Curator of Education: Docent, School, and Adult Programming Specialist
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

*Overview:*
The Woodson Art Museum ­ a 35-year-old, well-supported north central Wisconsin museum ­ seeks an innovative and dynamic educator to manage and grow school and docent programs and expand adult programming. Responsibilities include docent recruitment and training; development and implementation of interpretive programs related to permanent collection and changing exhibitions; oversight for new media and access projects. Effective and proficient oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, are essential. Art history, studio art, or art education degree and museum education experience desired. Send letter with resume, work
samples, and references to: Kathy Kelsey Foley, Director, Woodson Art Museum, 700 North 12th Street, Wausau, WI 54403

*Position Summary:*
The docent and school programming specialist serves as one of two education curators, both equally responsible for managing the Museum’s education functions. The person in this position is responsible for all aspects of docent and school programming, including research, strategic planning, presentation and publication duties, and developing, implementing, and assessing the Museum’s docent and school programs and projects. Additional responsibilities include planning and oversight for adult programming (including ensuring access for visitors with special needs) and involvement with all new media ventures (including social media, blog, audio tours, YouTube channel, app development, etc.). The incumbent must be a person who can work with diverse groups of people in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

*Principal Duties and Responsibilities:*
§  Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates education programs and activities for docents and school groups as well as adult visitors.
§  Recruits, trains, and supervises docents.
§  Develops, implements, promotes, and oversees all school group Experiences, including when necessary, playing a hands-on role.
§  Acts as the Museum¹s liaison to local and regional public and private education communities as well as regional and national museum education communities.
§  Develops and implements exhibition-specific interpretive methodologies, including audio tours and projects utilizing new media technologies.
§  Participates in development and implementation of the Museum’s outreach  and residency programs in collaboration with the family and children’s programming educator, including artist residencies and SPARK!.
§  Conducts research regarding the permanent collection, changing exhibitions, and educational theory as it relates to the museum experience and lifelong learning (both formal and informal).
§  Formulates annual budgets for docent and school programs and adult programming and maintains oversight of these budgets.
§  Represents the Museum before professional museum organizations, funding agencies, businesses, service clubs, government agencies, and the general public.

*Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:*
*Education/Experience:* Bachelor’s Degree in art history, studio art, education/ museum education, or related discipline; Master’s Degree preferred. Three to five years in a museum or education setting, plus coursework in appropriate discipline (art/art history, museum studies,
education, communications).

*Skills/Abilities:*
§  Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills.
§  Possesses competent computer skills along with familiarity with new media and web 2.0 technologies and a willingness to explore these rapidly changing opportunities for communication and outreach.
§  Exhibits impressive organizational skills and flexibility.
§  Manifests enthusiastic self-motivation.
§  Demonstrates ability to plan innovative programs and handle multiple tasks.
§  Demonstrates effective leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to work jointly with other staff members as well as supervise employees and volunteers.
§  Communicates effectively to a wide range of audiences, including museum visitors of all ages.
§  Possesses a commitment to professional growth, including oral and written presentations.
§  Demonstrates knowledge or experience in program evaluation and museum methodologies.
§  Possesses a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

*Working Conditions:*
*Job Conditions/Work Location:* Work is performed largely in a pleasant office and gallery environment with minimal chance for personal injury. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Weekend and evening program-related responsibilities are part of the position requirements.

*Physical Requirements:* May need to climb up and down stairs; to bend, stoop, and lift to move materials and retrieve files; to pull/push, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds; and to reach both above and below shoulder height.

*Equipment Operated/Software Utilized:* Computer, printer, fax machine, telephone, copier, flatbed scanner, laminator, LCD projector, audio-visual equipment including microphone and wireless internet set up, and video camera; Microsoft Office Suite, FileMaker, Audacity, and Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign and Photoshop).