Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Director of Education

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is a memorial to President Franklin Roosevelt on Roosevelt Island, in New York City.  The memorial was designed by Louis Kahn and opened to the public in October of 2012.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park is operated by the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation under a Cooperative Agreement.  In addition to operating and maintaining the Park, the Conservancy’s mission is to provide public programming and to promote fdr4freedoms.org, an online educational initiative that tells the story of the Roosevelt era in historic video, audio and photos.

Job Description

The Director of Education (Director), under the supervision of the VP of Operations, is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of educational programs and community outreach.  The Director is responsible for developing, creating and supervising the implementation of all educational Park programming.

Since 2013, the Conservancy has offered inquiry-driven guided school group visits, student art-making workshops, family workshops, performances and lectures.  The Director will continue to build upon the existing offerings, ensuring that newly developed programs reflect the mission of the Conservancy. Programs should educate and inform the participants about President Roosevelt’s vision of the Four Freedoms, conveying their importance and relevance to today’s society, fostering conversation, and inspiring positive social action.  The programs should also be reflective of Kahn’s design principles and initiate dialogue on architecture, art and aesthetics. Educational programming specific to the Roosevelt era should complement content available on fdr4freedoms.org and support the New York City Social Studies Scope & Sequence, Common Core Learning Standards, and the NYC Blueprint for the Arts.

The Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Development and supervision of year-round educational programming tailored for students in grades 2-12; families; educators and adult visitors. Programs should be thoughtful and unique, engaging participants in critical thinking about the Four Freedoms and the Roosevelt legacy, close observation of the Louis Kahn-designed monument, and the exploration of the surrounding built environment.
  • Development and management of an Education team, consisting of P/T and Seasonal Staff hired and trained to lead departmental programs throughout the year.
  • Development of online educator resources, including pre and post-visit guides and resources related to teaching the Four Freedoms in the classroom.
  • Development of teacher resources, including Educator Guides, for the web-based fdr4freedoms.org digital resource.
  • Development and oversight of citywide partnerships with government agencies, such as the Department of Education (DOE) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
  • Development and fostering of relationships with a diverse group of constituents including Roosevelt Island residents, New York City public and private schools, Roosevelt House, Hunter College and United Nations’ employees, delegates and partner NGOs.
  • Collaboration with cultural organizations, artists, and educators to develop multi-disciplinary programs and events.
  • Systematic evaluation of all programming for relevancy, public enjoyment, educational merit and significance, improvement and continuing development.
  • Work with colleagues (and PR consultants) on the marketing of all programs through various channels including website, social media, and press releases.
  • Prepare and adhere to an annual programming budget.
  • Manage database of program records, tracking programmatic usage data to support the seeking of underwriting and funding for public programs.
  • Assist with drafting of grants specific to educational programming.
Requirements

Qualifications

The Director of Education requires five years of full-time supervisory experience in the management and development of educational programming at a museum, cultural facility, public garden or park.

Master’s degree in education, arts management, museum studies or other related field preferred, BA is required.

Ability to manage relationships with major external partners including schools, government agencies, and local and national education and arts associations.

Experience with the New York City Department of Education preferred.

Proven skills in curriculum development, budget preparation and financial analysis.

Experience with grant writing preferred.

The ideal candidate is an engaging, energetic and collaborative individual.  The candidate is a pro-active, creative thinker who shows initiative in all areas of responsibility and can work independently. The candidate must demonstrate excellent skills in leadership, communication (both verbal and written), organization, project management and implementation, and in interacting with the public of all ages. The candidate will have the ability to lead and inspire staff.  The candidate will strive to further the mission and goals of the Four Freedoms Park Conservancy and have a strong sense of social justice and equality.

This position will require some weekend availability and additional hours may be necessary during peak seasons and onsite special events.  The candidate must have excellent computer skills including Excel, Word and Power Point.

To Apply

Please submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

jobs@fdrffp.org

Please state the location where the job posting was seen.

Please visit our website at: www.fdrfourfreedomspark.org

Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.

The Four Freedoms Park Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Information
  • New York, New York, 10001, United States
  • 26188832
  • December 11, 2015
  • Director of Education
  • Four Freedoms Park Conservancy
  • Education
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 5-7 Years
  • 0-10%