ABOUT THE MUSEUM FOR AFRICAN ART

Located in New York City, the Museum for African Art (MfAA) is the nation’s leading institution dedicated exclusively to fostering understanding and appreciation of the arts, culture and people of Africa, both past and present. Through exhibitions and publications of the highest aesthetic and scholarly merit, and engaging programs of the widest possible audience, the Museum offers the public multiple perspectives from which to appreciate African art and understand the lives of the people who create it.

As the Museum for African Art approaches its 27th year and the realization of its capital campaign to construct a 90,000 square foot facility in Manhattan we are expanding our staff in preparation for the Museum¹s opening in Fall 2011. Until Summer 2011, staff will continue to work from offices in Long Island City. Museum employees across all departments are dedicated, hard working professionals engaged in planning for the opening of the new building, and creating and overseeing a roster of traveling exhibitions and programming for diverse audiences.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Youth Programs Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating a range of educational programs, specifically geared for youth audiences. The coordinator will be primarily responsible for a high school internship program and afterschool and Saturday programs for teens, and work as part of a team planning family and other public programs.  The coordinator is a newly created position, and will be a part of a growing education department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
·      Oversee the Youth Ambassadors High School Internship Program designed for students to deliver education programs, explore careers and learn work place skills, planning the program and supervising and scheduling high school interns.
·      Coordinate afterschool and Saturday programs including creating promotional literature, registering participants, and maintaining supplies.
·      Lead and staff appropriate educators and teaching artists for each program. Train and provide teaching artists and assistants with necessary resources and materials needed for planning and implementation of programs.
·      Document programs providing images, lesson plans, program summaries and updates for the Museum’s website and newsletters.

·      Coordinator will assist with other education and interpretive programs as needed, working with colleagues throughout the Education Department and the Museum. Other programs might include family and adult public programs, school and volunteer programs and artist’s residencies.
·      Work as a key team player with other staff on the implementation of long range education plans and other team endeavors.

Qualifications:
·      Individual must be a reflective practitioner with at least an undergraduate education in art history, history, anthropology, education, visual arts, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
·      Must enjoy working with high school aged youth and have a minimum of one year working directly with youth. Experience in youth development and empowering youth, with strong facilitation skills and experience in conflict resolution strategies is helpful.
·      Knowledge of child development and digital educational resources, writing curriculum around museum collections and exhibitions, and evaluation methods is a plus.
·      Candidate must be available to work after-school hours and with some weekends. Travel to school and community locations throughout the five boroughs may be required.
·      Excellent research, communication, organization, and interpersonal skills are necessary.
·      Candidate should have a strong desire in collaborating with schoolteachers, teaching artists, and Museum staff at all levels.
·      Spanish or French language ability and knowledge of underserved populations is helpful.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references by email only to careers@africanart.org with the subject “Youth Programs Coordinator Position.”

The Museum for African Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision benefits, 403b plan participation, paid annual vacation and sick time.