Senior Managing Educator, Public Programs and Creative Practice

The Museum seeks an inspiring and experienced educator who will serve as a key programmatic partner to a host of colleagues across the museum including curators, educators, programmers, librarians, scientists, etc. As such, the successful candidate is responsible for strategic planning, conceptualization, development, and implementation of public programs, gallery-based and studio-based programs for adults, supervising staff for public programs, gallery programs, studio programs within the museum and in communities. This person will set goals in consultation with the Educator-in-Charge for Public Programs and Engagement and will ensure their accomplishment through exceptional supervision and mentoring of direct reports and the development of strategic interdepartmental collaborations within the Museum, as well as outside partnerships that advance the quality, reach, impact, relevance and variety of programs.

This position oversees a newly created area in the Education Department devoted to public programs and creative practice including public programs and exhibition-related programs across audiences as well as gallery and studio experiences for adults. The position reports to the Educator-in-Charge of Public Programs and Engagement.

The position manages and connects several crucial areas of museum experience—gallery learning, art making, spoken word auditorium-based programs and events and programming formulated around the rigorous schedule of special exhibitions and permanent collection rotations–in order to ensure their interrelationship and relevance for adult visitors of all ages. The successful candidate will bring new perspectives and innovations to the content and format of existing programs, will initiate new programs, and will engage new and broader audiences in in-depth, meaningful experiences around works of art.

S/he is responsible for strategic planning, conceptualization, development, and implementation of a Museum-wide program of lectures and panel discussions for general audiences, and other events targeted at academic and by-invitation groups. This person supervises staff for public, scholarly, gallery, and studio programs and coordinates a broad array of Museum Education events which take place in lecture halls, galleries, studios, auditoriums, and other setting, and are intended to meet general adult and specialized audience interests and needs. This position also oversees program development and budgets for special exhibition and new installation-related Education programming for all audiences. In this role, s/he works closely with education, curatorial, conservation, and exhibition staff to develop meaningful collaborations that result in high quality and creative programs to represent exhibitions, the permanent collection, and special projects.

The Public Programs and Creative Practice area embodies those of the Education Department: to promote direct engagement with works of art; provide variety and diversity in the visitor experience; foster local, national, and international partnerships where possible. The position will set program specific targets in consultation with the other colleagues and will ensure their accomplishment through exceptional supervision and mentoring of direct reports and the development of strategic interdepartmental collaborations within the Museum, as well as outside partnerships that advance the quality and variety of programs.

Key relationships: Chairman of Education; Educator in Charge, Public Programs and Engagement, other Education staff in: Academic and Professional Programs; Teaching and Learning Programs; Administration, Communications and Operations; and Live Arts; staff of other Museum Departments, including: Curatorial, Science, Library and Conservation; Development;Visitor Services; Security; Exhibitions, Design, and Special Events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILIES & DUTIES:

• Develop and implement strategic vision and goals for public programs, creative practice, programs for adults in galleries, studios, auditoriums, communities, etc. and lead evaluation efforts to determine success
• Assess content, formats, and audiences of existing programs and propose innovations and initiatives to optimize offerings
• Establish partnerships with key external organizations and/or leaders to develop dynamic collaborations, interdisciplinary approaches, and expanded audiences
• Develop the area’s annual budget, analyzing and making recommendations for fee-based programs and revenue targets, and working closely with the Development Department to secure program support
• Establish efficient processes and systems for program development and logistics
• Supervise and instill high performance levels and accountability in staff
• Identify and implement strategies to reach a broad audience and build awareness of the Museum’s programs
• Collaborate with other members of Education staff and with staff throughout the Museum
• Establish processes for collection and exhibition-related program development that represent best practices, ensure smooth workflow, and maximize collaboration
• Other duties as assigned

Experience and Skills:

• 5-7 years experience in education and public programming within an art museum; additional 3 years teaching and researching experience in academia preferred.
• Proven track record of developing, planning, producing, and implementing a demanding schedule of high quality, innovative museum education and public programs related to special exhibitions, gallery rotations, and related projects in museum settings, in communities, etc.
• Senior administrative and management experience including managing budgets, staff supervision, and project team leadership within a museum education department
• Ability to effectively manage and mentor staff within a complex institutional environment
• Effective negotiation skills and proven collaboration with diverse range of stakeholders within cultural institutions and with outside partners and organizations
• Strong, proven track record of attracting broad and diverse audiences
• Exceptional organizational, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstratable record of collaboration with Development in fundraising initiatives for Education and public programs in a museum context

Knowledge and Education:

• M.A. in Art History, Museum Education, or other related field, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of current learning theories and pedagogies for general adult audiences
• Knowledge of and experience with studio practice and contemporary artists
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in gallery teaching and pedagogy
• Full familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite 2007/2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

How to Apply:
Send CV and cover letter to Careers@metmuseum.org with job title in the subject line. Cover letter REQUIRED.