Gallery Educator

Benefits

Additional Information

Job Description Department: Museum Linde Family Foundation School and Teacher Programs - JM Pay Rate Type: Hourly Employee Type: Job Summary: Viewing and discussing art is a vital part of the Museum's educational mission of transforming lives through art. As the individual welcoming our youngest visitors to the Colby College Museum of Art, the Gallery Educator will play a critical role in creating a dynamic, positive, welcoming, and enriching experience. Reporting to the Linde Family Foundation Senior Coordinator of School and Teacher Programs, the person in this role will collaborate cross-departmentally to develop, implement and teach age appropriate, curriculum-based gallery experiences for about 3,000 Maine K-12 school children each academic year. The ideal candidate is curious, punctual, friendly, detail oriented, and adaptable to changing situations. The position is 6 to 15 hours per week, primarily Tuesday -Friday, 9am to 1:30pm. THE MUSEUM AND ITS MISSION Located in Waterville, Maine, the Colby Museum opens access to art and artists for the Colby community, for Maine residents and visitors, and for audiences beyond, creating a forum for experimentation, research, dialogue, and connection. We grow and use our stellar collection in ways that activate the power of art to expand imagination and forge new connections, fostering a more open, creative, and compassionate society. We teach to inspire and open possibilities, so that students at Colby and other visitors can become more curious, nimble, and able to contribute within a changing world, in keeping with Colby's dynamic liberal arts mission. We incubate art scholarship and practice in ways that explore and expand how the idea of America is understood and how art is made, interpreted, and shared. We do so by supporting new research, providing mentorship, and convening a diversity of people and perspectives. The Lunder Institute for American Art and our exhibitions, programs, and publications facilitate field-wide impact. We are committed to our audiences, including the Colby College community, residents of Waterville and the broader Maine region, national and international visitors, and the artists, scholars, and partners with whom we collaborate. Essential Functions To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned. Design and implement arts-integrated gallery experiences for K-12 audiences. Greet and manage museum visit logistics at the campus museum and downtown at the museum's Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center. Work closely with staff and teaching artists to coordinate the logistics of a museum visit, which typically includes a gallery experience, studio project, and lunch. Lead or Co-Lead tours, workshops, and professional development programs for area K-12 educators. Provide support for existing and new educational programs. Facilitate interactive in-person and virtual tours for schools. Lead art activities in area schools, in collaboration with classroom teachers, for a multiple-visit program for 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade students. Assist with data collection and evaluation of participant feedback. Participate in scheduled training sessions and become trained in all exhibitions and programming. Conduct independent research on artists and artworks in Museum exhibitions and the Museum's Permanent Collection. Ability to work occasional weekends and/or evenings. Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. Position Qualifications Education and/or experience: Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of recent and relevant experience or any equivalent experience and education in Art History, Studio Art, Classroom Teaching, or Museum Studies. Experience in the development of arts-integrated education programs, art-making workshops, and curriculum is preferred. Familiarity with gallery-based discussions that combine visual arts and academic subjects focused on contemporary art and utilizing visual thinking and inquiry-based learning strategies preferred. Relevant engagement and/or administrative experience preferred. Strong oral communication, interpersonal, and public communication skills to interact with all levels of visitors, staff, and trustees. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to complete clear, concise, and accurate reports and other documentation. Highly motivated, flexible, and comfortable with all audiences. Strong attention to detail and problem solving skill