Overview of Position

As a leader and active partner within the Collections and Interpretation Division, the Curator of Education and Interpretation is responsible for developing a creative, mission-driven strategy that values authentic experiences with original works of art and collection objects to position the Museum as a vibrant center for self-discovery, dialogue, and learning. The position will oversee all phases of the interpretive content development process, including concept generation, design, delivery, evaluation, and documentation. As a key member of the exhibitions team, the Curator of Education and Interpretation will work collaboratively to generate innovative, dynamic, creative approaches to audience engagement.

The Curator will be responsible for the development and implementation of a programmatic calendar of events, including general coordination, budget preparation, identifying staffing needs, and logistics. The position will direct interpretation and interaction through the training and development of interpretive guides, staff and docents at our facilities in Santa Fe and the historic properties in Abiquiu and at Ghost Ranch.

Interpretation

  • Work with exhibitions team to generate interpretive framework and realize innovative and engaging exhibition techniques for diverse audiences
  • Develop interpretive techniques and approaches to engage and inform visitors, and provide training, support and coaching to Museum and historic property guides and other staff
  • Provide direction and support to the docent program, including identifying, training, overseeing and evaluating docents

Community Engagement

  • Understand the needs of the communities served by the Museum, define target audiences, and develop specific strategies and programs to meet defined needs, objectives and priorities
  • Creating partnerships and collaborations with community organizations to extend our reach and deepen our impact
  • Maintain a visible presence in the local, state, and national professional community by presenting information about the Museum’s education programs and establishing partnerships with other museums implementing exemplary programs
  • Provide direction and support to interns, including identifying, training, overseeing and evaluating internship opportunities and mentor training
  • Demonstrate a positive professional presence, inspiring and building confidence both within the Museum and outside the institution among a broad range of constituencies.

Public Programs

  • Develop, execute and evaluate innovative programs aimed at engaging audiences across the spectrum of ages in order to develop lifelong relationships with the Museum
  • Work with community advisors, museum staff, and program participants to research, develop, and assess focused and engaging programs for all audiences in connection with the Museum’s special exhibitions and permanent collections
  • Develop, implement and track metrics to measure, evaluate, interpret, and analyze the effectiveness and impact of public programs

School Programs

  • Develop and implement strategies for making the resources of the Museum, including collections, staff expertise, and facilities, available to target audience of students and teachers
  • Establish, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with K-12 schools identified as Museum partners
  • Develop educational programs related to permanent and temporary exhibitions which are related to New Mexico and National curriculum requirements
  • Develop on-line supplementary educational resources, curricula and activities to support museum-based programs
  • Develop, implement and track metrics to measure, evaluate, interpret, and analyze the effectiveness and outcomes of education programs

Leadership

  • Provide thought leadership in object and inquiry based pedagogy and programming
  • Establish and maintain relationships with other museum educators regionally and nationally
  • Manage a team of educators and program producers, providing direction and support to department staff and ensuring their activities are aligned with Museum priorities
  • Create, track, and manage departmental budget and expenses
  • Efficiently and effectively manage all education programs by performing and overseeing necessary administrative duties
  • Work as a collaborative partner in a team oriented culture, sharing responsibilities with staff across the organizational structure
  • Problem solving skills, both as an individual and as part of a group

Skills and Experience

  • Proven ability and experience that includes a history of building, mentoring, and developing strong, interdisciplinary teams that intersect with a variety of stakeholders throughout an organization and in the community
  • Considerable working experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of education programs including statistical analysis, ideally in an art museum or closely related setting
  • Experience with visitor research
  • Expertise in free-choice learning, visitor motivation, cultural attitudes, accessibility, and modes of response and participation
  • Must have an authentic belief in and support of accessibility and equity for diverse audiences and learning styles
  • A cultural knowledge of the diverse populations in New Mexico and Spanish language skills desirable
  • Experience managing a team of 3 or more

Education

  • B.A. required (M.A. preferred) and 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience managing, designing and implementing educational programs, preferably in a multidisciplinary museum, cultural, school or community-based setting

To Apply: If you would like to submit your resume for consideration for a position, please choose one of the following options:

By e-mail: jobs@okeeffemuseum.org
By download: Please download the employee application and mail or email it to the Museum.
By mail: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Human Resources, 217 Johnson Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501

No phone calls please. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

https://www.okeeffemuseum.org/about-the-museum/opportunities/