Manager of School Programs & Partnership [Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA]

Description

Overview

Opening in spring 2017, the Museum of the American Revolution will explore the complete story of the American Revolution using its distinguished collection of objects, artifacts, artwork, and manuscripts. Permanent and special exhibition galleries, theaters, and large-scale tableaux will bring to life the original “greatest generation,” and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. Construction is now underway for the new Museum that is being built steps away from Independence Hall. It will serve as a portal to the nation’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context and encouraging explorations that begin at the Museum’s doorstep.

Position Description

The Museum of the American Revolution is seeking an experienced museum education professional to co-create and manage innovative, engaging, inspirational and accessible programs and resources for educators, students, families and community organizations. Reporting to the Director of Learning and Engagement, the Manager of School Programs and Partnerships is responsible for implementing, managing and evaluating field trip programming,  museum curriculum, teacher workshops, online resources and pedagogical training of the Museum Teachers who will lead facilitated school programs. The qualified candidate is skilled at program maintenance, budget management, education and community outreach, and logistics for a variety of programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate onsite and offsite educational programming in keeping with the museum’s mission and strategic direction.
• Work closely with the Director of Learning and Engagement and the museum’s curatorial and education staff to create historically accurate and highly engaging on- and off-site school programs that meet state and national curriculum standards, and utilize historical thinking strategies, object-based learning and other museum education best practices.
• Work proactively and collaboratively with teachers and administrators in program development, to assure Museum programs and curricula support and meet the changing needs of the education community.
• Work closely with Visitor Services, Group Sales and other staff to manage school programs onsite at the Museum, and off-site at school and community locations.
• Assist with managing the Museum’s Teacher Advisory Board.
• Assist with recruiting and hiring museum educators delivering school programs.
• Ensure proper training of the Museum’s educators, and work to ensure quality delivery of programs. Foster a culture of learning and community among the Museum’s educational staff.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with teachers and administrators in Philadelphia-area and regional schools, basing such collaborations on shared goals and fiscal viability.
• Lead school-based gallery tours as need requires or time permits.
• Work closely with other staff to create engaging and inspirational learning experiences in the museum.
• Assist in the research and development of funding proposals for school, teacher and docent programs.
• Work with Curatorial, Education and Marketing staff to conceptualize, develop, execute, and publicize events and develop materials.
• Conduct routine evaluation and observation of full- and part-time education staff and programs.
• Additional duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in American History, American Studies or closely-related field required; Master’s degree in Education, History, Museum Education or Museum Studies strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 4 – 5 years of experience at a museum, historic house, or other informal education setting, planning and implementing relevant and creative museum education programs for K–12 students and teachers.
• Strong knowledge of the K-12 school environment, current theories and practices of object-based museum learning, and the Common Core social studies curriculum.
• Familiarity with 18^th century American history and material culture highly desired.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Experience with project and personnel management and program evaluation
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with Museum staff, patrons, and representatives of schools and other community-based organizations.
• A collaborative, energetic, pro-active work style
• Ability to speak and hear clearly, and lift 25 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be capable of undertaking multiple projects simultaneously and balancing long- and short-term priorities, with equal attention to big-picture goals and small logistical details.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia and nearby School District personnel and curriculum a plus.