Education and Public Programs Manager [Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, TX]

EDUCATION AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS MANAGER

The Education and Public Programs Manager is a full-time, exempt member of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s artistic and administrative staff and provides leadership, direction, and coordination for the Museum’s education and public programs as part of the Community Engagement Department.  The employee is responsible for the research, development, planning, implementation and evaluation of all education and public programs at the Museum and for ensuring that these forward thinking programs complement and supplement the exhibition program, involve diverse audiences of all ages, serve the institution’s mission, and are guided by its long-range plan.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Exhibition and Education Programs

• Supervises the Education Associate and Tour Coordinator and works to accomplish the goals of the Community Engagement Department and the museum as a whole
• In collaboration with other members of the Community Engagement Department and curators, develops, plans, and implements all exhibition programming, including but not limited to gallery talks, lectures, symposia, special activities, performances, film screenings, music concerts as well as activities for families and children
• Develops educational programming to reach a broad range of audiences in line with shifting needs of Houstonians
• Supervises and evaluates all museum-based school programs, including school tours for students and Educator Open House
• Plans, implements, and evaluates all on-site and off-site programming for general audiences that is mission driven, fiscally sound, and audience responsive
• With the Tour Coordinator, supervises the training and evaluation of FAQteam members, CAMH’s docent program
• Supervises the research, writing, and distribution of resource materials for educators
• In consultation with the Director of Community Engagement, prepares Museum publications that describe and/or market programs to audiences, educators, and special constituencies
• Prepares and/or supervises exhibition interpretation materials, including didactic labels, gallery notes, family guides, visitor comment books, and other related visitor services in close consultation with exhibition curator and Director of Community Engagement
• Provides the Communications Associate with programming content for the Museum’s website as well as social media and other marketing needs
• Develops and writes scripts, identifies and secures speakers, and organizes recording of the Museum’s audio guide and videos as applicable
• In close consultation with the curatorial staff and the Director of Community Engagement develops strategies with particular attention to audience sensitivities or needs to be taken into account and devises innovative strategies for encouraging positive respectful discussion
• Cultivates productive educational, performing arts, and other cultural and civic partnerships, leveraging shared resources, cross promotion, and creative programming

Publications and Public Information

• Reviews, advises, and/or originates contributions to the Museum’s scholarly publications and public information materials as required
• Develops exhibition handouts that provide information and programming schedules
• Works closely with the Director of Community Engagement to promote the Museum’s programs for all constituencies both internally and externally

Institutional Advancement

•    Assists Development Department with general fundraising activities, including providing relevant programming data and program specific content for grant and sponsorship proposals and reports to assist fundraising efforts

• With Development Department coordinates special interpretive programs for members and other special constituencies including prospective donors of all levels
• Assists the Director of Community Engagement in preparation of the department’s reporting to the Board of Trustees as needed

Administration and Financial Management

•    Prepares, monitors, manages, and evaluates the department budget

• Manages all aspects of the Museum’s intern and volunteer program, including marketing, interviews, selection, and assignment to Museum departments
• Supervises and provides academic reports to interns’ institutions, as appropriate
• With Tour Coordinator maintains and manages the department’s education contact database

Other

•    Conducts research in the field and maintains contacts with museum education colleagues, scholars, and artists

• Identifies, initiates, and deepens relationships with various community stakeholders
• Represents the Museum to a variety of special constituencies (local, regional, and national) and to the public at large

•    Attends exhibition previews, most programs, and related events as assigned

• Other duties as assigned

Reports To:  Director of Community Engagement

Supervises:  Education Associate/Teen Council Coordinator, Tour Coordinator, and Museum interns as needed.

• M.A. in art or art history, with a concentration in modern and/or contemporary art or an advanced degree in Museum Education or related field preferred
• Wide knowledge of and enthusiasm about contemporary
• Special and passionate interest in the place of contemporary art in civic life and a diverse community
• Broad knowledge of current practice and theory of the art of today with a wide knowledge of the best thought-leaders and presenters in the field
• Minimum of five years Museum experience in an art museum’s curatorial or education department with a measurable level of achievement of institutional goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present information in a variety of formats, to understand and present information to a variety of audiences, and to communicate the Museum’s mission with passion and sensitivity
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, artists, donors, and lenders
• Record of strong management and analytic skills, both strategic and operational
• Familiarity and experience with appropriate, current computer programs and technology