Director of Education and Programming [Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, AR]

SUMMARY

Direct and coordinate a rich and broad-based education program that supports exhibitions and collections and is presented in a variety of formats.  Develop and present programs that enhance and broaden the relevance of the arts in the community and expand audiences.  Oversee the education programs provided through the art school for adult and children classes, the State Services program which includes the ArtMobile and children’s theatre on tour reaching communities across Arkansas, volunteer and docent program and the library.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages three subordinate supervisors who supervise two full time employees and approximately 50 part-time employees in the Museum School, Youth Programs, and State Services department.
• Directly supervises part-time librarian and full-time volunteer coordinator.
• Provide direct management of the Arts Center’s volunteer docent program, including maintaining policies and practices, recruitment and interviewing, training and ongoing education.
• Plan, implement, and supervise school-based partnerships within the central Arkansas region, including developing relationships with schools and teachers, cross curricular programming for in-house and classroom settings, and continuing education workshops and programs for area art teachers.
• Research and develop partnerships with local and regional arts/educational institutions to enhance AAC mission and to broaden and grow audiences.
• Provide direct oversight for planning, production, and evaluation of the Arts Center’s educational events associated with exhibitions and collections, including lectures, symposia, and family programs with an emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches.
• Assist the curatorial staff in preparing and presenting materials for exhibitions, including brochures, interpretive wall texts, resource areas, and interactive educational spaces.
• Plan, implement, and supervise a program of school tours for all grade levels that connects to curriculum requirements in Arkansas Public Schools.
• Prepare and oversee annual budget, analyzing and evaluating revenue producing activities, and implementing strategies for multi-year budget activities.
• Work with Marketing Department in development and executive of comprehensive marketing plans and programs, both short and long range, to support revenue objectives of the program and to maintain the program calendar.
• Work with State Services, Museum School and Youth and Family in development of educational materials that support their programs and improve audience experience.
• Work with Youth and Family staff and Children’s Theater staff to develop and expand quality youth programs K-12.
• Collaborate with Development Department to seek sustaining and new support for programs, including grant research, donor cultivation, and grant writing.
• Represent the AAC to donors, community groups, organizations, and others to increase awareness of the AAC as an educational resource.
• Active member of the senior management team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Proven and demonstrable record of leadership with experience in the supervision and management of staff and volunteer docents.
• Master’s degree or equivalent in art education, museum studies, art history, education or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of art museum education experience is necessary with demonstrated success in developing school partnerships, designing and implementing innovative interpretive programs for learners of all ages.
• Familiarity with K-12 education and education standards.
• Strong interpersonal relations skills.
• Understanding of the mission and purpose of arts education within communities.
• Knowledge of budgets and financial reports
• Detail oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with donors, volunteers/docents, and staff.
• Ability to adapt and respond to various situations with tact and poise.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Excellent computer skills and writing ability.
• Comfortable working in a highly collaborative team environment.

Closing Date:  September 28, 2015

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:

Applicants should submit resumes and a one-page narrative describing their interest in the position and the experience that relates to the responsibilities described above to Denise Woods, Human Resources Manager at personnel@arkansasartscenter.org