JOB TITLE: Director of Education
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

The Mattatuck Museum is known for engaging its community in an understanding of the past and providing vision and leadership for the future through its exhibitions, programs and collections of national significance. These initiatives interpret the history of the greater Waterbury region and American art from the Colonial period to the present.

The ideal candidate for the Director of Education is a highly motivated, organized individual with a passion for art and Connecticut history; demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically; excellent communication skills, especially the ability to speak and write about the museum, its collections, and program activities in a manner comprehensible to diverse audiences; a positive work outlook; high energy, strong motivation, and a hands-on work ethic; the personality to enjoy social and community interaction; a professional demeanor; diplomatic, and comfortable in dynamic or challenging situations; and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

 

A key member of the museum’s senior management team, the Director of Education will:

 

  • Oversee all interpretive and educational program development, planning, implementation, scheduling, and evaluation, including student programs that meet the Connecticut Learning Standards, as well as the Connecticut English Language Arts Curriculum Framework; youth and family initiatives; adult learning opportunities; and teacher professional development programs;
  • Insure that education programs reflect current scholarship and interpretation, are publicized widely in the community, are carried out in the most effective manner related to facilities and the visitor experience, are financially responsible, and managed well;
  • Collaborate with school educators (administrators and teachers), other non-profit and cultural organizations, and independent consultants or community advisors (when applicable) to design, implement, and evaluate programs that are based on the highest standards of excellence, as determined by the field of museum education;
  • Develop long-range goals, objectives and benchmarks for the Museum’s services to schools, teachers, youth organizations, families, adults and seniors;
  • Responsible for Education Department Budget oversight and accountability, working closely with the Finance Director;
  • Personally present programs, teach classes and conduct tours when required and appropriate;
  • Strive to expand programming where possible and feasible;
  • Work with the museum grant writer and lead grant application project budgets and program details, execute grant award projects and related budget tracking (restricted/unrestricted funds), and provide first drafts of required reports;
  • Maintain a high level of content knowledge of museum themes and related materials, and possess outstanding communication and presentation skills;
  • Supervise the Public Programs Manager;
  • Develop and manage the docent, volunteer and internship programs including recruitment, training, scheduling and evaluation of all guides and teaching staff;
  • Maintain close cooperation with curatorial staff to ensure appropriate care for historic artifacts and to develop curricula and programs in conjunction with changing and traveling exhibitions;
  • Aid in the development of museum marketing, publicity and publications, including brochures, posters, print/newspaper ads, event program books, etc.;
  • Aid in the development of educational programming content on the museum Web site and within the social media tools; and
  • Perform independent research to prepare historically accurate and relevant programs.

 

The successful candidate will possess:

 

  • Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization (Art, Design, or Architectural History; American or European Studies; History; Museum Education, or related field), with at least two years of related program experience; or a bachelor’s degree in the same and four years of related program experience;
  • At least 2 years of professional supervisory experience with a working knowledge of workplace regulations and standard supervisory procedures and techniques;
  • Excellent interpersonal and management skills, combined with a team player approach;
  • A high level of energy, with a willingness to develop and execute a wide range of activities, from the day-to-day to the highly creative and visible;
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with volunteers and professionals;
  • Strong organizational and management skills;
  • Effective oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to work independently and perform multiple tasks simultaneously without close supervision;
  • Ability to prepare budgets and reports for management and the board;
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and in critical situations as required, as well as the character to be punctual and reliable;
  • Proficiency in computers and data management, as well as proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word and Excel). Experience in web-based applications, social networking (Facebook, twitter, tumblr) and the ability and aspiration to learn new programs is desirable;
  • Demonstrated creativity relating to the development and presentation of interpretive tours, public programs, and writing materials; and
  • Knowledge of educational technologies as tools for learning/teaching.

Members of the senior management team are expected to devote a significant amount of time and energy to the successful fulfillment of their responsibilities. The director must be prepared to work evenings and weekend hours, in addition to fulfilling the obligations of a routine workday. Occasional travel for work both within and beyond the region may also be required.

Salary Range: $42,000-$50,000, commensurate with experience

The museum offers full benefit package including vacation, holidays, health insurance and 403b plan as well as support for professional development to qualified employees.

To apply, please send cover letter that addresses qualifications and interest, current resume and 3 professional references to: DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SEARCH, Attn: Robert Burns, Director, Mattatuck Museum,144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 or via email to rburns@mattatuckmuseum.org. Deadline to submit an application is November 2, 2012.

Documents should be sent as attachments using Microsoft Word or PDF format, and should not exceed five (5) megabytes. No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Mattatuck Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism, as well as to the development of a climate that supports equality and diversity.