Director of Museum Education- Newport Museum of Art

Director of Museum Education

SUMMARY:

The Newport Art Museum seeks an experienced and energetic professional to lead our Museum Education Department during a time of growth, renewal and exciting projects. The Director of Museum Education is responsible for providing creative and strategic leadership in overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s educational programming, including but not limited to, a year-round tuition-based studio school for all ages and experience levels, extensive community arts education outreach offerings, in-gallery and on-campus interpretive and learning initiatives, the museum studies program for high-school students, teacher resources and professional development materials, assisting the Director of Community Engagement with museum volunteer docent training and public tours, and partnering with nearby Universities and Colleges in developing an accredited Museum Studies program with the Newport Art Museum as the learning lab.

The Museum Education Director ensures seamless execution of these programs through effective operational planning, budgeting, staff supervision and training, program delivery, and follow-up evaluations. The Director works collaboratively and inter- departmentally to generate concepts, content, communications, and funding that will make its programs successful and expand the reach and reputation of the Newport Art Museum and its Coleman Center for Creative Studies.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Museum Education oversees an administration staff of two, as well as Museum School teaching artists, interns and volunteers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establishes short-term and long-term goals and objectives for the Museum Education department in consultation with the Executive Director and other Museum Department Directors

Oversees the development of museum tuition-based education programs that are effective and engaging, meet the needs of diverse audiences, promote the Museum’s mission and vision, and meet or exceed the Museum’s financial goals

Manages the development, implementation and continuous monitoring of the department budget in conjunction with the Director of Finance and Executive Director

Works closely with other Museum department directors to plan, promote, and execute Museum arts education programs that will enhance exhibits, public programs, and donor cultivation efforts

In conjunction with Museum’s Director of Advancement, identifies funding needs, helps prepare proposals as well as final reports, and deepens relationships with various community stakeholders, thereby expanding the Museum’s professional connections and visibility on a local, regional, and national level with high schools, community colleges, universities, other museums, and supporters of arts education

Ensures program effectiveness and content quality through monitoring, evaluation, and feedback with adherence to nationally accepted standards

Serves on interdepartmental projects, such as the Arts Campus redesign, Artist-in-Residence program, grant writing, strategic planning, and marketing initiatives

Ensures program effectiveness and content quality through monitoring, evaluation, and feedback with adherence to nationally accepted standards

Proposes new program initiatives that align with the Museum’s strategic plan

Working with the Museum Education Associate, oversees daily management of education contact and class tuition data base

Hires, trains and supervises museum education staff, interns, and volunteers

Produces the research, writing, and coordinates the distribution of resource materials for arts educators

Assists in planning for meetings of the Board of Trustees and manage the meetings, agenda, goals, and reporting of the Museum Education Committee

Represents the interests of the Museum Education Department in management-level meetings and in meetings of national and regional conferences, staff task forces, work teams, etc.

Performs additional duties as directed

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Masters Degree in art, art history, education or an advanced degree in museum studies preferred

A minimum of three years experience in managing a successful studio arts education program within a museum, school or community setting a plus

Ability to develop quality, imaginative, and forward-thinking programs and curricula that when appropriate, adhere to Rhode Island’s National Core Arts Standards

Previous participation with community arts outreach programming and working knowledge of effective partnership models to successfully deliver such programs

Demonstrated knowledge of effective personnel and budget management practices

Ability to create and implement both short-term projects and long-range plans

Broad knowledge of the significant thought-leaders and presenters in the field

Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Special and passionate interest in the place of contemporary art in civic life and a diverse community

An established network of artists, arts teachers, community programmers, as well as public and private school administrators in and around Rhode Island a plus

Willingness to work overtime during special events, facility rentals, heavy visitation, or to meet a deadline

Excellent writing, speaking, organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills

Computer literacy, particularly in word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet programs

Strong passion for the mission of The Newport Art Museum

Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel

TO APPLY:

Please include a cover letter, current résumé, and three references. No phone calls please. All requests should be emailed to: jobs@newportartmuseum.org, with “Director of Museum Education” in the subject line. This is a full-time position with benefits. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  The Newport Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

The Newport Art Museum & Art Association, established in 1912, educates and inspires a diverse audience by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting historic and contemporary visual arts of the highest quality with an emphasis on the rich heritage of the Newport region, and integrates appreciation for the arts and art-making into all its programs. The Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums

Director of Museum Education- Newport Museum of Art