Public Education Coordinator [Dole Institute of Politics]

Public Education Coordinator

Position Description

KU Jobs Requisition 3057BR

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics was established in 1997 as a result of Senator Dole’s gift of his papers to the University of Kansas.  The Dole Institute makes the Senator’s official and personal papers and congressional materials available to scholars and the public alike, and hosts a continuing set of lively programs that connect politics, public policy, and history to faculty, students, and the general public.

The mission of the Dole Institute of Politics is to promote political and civic participation as well as civil discourse in a bi-partisan, philosophically balanced manner. By providing a forum for discussion of political and economic issues, fostering public service leadership and encouraging participation in the political process, we emphasize that politics is an honorable profession and provide opportunities for all to interact with political leaders, practitioners and authors. The Dole Institute also emphasizes that only through political and civic participation can citizens redirect the course of our nation.

The Robert J. Dole Archive and Special Collections department is responsible for collections-based functions at the Dole Institute of Politics. Our collections include one of the largest congressional manuscript collections in the country which attracts researchers from around the world. In addition the collections include over 25,000 photographs, hundreds of videos and several thousand objects accumulated by Senator Dole over the course of his 35 year political career. The main gallery of the Dole Institute tells the inspiring story of Senator Dole, beginning with his childhood in depression-era small town Kansas, his experiences in WWII and his remarkable political career marked by his trademark humor and bi-partisanship.

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the Senior Archivist, the Public Education Coordinator will be responsible for creating and implementing primary source based learning experiences in coordination with Institute and departmental initiatives, primarily for K-12 and family audiences, including History Day. Programs may take place on-site and/or in-classroom. Duties include:

• Program development (60%): Develop and implement collections-based sustainable and dynamic programs and activities for youth & family audiences. Build relationships and audiences by collaborating with University, school and community groups.

• Program execution (30%): Lead logistical planning for tours and instructional sessions, as well sessions themselves. Supervise students and volunteers as necessary.

• Internal Collaboration (10%): Work closely with Dole Archives and Institute staff to support and enhance other organizational initiatives, such as archives, exhibits, marketing, and development.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years related experience. Degree must be in Museum Studies, Education, Public History or related field. Must have completed degree by start date.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and organizations.

• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative educational programs and projects.

• Strong research skills as evidenced by education and/or experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 1 year of professional experience in museum education and/or museum interpretation.
• Knowledge of national and state educational standards, as well as current educational theories and strategies as evidenced by education and/or experience.
• Classroom management and/or group logistics experience.
• Interdisciplinary perspective as evidenced by education, experience, and/or application materials.
• Experience working and/or teaching using primary resources in an archive.
• Experience supervising volunteers and/or students.
• Experience or education regarding US Politics or the life of Senator Bob Dole.
• Experience and familiarity with local community organizations, university, and/or regional education organizations.

Work Schedule: M-F 8-5, some evenings and weekends as needed.

Terms of appointment: Unclassified Professional Staff exempt position, $41,299 annual salary.

Application Procedure:

Applications and attached documents must be submitted electronically through the KU Human Resources website, search for requisition 3057BR. Only complete applications will be considered. Applications must include the following:

• Complete contact information, including telephone and e-mail addresses, for 3 professional references

• Cover letter containing a brief statement of interest and an assessment of skills related to the required and preferred qualifications

• Resume or curriculum vita

Apply by midnight on May 14, 2015 to be considered. Application review begins on May 15, 2015.

Estimated start date: July 6, 2015

Contact: Audrey Coleman, amcoleman@ku.edu, 785-864-1405

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information and retaliation in the University’s programs and activities. Access to information regarding equal opportunity and diversity worksite posters is available at http://www.humanresources.ku.edu/policies_procedures/category_details/index.aspx?category=8 or you may contact 785-864-4946 or employ@ku.edu for alternate access options.  Any inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY