Director, Public Programs [Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC]

Description

*A cover letter is required with application.*

Summary: The Director of Public Programs researches, develops, coordinates, and teaches in innovative public programs that align with the Museum’s strategic initiatives to respond to human concerns through intellectual, emotional, or aesthetic experiences; develops and maintains diverse collaborations with University departments and other community organizations to engage current audiences and attract new audiences.

Essential Functions:

• Under the guidance of the Executive Director and Betsy Main Babcock Director of Program and Interpretation, provides vision and strategy for a broad portfolio of enriching and participatory public programming
• Recruits, selects and contracts with professional artists, curators and speakers to present a broad range of lectures, courses, day trips, drama, concerts, literature discussions, readings, and artists’ talks throughout the year
• Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with a broad range of academic and administrative departments of the University.
• Develops and maintains ties with local and regional arts and history groups.
• Assists in the interpretation of the museum’s collections to the public as a participant in the permanent and changing exhibition planning process.
• With other departments, conducts evaluation/assessment of program events.
• Engages board members and donors; collaborates with Development staff to craft engaging proposals, donor cultivation strategies, grant writing and reporting.
• Works in close collaboration with the department of Education to cultivate volunteer interpreters and apply current knowledge and research on museum education theory and practice.
• Works with Marketing and Communications in recruiting program audience(s) and with Event and Program Management Department to      identify and secure staff and equipment support as needed for programs.
• Researches, coordinates, and leads the Museum’s day trips to regional museums.
• Advocates for Reynolda House programs and initiatives including periodic travel locally and nationally.
• Collaborates on expanded interpretation initiatives, fostering community dialogue around related humanities themes.
• Works on special projects as assigned.
• Establishes and monitors budget.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• PhD or MA in Art History, History, Museum Education, Public History, American Studies, or related field and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the museum’s mission in developing programs.
• Broad knowledge of American art, museum learning theory, and history practice.
• Experience engaging audiences in in-gallery and online initiatives.
• Excellent teaching and interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of community audiences.
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking and record of aligning financial and human resources with programmatic goals.
• Organizational, fiscal, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Apps.
• Availability to work weekend and evening hours.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Must be able to meet the requirements of the University’s automobile policy.

Accountabilities:

• Supervises, trains, provides work direction and problem-solving assistance for staff and volunteers as necessary for development, implementation, and evaluation of program events or special projects.
• Maintains excellence in museum’s educational offerings and negotiates, tracks, and monitors department’s program budget

Note: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

 In order to provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

 Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

To be considered for this position, apply at www.wfu.careers.