Kress Interpretive Fellow [Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI]

Description

Job Title:                                Kress Interpretive Fellow

Length of Fellowship:          One year from date of hire

Salary:                                    $25,000 per year plus benefits

Department:   Interpretive Engagement

Reports To:   Director of Interpretive Engagement Dept., Learning & Interpretation Division

General Summary

The mission of the Detroit Institute of Arts is to create experiences that help each visitor find personal meaning in art. As a leader in innovative interpretation and education-curatorial collaboration, the DIA provides professional development opportunities for the next generation of interpretive experts.

The Kress interpretive fellow at the DIA will work in the department of interpretation to assist in planning and development of interpretation that facilitates visitor-centered learning and engagement to fulfill the museum’s mission. Specific projects may include participating in upcoming special exhibitions (“Bittersweet: Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate” and “Frederic Church: To Jerusalem and Back”) and content research and development for object labels or mobile tour content for the permanent collection.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with cross functional teams, consisting of colleagues from Learning & Interpretation division as well as curatorial, exhibitions, evaluation, and other areas to develop special exhibition and permanent collection interpretive plans
• Works with colleagues to assist in planning visitor experiences, including developing big ideas, visitor outcomes, and interpretive materials that may include in-gallery labels, videos, touchable interactives, etc.
• Researches content and recommends strategies for object and exhibition interpretation

Outcomes

A Kress fellow at the DIA will

• gain deeper understanding of various educational theories and approaches and apply them in the development of effective interpretation
• gain an understanding of museum and visitor studies through practical experience
• learn to plan measurable outcomes and develop interpretive plans for projects of different scales
• collaborate in cross-divisional teams to develop interpretation
• see how input from community representatives  can be incorporated into in early stages of project development
• participate in practical problem-solving to design spaces for interactive learning
• work with one of the finest collections of European art in the nation

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities to Perform Essential Functions

• Masters Degree in museum studies, art history, other humanities fields, education, or related discipline
• Excellent oral communication skills and the capacity to write in an engaging manner for various audiences
• Interest in interdisciplinary connections with art; knowledge of European art preferred
• Ability to develop imaginative and creative interpretive strategies and media that stimulate interest and engage learners of all ages
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, with peers, and in cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

If you are interested in applying for this position, please do so online at www.dia.org.  Online submissions will be accepted until the position is filled, and must include (in a single Word or PDF document):

1) Resume: Include professional and academic background and other information pertinent to consideration for the position of Kress Interpretive Fellow at the DIA

2) Cover Letter: Describe your interest in the field of art museum interpretation, career interests and goals, and qualifications for the Kress Fellowship.

3) Writing Samples: Provide one or two writing samples that demonstrate innovative analysis of art or other subject matter, creative writing skills, or other dynamic and surprising ways you have communicated ideas.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer