Description

Mission

The mission of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is to provide innovative, educational and multidisciplinary arts experiences, building upon our history as a unique cultural pillar of the Rocky Mountain region. Our vision is to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality through the performing and visual arts and arts education.

Position Summary

The Museum Education Specialist designs and delivers engaging educational opportunities for museum patrons. In close collaboration with curators, creates and provides highly engaging learning and interpretive experiences. Year one primary focus will be to manage a major innovation at the Fine Arts Center to design and implement a customized semi-permanent interactive exhibition using the latest technologies to create a 21st Century Museum experience. This position will manage the volunteer docent program and provide training for docents and staff regarding the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Serves on a highly collaborative museum team
    1. Serves as an integral member of the museum professional staff, developing exhibition strategies and plans and working together to provide exceptional museum experiences.
    2. Plays multiple roles in the furtherance of Fine Arts Center and museum-specific goals and objectives. Assists wherever may be needed in a spirit of team work.
    3. Meets regularly with the Chief Curator to receive direction, provide updates, and discuss initiatives.
  2. Manages special project to create 21st Century Interactive Interpretive Gallery (averaging 20 hours per week for the first two years)
    1. Is the staff lead on a $715,000 grant to design and implement a customized semi-permanent interactive exhibition using the latest technologies to create a 21st Century Museum experience.
    2. Coordinates the internal work of the Fine Arts Center (Museum, Development, Communications, the President’s Office) and the external contractors and consultants to deliver a state of the art interactive exhibit within 10 months.
    3. Drives content development for the initial phase and becomes the content manager and volunteer supervisor of this exhibit once it is deployed.
  3. Develops educational / interpretive materials in collaboration with curatorial staff
    1. Develops and implements educational and interpretive materials (both digital and physical) and programs under the direction of the chief curator and in close collaboration with other museum staff.
    2. Researches art in the collection and on loan to the museum in order to develop accurate and engaging content.
    3. Develops and maintains digital content for enriching the museum experience.
    4. Develop innovative experiences that engage visitors
    5. Works with the Tactile Gallery Committee to enrich experiences through the ability to touch. Expands on this area to become an introduction to the museum experience.
  4. Manages Docent Program
    1. Works collaboratively with the leadership of the large volunteer docent organization (approximately 80 active docents) to deliver excellent museum education experiences for planned tours and daily guests.
    2. Trains and inspires the docents on interpreting the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
    3. Brings best practices of museum docent education to the Fine Arts Center.
    4. Works with other FAC staff to ensure tours and patron experiences are handled with excellence.
  5. Staff Education
    1. Proactively trains staff of various functions (Patron Services, Security, Arts Education) on the basics of each exhibit. Provides talking points for marketing and communications on exhibits.
  6. Other duties as assigned including participation in internal and external events, representing the FAC with professionalism and passion.
Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Passionate about the mission, vision and values of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
  2. Undergraduate degree in art history, art education and/or museum studies required. Masters degree preferred.
  3. A minimum of five years of relevant experience, ideally in museum education.
  4. Expertise in and enthusiasm for using digital media to engage, educate and entertain.
  5. Experience in managing complex projects to completion.
  6. Demonstrated experience in engaging cross-generational and diverse audiences.
  7. Ability to uncover stories hidden in the collection / exhibitions and make them resonate with a wide variety of audiences.
  8. Excellent written communication skills for both the general public and academic audiences.
  9. Excellent public presentation skills one-on-one and in large groups.
  10. Excellent interpersonal skills and warmth of personality to engage individuals and groups.
  11. A propensity to work as a team member across the organization and with external stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions include both a typical office environment and the more physically demanding work of leading tours, training, installing interpretive materials and the like. Hours are generally normal work week hours but will include some evenings and weekend hours. This position has been funded for two years and will be offered on a two year contract with the intent to make it a regular position pending additional funding.

Job Information
  • Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903, United States
  • 28729863
  • May 26, 2016
  • Museum Education Specialist
  • Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
  • Education
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 3-5 Years
  • 0-10%
  • $42,000.00 – $43,000.00 (Yearly Salary)