstrated working knowledge of education standards, theories, and practices, along with K-8th grade learning and teaching strategies.
  • Well-honed teaching, studio art, project management, and organizational skills. Prior elementary school art teaching experience or experience working with youth in a museum as a teaching artist. Experience developing, managing and presenting studio programs.
  • Museum Certification or demonstrated knowledge of museum interpretation/informal learning preferred.
  • Experience managing adult volunteers preferred.
  • Strong speaking skills, fluency of computer skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively. Ability to communicate effectively and with diplomacy when interacting with staff, volunteers, and the public.
  • Standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands and light lifting is needed.
  • Flexibility in schedule necessary; must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends for program implementation or oversight, and/or to support fellow education team members’ programs.
  • Applicants will submit letter of interest, resume, completed application form at  https://www.sidrichardsonmuseum.org/graphics/sidRichardsonMuseumApplication_dirSchoolFamily.pdf with professional references, and a statement of teaching philosophy with a brief description of a sample 45-minute art-making lesson for students in grades 3-5, engaging with works of Charles M. Russell or Frederic Remington.
  • Successful candidate will be asked to demonstrate a teaching lesson and pass a criminal background check before beginning employment.
  • The Sid Richardson Museum is a smoke-free environment.