Director of Education [American Craft Council, Minneapolis, MN]

Description

About the Organization:

The American Craft Council is the leading nationwide arts nonprofit cultivating a culture of making.  For more than 75 years, the American Craft Council has championed craft. We recognize the profound impact craft has on individuals and communities.  Today, our efforts span the nation, supporting professional makers through our unique nonprofit craft shows. In addition, we provide educational resources for artists and the public with a one-of-a-kind reference library, conferences, public lectures, and student programs. Our national awards spotlight both emerging artists and traditional rare-craft artists, and honor long-time master artisans. We also promote the handmade through our resource-rich website and award-winning magazine, American Craft.  Since our move to Minneapolis in 2010 we have reinvigorated and expanded our programs to benefit and grow the craft community.   See more about our work at www.craftcouncil.org.

Position Description:   Director of Education

Reports To:

Executive Director of the American Craft Council

Summary:

The director of education is responsible for creating a roster of thought-provoking, strategic, and engaging educational programming that will position the American Craft Council as a leader in the field, attract a growing audience, and facilitate meaningful conversation about craft.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. In accordance with the Council’s strategic plan, develop and execute a roster of programs that will:

• Strengthen economic opportunities within the craft field, including development of professional development programs for established and emerging artists;
• Promote and advocate for craft as an important cultural resource;
• Provide thought leadership and cultivate critical thinking about contemporary craft

2. Oversee the budget for the education department and work with the development department to make recommendations for potential sources of programmatic support for all educational programs. Working closely with the development team, assist in authoring grants and presentations to foundations, individuals, and organizations that may give financial support for education programs.

3. Promote the programs of the Council in collaboration with the marketing department. Working with the marketing and communications director, identify and execute promotional campaigns for outreach for programs to a wide audience, including development of promotional materials in both print and online formats.

4. Identify and develop beneficial programmatic partnerships with other individuals, organizations, and institutions that will strengthen Council’s ability to fulfill its mission to champion craft. Develop and manage key relationships with local and national craft education, craft media and other art organizations. Continue local and national educational initiatives, including Library Salon Series, Crafted Conversations Series, Craft Cage Match, media-specific organization conference speaker partnerships, and others.

5. Manage and develop artist training initiatives, including web coursework, in partnership with MICA and other constituent partners.  Oversee School to Market program with partner school faculty and students as part of ACC Show initiative.

6. Supervise and manage the library as a key component of the Council’s education program. Position the library as a premier source for information about contemporary craft and expand access to library materials through digitization. Supervise and manage the librarian and part-time librarian, developing and recommending library policies to ensure smooth operation of all library functions.

7. Lead strategy, planning, and implementation of ACC national conference program, beginning in 2016 and continuing every three years.

8. Contribute to scholarly discourse on the field of craft through posts on ACC website, articles for American Craft magazine, Emerging Voices Awards publication, ACC podcast, and with outside partners, as appropriate.

9. Oversee the roster of ACC award programs including the ACC Awards (Gold Medal, College of Fellows, Award of Distinction and Award of Philanthropy), the Emerging Voices Awards, the Rare Craft Fellowship Award in Association with The Balvenie, and the American Craft Show Awards of Excellence.

10. Supervise and manage the education coordinator, education and library interns, and project-specific contractors to ensure successful execution of programs and complete after action reviews of work.

11. Act as an ambassador for the American Craft Council and its programs, promoting the Council as a leader in the field.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with other senior staff and the executive director to develop education policies and procedures for the Council.
• Work with committees of the Council’s board, particularly the Education Committee and Awards Committee to determine strategies for education programming and awards presentation.
• Maintain all records of programmatic and partnership activities.
• Perform other tasks as assigned or necessary

Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Seven years professional educational program development in the art/craft field;
• Organized self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including the ability to work closely with trustees, ACC members, colleagues, and outside constituents;
• Proficient computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications;
• Proven track record of successful development of arts educational programs on a local and national level;
• Experience in shaping and maintaining national partnerships with cultural institutions, membership organizations and colleges/universities;
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree preferred;
• Salary commensurate with experience

Application:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Lindsay Noble at employment@craftcouncil.org.  Please submit your application by February 26, 2016.