Director of Programs and Exhibits [Telluride Historical Museum, CO]

Description

The Telluride Historical Museum is searching for a dynamic, creative, and motivated Director of Programs & Exhibits to lead the development and implementation of the museum’s on and off-site exhibitions, education programs, events and activities, as well as initiatives to connect the museum’s exhibitions and collections to a wider audience. The position will coordinate marketing and public relations with the goal of fostering community engagement, appreciation, and enthusiasm for Telluride’s regional history.

The position oversees all aspects of education programming, including teaching methodologies and frameworks and school-based programs for students and teachers. It also leads the design and installation of intellectually lively and welcoming exhibits, as well as interpretation of the museum’s artifacts and regional history, both within the museum’s walls and throughout the community.

The Director of Programs & Exhibits will develop relationships with regional art and culture institutions, forging genuine and lasting partnerships and securing new funding for program activities as needed. The position manages a Programs and Exhibits Coordinator, as well as contracted presenters, museum volunteers and docents.

Specific responsibilities:

Works closely with the Executive Director to formulate a vision and goals for the museum’s education and public programming.

Oversees the implementation of all education and public programming.

Works with the Programs and Exhibits Coordinator to design and install temporary, off-site, and permanent exhibitions, including interpretive text.

Works closely with collections management staff and the Executive Director to develop programs, interpretation and interactive elements that supplement and enrich exhibitions.

Assists in the planning and direction of special events.

Works with contracted program presenters and/or scholars.

Contributes to newsletter articles, catalogue essays, and exhibition text as required.

Assures the museum’s educational programs and activities are relevant to the community and museum visitors, and are of the highest professional caliber.

Supervises and trains volunteers and/or docents.

Requirements

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in art education, American history, art history, museum studies, studio art or another discipline related to the goals and objectives of the museum, preferably supplemented by graduate-level study or an advanced degree in these areas.

Two years increasingly responsible experience as a museum or arts educator.

Strong demonstrated written and verbal communication, planning, and coordinating skills; demonstrated ability to develop and implement unique and effective programs; ability to work in a team environment; and considerable knowledge of practical and theoretical museum/arts education.

Passion for communicating the value of museums and museum education, and an unfaltering enthusiasm for the power of the museum setting to change lives.

Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs or more.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
Background in design and comfort working using the Adobe Creative Suite.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

Knowledge of museum education practice and theory.

Ability to conduct independent research for museum exhibitions and programs.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, board members, donors, and the general public.

Experience working with docents and volunteers.

Ability to successfully market and promote museum programs and events.

Knowledge of history in an area related to the museum’s collections and programs.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to Kiernan Lannon, Executive Director at kiernan@telluridemuseum.org.  Please include “Director of Programs and Exhibits” in the subject line.  May 5, 2016 at 5:00 PM MST is the deadline to submit an application.