The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking a professional who will provide oversight and leadership for a program of public gallery talks, subscription series, seminars, and other programs aimed at the adult general public.  The Associate Curator of Education will develop new strategies for learning and interpretation and will serve as primary liaison with curators. The Associate Curator of Education will also create and review interpretive materials in collaboration with curators and content committee such as labels, and interactive educational materials. Other responsibilities will include collaborating with other departmental, institutional programs and Woman’s Board on family, community and adult events as well as   researching and presenting public lectures for adult programs at both scholarly and popular levels.

  1. With the Deputy Director and the Director of Lectures and Performances, provide leadership for interpretive strategies for Adult Programs to foster institutional change and visitor engagement.
  2. Research, develop, and facilitate interactive gallery talks, presentations or electronic programs to a variety of adult audiences on the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
  • Deep knowledge of current research in art history, theory, popular and visual culture. Maintain knowledge of museum collection and research information about special exhibitions.
  • Act as departmental liaison for special exhibitions, working with curators and department staff to develop exhibition-related programming.
  • Consistent with the approaches of the Department of Museum Education, facilitate interactive experiences (when appropriate) with works of art that create an arena for visitor engagement involvement and participation through questions and discussion.
  • Audiences may include: adult general public, alumni groups, corporate groups, special guests, docents and other volunteers, community associates, museum support groups, college classes and other affinity groups.
  • Attend meetings for departmental planning or other museum meetings where an educator’s expertise and experience is needed.
  • As needed, represent the Art Institute on radio and television stations publicizing the programs and special exhibitions.

3. Guide the programming of public gallery talks and special-request group tours (over 500 annually).

4. Work with curators and content and interpretation teams to shape interdisciplinary educational approach

and digital techniques used in the galleries and exhibitions to innovate and meet audience needs.

5. Collaborate in written interpretation of the collection and exhibitions by composing and reviewing and/or

composing wall text copy for selected exhibitions or installations. Serves on museum-wide Label

committee with Deputy Director of Museum Education. Participates in mobile app production by assisting

in review of scripts.

  • Engage curatorial staff in presenting public gallery talks on special exhibitions.
  • Ensure the program of public gallery talks addresses the major themes and breadth of the museum’s collection and its special exhibitions.
  • Capitalize on opportunities to adjust, refine, or expand the program of interpretation and gallery talks as possible.

6. Act as Museum Education liaison (point person) for selected exhibitions collection installations, working

with curators and education staff to develop exhibition-related programming.

7. Represent the Deputy Director and the Art Institute at meetings, on radio and television stations publicizing

the programs and special exhibitions. Guide special guests contacted by Public Affairs, Marketing,

Development and/or President/Director’s office through the galleries.

8. Work in conjunction with partner institutions, cultural and academic entities to develop adult audience

programming on a given theme.

Job Requirements

Ph.D. in Art History or related field preferred, preference in Modern or Contemporary art; experience in lecturing (preferably some college teaching) and working with adult and university audiences; polished speaking and strong writing skills, wide range of art historical, theoretical and cultural knowledge necessary. Must have intellectual imagination as well as experience in project management, budgeting, and knowledge of evaluation techniques.  Previous experience in museum education, exhibitions or universities would be a distinct advantage.  Highly developed diplomatic skill with the ability to work flexibly and collaborate as part of a team.
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

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