The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. It is encyclopedic in nature with strong holdings across all media, all traditions and all ages.  The Art Institute is particularly recognized for its extraordinary Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary and American collections, among other aspects of its holdings.  In addition to housing its permanent collection, it typically stages 35-40 special exhibitions a year.  In 2014, it was named by Trip Advisor travelers as the number one museum in the world, a remarkable recognition that speaks not only to the quality of the collection but to the entirety of the visitor experience.

The Art Institute welcomes between 1,400,000 and 1,800,000 visitors a year and has a membership of 100,000.  The museum has an annual operating budget of approximately $110 million.

Founded in 1879, the Art Institute grew with the success of Chicago and quickly attained world class stature given the strength of its collection.  The Art Institute has expanded several times in its history, most recently and notably with the opening in 2009 of the 264,000 square foot Modern Wing designed by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano.  The addition has been critically important to the museum as it not only provided much needed gallery space, but also allowed the Art Institute to reorganize its galleries to present the collection in a more logical and accessible fashion.  The new addition also includes one of the largest education facilities at any museum and this center has allowed the Art Institute to expand its already impressive array of offerings.

The Museum Education department is currently seeking a coordinator to provide ongoing management and training for volunteer Docent corps that works primarily with student K-12 audiences. With guidance from the Director, develops and implements short and long-term strategic plans for the docent program, including: establishing ongoing education programs, managing communication, and overseeing evaluation of active docents. Recruits and trains new Docent classes. Together, the Director and Docent Program Coordinator are responsible for maintaining the relationship between the Museum and the Docent corps (including active and Honorary docents).

Primary Responsibilities:
-Set annual curriculum of weekly and monthly training sessions on relevant topics that enhance touring skills by increasing docents? knowledge of the collection and special exhibitions; promoting best practices in gallery teaching; promoting awareness of learning styles and appropriate developmental levels; and ensuring alignment with the needs and interests of teachers, students, and schools.
-Provide ongoing support and evaluation to docents-in-training as they write tour papers and begin touring
-Provide administration that promotes effective communication and accurate record-keeping.
-Facilitate initiatives that promote self-governance and camaraderie.
-Collaborate with colleagues to revise and/or develop new programs that are relevant, responsive, and developmentally appropriate to the K-12 student audience and teachers.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

-Master’s degree required in Art Education, Art History, Museum Education, or other arts-related field
-At least 3-5 years of experience in a museum education environment highly preferred
-Facility with standard computing applications
-Previous experience supervising volunteers or staff is desired
-Museum teaching for either/both adult and student learners
-General knowledge of art history
-Knowledge of scholarship in relevant fields

Professional Skills and Disposition
-Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
-Interest and experience in working with both adult and student learners
-Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to multi-task
-Interest and experience in both self-directed and collaborative learning and teaching
-Ability to be both firm and flexible as the situation dictates
-Ability to present ideas and information clearly to and respond to questions from multiple audiences
-Awareness of the need to be diplomatic and tactful
-Interest in keeping current with research and trends in formal and informal learning environments

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

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Apply URL: https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html