Mirken Coordinator of Academic and Public Programs [Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, ME]

Description

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby’s rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 57 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,850 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.

Under the leadership of its new president, David A. Greene, Colby is building on this strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College’s deep liberal arts traditions. This new chapter includes plans for creating innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics. Colby invites applicants to apply for the position of:

This position will report to the Mirken Director of Academic and Public Programs and work closely with the Curator of Academic Programs to support the Museum’s educational and public programs for the Colby College community and for adult audiences, and to maintain a high standard of visitor experience.

Working closely with other Museum staff, the Mirken Coordinator of Academic and Public Programs will develop new programs for the Colby community and adult audiences. This will include developing and implementing creative public engagement initiatives, scheduling and facilitating programs for Colby and adult audiences, and helping to implement the Museum’s plan for diversity and inclusion.

The Mirken Coordinator of Academic and Public Programs will work with the Curator of Academic Programs to provide curricular outreach, administrative support, and access to the collection to Colby faculty and students. This position will also help to organize and run workshops and symposia for faculty on object-centered teaching. This position will also work closely with the Museum’s Student Advisory Board and other student groups to increase interaction and dialogue between students and the Museum as a whole.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct outreach to individuals and groups, both on the Colby campus and in the Waterville community
• Work closely with Collections and Marketing staff, assisting with social media and other publicity for public programs and events
• Work closely and cooperatively with security and other areas of the Museum to plan and coordinate all public programs and events for adult audiences
• Work to improve the quality of public programs and assess their impact through the development of effective evaluation systems
• Schedule class visits to the Landay Teaching Gallery and the permanent galleries, and maintain overall calendar functionality
• Develop and support museum visits from courses across the Colby curriculum by greeting classes, working with students, and assisting with art handling when necessary
• Support research on artworks by providing access to the collection and relevant object files
• Assist in the supervision of the research assistants
• Collect and analyze evaluation data from students and faculty
• Manage the Museum’s front desk including hiring, training, scheduling, and managing student greeters ensuring the best possible experience for Museum visitors; and coordinating with temporary staffing; Ensure the front desk displays appropriate educational and informational materials, and communicate regularly and effectively with Museum security and custodial staff
• Maintain schedules and calendars

• Perform additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in art, art history, or a related field, or the equivalent in education and experience
• 1-2 years of experience working in an art gallery, museum, or other cultural organization is preferred
• Excellent communication, administrative, and writing skills
• Capable of being proactive and of working independently and as part of a team
• Highly organized, punctual, detail-oriented, and possess strong research and verbal presentation skills
• Able to lift archival boxes and handle artworks with utmost care
• Basic computer proficiency, including knowledge of scheduling, word processing, and spreadsheet software, is required
• An ability to work comfortably with diverse audiences is crucial

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the Mirken Director of Academic and Public Programs and works closely with the Curator of Academic Programs and other Museum staff. The position has ongoing interactions with faculty, staff, students, alumni, museum guests, and outside vendors.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Walking, standing, bending, and twisting is required. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary.

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Mirken Coordinator of Academic and Public Programs – Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME  04901-8855

A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual’s qualifications to contribute to Colby’s educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran’s status.  Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution’s education programs and activities.  Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby’s Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights.  We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our college.

For more information about the College, please visit our website:  www.colby.edu.