Applications due September 15, 2014.

The Walker Art Center seeks a vibrant and visionary Director and Curator, Education and Public Programs who will be responsible for the leadership, strategy and direction of our educational, interpretive, and public engagement activities that take place within the Walker’s 16-acre campus and in digital/online platforms. As the leader of a key programming department within a multidisciplinary art center, s/he collaborates with staff senior leaders across all programmatic areas including the departments of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film/Video, Architecture and Design and New Media Initiatives to advance the Walker’s mission as a “catalyst for the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences.”

As an advocate of life-long learning opportunities, the Director and Curator, Education and Public Programs is a strong voice within and outside the organization on the topical issues surrounding the evolving nature of curatorial and intellectual practices within the museum and cultural fields. S/he will create opportunities for audiences of all ages, levels of interest and abilities to understand, appreciate and question contemporary art and artists. In addition to being conversant in digital modes of content delivery and social media platforms, s/he ensures high-quality and efficient processes of program assessment and evaluation methods throughout the organization.

This position reports to the Executive Director/Chief Curator and serves as a member of the Executive Director’s cabinet, a core group of senior leaders, to provide strategic leadership, oversight, and management of integrated exhibition, collection, and education initiatives for the institution.

We seek candidates who bring an expertise in utilizing a collaborative and integrative approach to program planning within an institutional setting; who have experience with holistic and long-term planning processes; and will bring a vision for new media platforms and initiatives to further our commitment to being an audience-engaged, accessible institution now and for the future.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strong leadership and vision for the direction, development and implementation of all public programs at the Walker that elucidate the organization’s dynamic multidisciplinary program and commitment to contemporary art, artists, and audiences.
Conceive and implement programs that attract broad and diverse audiences by staying aware of demographic shifts in the Twin Cities, with a view to deepening intercultural competencies within the Walker.
Collaborate with Walker staff on public programs and interpretive efforts related to the Walker’s diverse collections and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and broader campus. Provide leadership and strategic input across departments related to visitor and audience engagement.
Work across departments to plan artist residencies and develop colloquia, symposiums, lectures, tours, new scholarship, and events on-site and on-line that expand the understanding of contemporary art’s impact on the public sphere.
Take a holistic view of programming to develop seasonal and annual program plans that support all curatorial areas of the organization including, the permanent collection; exhibition program; performing arts and film/video seasons, and design and architecture programming.
Participate in all curators’ forums and program strategy meetings, often taking the lead in key topics for discussion and setting future agendas for cross-departmental planning.
Manage and cultivate an extensive network of educational partners in the community and beyond, helping advance cooperative programs with area schools, from K-12 to colleges and universities, while furthering collaboration with peer arts organizations and agencies.
Oversee the Walker’s nationally recognized teen and youth programs and provide direction for their continued evolution.
Oversee several ongoing partnerships in the management of dynamic online resources for artists and educators across Minnesota.
Work with departments such as New Media Initiatives, Membership/Development, and Marketing/Public Relations to strategize on methods and analyze results of audience research, visitor demographics, and the monitoring of the public’s perception and experience of the Walker.
Collaborate with the departments of Visitor Services and Security to ensure the best front-line experience for visitors.
Collaborate with the departments of Marketing/Public Relations and the Web Editor to strategize on methods of sharing content, publicizing and maximizing participation in all public programs and advising on strategies for print, radio, media, website and social media platforms.
Help promote and identify funding sources for Walker exhibitions, publications, public programs, and audience engagement.
Job Requirements

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

Excellent knowledge of modern and contemporary art and the global discourse surrounding current curatorial practices and the art of our time.
Graduate degree in museum education, art history, arts administration, or related discipline, preferably associated with developing and leading forward-thinking education and engagement initiatives.
7 years of progressive and successful experience in the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational and audience engagement programming.
Experience working with diverse communities, audiences and constituents of varied backgrounds and needs.
Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to identify new opportunities for audience engagement and development.
Demonstrated experience and sensitivity in hiring, training and motivating staff at all levels.
Highly developed leadership and managerial skills to lead teams and collaborate across departments and program areas.
Excellent written and public speaking communication skills.
Demonstrated experience in financial planning, strategizing and working on fundraising proposals. and managing budgets.

FOR CONSIDERATION: Please email your letter of interest, resume (Word or PDF format only), and salary requirements to jobs@walkerart.org. Within your letter of interest, please address each of the following questions:

1. What makes working within a multidisciplinary arts organization an ideal opportunity?

2. Where do educational and curatorial methods intersect within your practice?

3. How do you envision engagement and interpretation working together to enrich the

audience experience?

Application deadline is September 15, 2014.

Walker Art Center is committed to increasing diversity in our workforce. We are an EOE/AA employer dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: See Instructions within or visit www.walkerart.org/jobs
Email Address: jobs@walkerart.org