The Assistant Director for Education and Public Programs will be a strategic and collaborative leader who will serve as a confident and passionate advocate for the value of educational programming at the Museum, as well as a creative thinker who can leverage advances in the digital world to further the goals of the museum’s education program as a leader in the field. She/he will articulate a coherent vision with a clear set of priorities, framing the discussion around the development of the Museum’s educational agenda, a priority being online and other digital programming, with input and support from senior management, staff, and constituents. The Assistant Director will implement her/his program to maximize the substantial resources and experience of the department – including a talented team of nearly thirty on two campuses. She/He will build a vibrant culture within the department, placing particular emphasis on collaboration, communication, and service. The person will actively foster collaboration with curatorial and other departments to ensure the museum offers an engaging experience for all ages and abilities. The Assistant Director of Education will be responsible for coordinating and aligning the broad range of public programming that services diverse local, national, and international audiences, children, family and adult visitors, and teachers and students working with the California curriculum.
The Assistant Director for Education and Public Programs reports to the Director of the Museum.
Vision and Innovation: Lead and develop ongoing educational programming in distinctive and creative ways that are consistent with the Museum’s mission and values, which have long been devoted to serving its audiences thoughtfully. Spark visitors’ curiosity by creating meaningful personal experiences for visitors with the Getty’s collections. Foster innovation and experimentation in developing and enhancing programs that actively encourage new and diverse audiences to explore and engage with art. Identify opportunities to leverage the uniqueness of the collections, exhibitions, and the Museum’s two sites, at the Getty Center and at the Getty Villa. Maximize opportunities to create learning experiences that will actively engage audiences both in the life of the Museum and with each other, as a community rooted in like-minded enthusiasm for art.
Digital Initiatives: Strategic and operational responsibility for developing and implementing digital initiatives for the museum’s educational and public programming onsite, offsite and online to position the Museum as a leader in this field. Major component of this position will be to complement K-12 school visits to the museum, workshops and other instructed experiences with a range of digital educational and public programs for all ages that can be accessed globally, including online teacher training.
Work collaboratively with museum and other Getty programs, as well as external resources and donors in the implementation of this vision.
Engagement: In a rapidly evolving landscape for audience engagement, develop and implement educational and public programs that will attract diverse age groups and communities to the Museum through a variety of channels to include emerging technology and social media. Also develop strategies and initiatives that complement and enhance the in-gallery educational experience, including curricular materials. Plan, direct and evaluate those strategies and initiatives for ongoing success to ensure programming provides appropriate and engaging experience for all museum audiences. Oversee the Museum’s ambitious Title 1 program for effectiveness and reach. Deepen the partnerships with public school systems across southern California. Help educators understand the value the Museum can bring to the core curriculum and inspire greater future involvement for both teachers and students in the life of the Museum and its collections. Forge new institutional partnerships, especially with other educational and cultural institutions, as well as those exploring digital and other new technologies. Maintain and invigorate existing partnerships to reach new audiences both directly, through programming efforts, and indirectly, through incorporation of new ideas and learning into relevant curricula.
Collaboration: Lead by example and encourage ever greater levels of collaboration among Museum staff, especially through partnerships with curators and the Museum’s departments of Collections Information & Access, Communications, and Design. Develop programs that anchor and enhance educational and outreach efforts. Collaborate with and serve the general audience needs of the Getty Research Institute and Getty Conservation Institute as required.
Leadership and Team Building: Articulate and advocate for the departmental vision and priorities clearly and effectively to all constituencies including the Getty Trust and Getty Museum management, the Getty Trustees, and the wider public. Attract, develop and motivate a high performing team at the Museum’s two locations, maintaining a service- and team-oriented departmental culture with a clear structure, including transparency on how each individual’s role supports departmental goals, open lines of communication and lines of accountability. Participate in fund-raising to expand and support department programming.
Management: The Assistant Director for Education and Public Programs is responsible for the day-to-day management of the department and oversees an annual budget of $4.6M. As a member of the Museum’s Senior Management team, she/he will participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and decision-making for the Museum overall while working closely and collaboratively with other divisions of museum to ensure the most effective offerings and programs for its large and diverse audiences. Enhance the quality and maximize the effectiveness of existing programs, such as the new in-gallery docent program. Continuously evaluate and review existing programs for effectiveness, relevance, and to prioritize resources. Drive the highest levels of program participant engagement and satisfaction possible.
Job Requirements
Advanced Degree in Education or Art History preferred
Five years organizational and administrative experience required
Knowledge of current and emerging educational and technological trends required
The Assistant Director for Education and Public Programs will be a leader with demonstrated experience in articulating a distinctive organizational, cultural, or educational vision and mobilizing internal and external support for programs. The successful candidate will be entrepreneurial, with an awareness and experience of current digital initiatives in the arts arena who can effectively guide the department in its ambition to be a leader in this field. She/He will demonstrate deep knowledge of and passion for art; commitment to education and lifelong learning, intellectual inquiry and visitor engagement; ability to recruit, manage, and develop staff; prior experience working with a board and/or multiple stakeholders, including volunteers, public school officials, community leaders, and prospective donors.
Creative and Visionary Leadership: The Assistant Director for Education and Public Programs will provide creative and visionary leadership required to realize new levels of success in educational programming and outreach by acting as a spokesperson and advocate for educational programming at the Museum, communicating its vision to generate excitement about programs and to attract new audiences; inspiring and encouraging discussions about how to engage visitors and develop audiences; bringing the resources of the Museum to an increasingly broad and diverse audience, seeking innovative ways to attract and retain that audience, and keeping aware of best practices and new ideas and instructional means.
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