Manager, Education Volunteers [The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art]

To plan and implement the recruitment, training, and retention of education volunteers with a particular emphasis on the Docents and Museum Guides. To serve as a liaison and volunteer advocate between the Education volunteers and staff.  Working collaboratively with other education staff members, participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of visitor interactive experiences, tours and outreach presentations. Collaborate in the evaluation of school tours; mentor Coordinator, Education Volunteers; participate in program development and delivery of selected public programs as assigned.

Accountabilities

Volunteer Management

Using the museum’s strategic plan as a guide, lead and manage Education Volunteer (Docent, Museum Guide, Visitor Research and Library) initiatives, programs and tasks that result in an effective program that is aligned with changing needs of the museum and volunteer ability/interest.

Education

Actively understand and employ current pedagogy and learning methodologies, both in terms of volunteers and their training, as well as the audiences they engage with—school groups, adults, and families.  Balance the needs of the museum with current volunteer knowledge, skills and abilities and design strategies to bridge any gaps that exist between museum needs and volunteer skill sets.

Collaboration

Maintain lively and frequent exchange with staff stakeholders to balance audience and volunteer needs; partnering staff include, but are not limited to: Manager, Volunteer Services, the Heads of School and Educator Services, Interpretation and Visitor Research, Library Services, and Public Programs.

Recruitment

Design, implement, and evaluate recruitment programs for volunteers, connecting these groups with other volunteer benefits, groups and social events.

Training Programs

Design, implement, and evaluate all training programs for Docents and Museum Guides. Collaborate with appropriate staff to evaluate school tour delivery. Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of guided tours for adult audiences with input from the Docent Committee and museum staff.

Supervision

Assign supporting duties to the Coordinator, Education Volunteers and supervise this part-time position

Program Budget & Program Reporting

Collect statistics and prepare reports related to assigned programs. Prepare and manage the annual budget for project codes pertinent to assigned programs.

Staff Liaison

Participate in pan-institutional teams and long-range planning groups as assigned; be accountable to the Division as a liaison, advocate, and transmitter of information regarding plans and decisions that result from these groups.

Volunteer Benefit

Design, implement and evaluate all benefits and appreciation related to education volunteer positions.

Position Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Art History, or Museum Studies.

2 or more years’ experience managing volunteers in multiple roles.

Experience in free-choice learning, adult training and education.

Demonstrated capacity to lead and motivate a volunteer workforce

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Good time management and organizational skills

Preferred Requirements

Master’s Degree in the above areas

Experience in museum volunteer management

Experience working in an art museum

Successful supervisory experience

Experience with change management

Knowledge of current best practices in program evaluation and audience research