Director of Education and Civic Engagement [di Rosa, Napa, CA]

Description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

June 15, 2016

POSITION TITLE:                 Director of Education and Civic Engagement

REPORTS TO:                      Executive Director

TERMS:                                Exempt, Full-time

SUPERVISES:                      Visitor Services Manager, Volunteer Manager, Gatehouse Gallery personnel

Summary: The Director of Education and Civic Engagement is responsible for overseeing di Rosa’s education and public programs, interpretive projects, and visitor services. This is a new position, created in response to exciting changes and opportunities and based on a renewed commitment to civic engagement. We are seeking an innovative and enthusiastic individual, experienced in cultivating community relationships leading to diverse and dynamic experiences for our visitors and the surrounding region. This position requires strong people and organizational skills, with experience in managing, planning, and implementing concurrent and varied activities and programs. The Director of Education and Civic Engagement is a member of the di Rosa Senior Management Team.

About di Rosa: di Rosa is a catalyst for transformative experiences with contemporary art of Northern California. Located on 217 scenic acres in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley, di Rosa offers a variety of exhibitions and educational programs for all ages and houses the foremost collection of Bay Area art in the world. A wide range of styles, media, and subject matter provides an overview of the creative energy and freedom to experiment that characterizes this region of California. The property includes three separate galleries, a sculpture park, a 35-acre lake, and a nature preserve. The organization is currently in transition from Founder governance and support to functioning in the public domain.

Scope and Nature of the Position

The Director of Education and Civic Engagement is responsible for advancing di Rosa’s vision through the execution of di Rosa’s educational strategy. With programs and activities both on and off site, these are initiatives that are relevant and compelling to the region’s diverse communities. Activities support youth and adult audiences in deepening their experiences with art and the creative process, and inspire learning and engagement in the site’s natural habitat. There will be a major focus on developing new approaches to programming and interpretation that engage audiences in considering major issues, ideas, and events of our time through art. The position requires extensive collaboration with curatorial and other staff and community members, including volunteers.

Major Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and direct innovative programs that animate and interpret di Rosa collections and changing exhibitions including artist’s talks, workshops, forums, symposia, and public conversations with cultural thought leaders.
• Serve as di Rosa liaison to primary and secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, and partner community institutions; represent di Rosa’s educational mission to the community at large
• Cultivate community partnerships and initiate collaborations for on and off site programs and related regional initiatives
• Oversee recruitment and training of docents and Gatehouse Gallery hosts. Work in collaboration with the Volunteer Council on stewardship and retention of docents and Gatehouse Hosts
• Work with Curatorial staff and others to ensure the appropriateness of educational materials and programs for audiences of various ages and backgrounds
• Oversee visitor services to advance di Rosa as a welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring experience for all visitors

Management and Administration

• Supervise and manage four department staff to ensure the effective implementation of department activities
• Oversee daily operations including scheduling and implementation of tours and tracking of visitor and audience participation
• Develop and supervise long-range planning activities for programs and operations, and prepare and maintain budgets
• Collaborate with other staff in preparing grant proposals and related reports, and promoting educational activities
• Manage special projects and related contractors and consultants

Requirements

Working Conditions: Di Rosa is set amidst the agricultural zone of Napa’s Carneros wine-growing region. Applicants must be comfortable with and enjoy nature, including native waterfowl and domestic peacocks that roam freely amid the sculpture on the grounds. Must be able to actively lead and participate in tours on rugged terrain. Must possess a car and valid driver’s license and be willing to work nights and weekends.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• An excellent communicator who has strong public speaking and writing skills, utilized for both internal purposes and external audiences
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing educational programs successful in attracting funding/income, and providing access to all visitors
• Trained and knowledgeable about current museum practices and education pedagogy, visitor experience strategies, and diverse methods in connecting with the public (on-line, off-site, and on-site)
• Experienced and knowledgeable about project management, including organization, scheduling, budgeting, program implementation, evaluation and visitor studies
• Experienced in building interpretive plans and audience development plans
• Broad knowledge of modern and contemporary art; strong familiarity with the art and artists of Northern California
• Savvy and seasoned in digital media and its applications
• Proven skills in common office computer programs: word processing, spreadsheets, email, database management, websites, and graphics

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree (MA or MS) in education, museum education, museum studies, art history or another field related to di Rosa’s mission and programs or equivalent related experience.
• Five years of experience in educational programming in a museum or cultural organization, including two years at a managerial or supervisory level with responsibility for designing and implementing programs serving diverse audiences
• Understanding of practices in museum education, community engagement, visitor services, and experience with oversight and/or training of docents
• Strong interest in, and awareness of, environmental issues

Other Qualities:

• Innovative, out-of-the-box thinker and creative problem solver with the ability to infuse excitement into what he/she does and with others
• Ability to maintain a sense of humor, demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness, and meet deadlines gracefully under pressure
• Demonstrated commitment to building productive relationships with diverse communities, including educators, artists and various networks of civic, social, and cultural organizations
• Diplomatic, with a professional demeanor for presenting to the Board, donors, and members of the arts community and general community
• Comfortable working at a museum, and in an organizational culture, that is in a fast-paced growth mode
• A secondary language, such as Spanish, is highly desired

Compensation and benefits: This is an exempt position. Benefits and compensation will be based on compensation history, breadth of experience and fit with the knowledge, skills and abilities described in this position.

To Apply: Send a letter of interest with resume, salary history, and three professional references to: Director of Education & Civic Engagement Search, di Rosa, 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559 or via email to: barbara@dirosaart.org

Applications are in review and position will remain open until filled.

di Rosa is an equal opportunity employer and encourages residents of Napa and the North Bay region to apply.