Curator of Education and Interpretation
The Role
The Curator of Education and Interpretation will be responsible for leading a comprehensive educational program which includes the Museum's world class Hot Shop and the Education Studio. This position goes beyond traditional museum education in that it takes a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to engaging and broadening a diverse audience. Key responsibilities include creating, developing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and overseeing all educational programs for schools, the general public, and a diverse range of community groups. This position will take a leadership role in creating and developing partnerships and cultivating relationships with other community institutions, schools, and civic organizations to create a social fabric of inclusion and civic responsibility. The position reports to the Executive Director.
Reporting to the Curator of Education and Interpretation are the following positions: Assistant Curator of Education, Community Engagement Manager, Education Associate, Education Assistant, Audio Visual Manager, Hot Shop emcees, Hot Shop Heroes coordinator, Hot Shop Heroes instructor pool, Science of Art coordinator, and Contract educators. In addition, the Curator is the staff liaison for the docent corps.
Major duties and responsibilities:
The Curator of Education and Community Engagement will take a leadership role in the following broad education initiatives:
- Partnership with University of Washington Tacoma: Museum of Glass has partnered with University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) on several levels; this position is responsible for fostering and cultivating this partnership. UWT students complete internships at Museum of Glass and UWT students are offered glass classes that are taught at Museum of Glass.
- Hot Shop Heroes Program: Partnership with Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and Veteran's Administration (VA): MOG established a program for military personnel and veterans in 2013. Beginning with a "Military Appreciation Day" at the Museum sponsored by Dale Chihuly, the program grew in to a series of two 8-week long glassblowing classes. The combination of teambuilding skills, attention and focus, and creative expression result in a robust program that offers opportunities for growth. By augmenting psychological services provided at the VA hospital, Warrior Transition Battalion, and Intrepid Spirit Center, the Hot Shop Heroes program improves holistic wellness, and provides support as individuals transition back into active service or civilian life.
- Hot Shop Heroes Expansion: In order to lead the expansion of this program to other institutions nationwide, a curriculum has been developed. The Education department will be leading the piloting of this curriculum and the development of training vehicles over the next year.
- Science of Art Program: This program is an interdisciplinary program based on a multiple-visit model. Students are taught two lessons in their classroom, and then visit Museum of Glass for an experiential class. There are six units available, arranged by grade levels. The program is focused on identifying and teaching the skills and processes that are shared in the sciences and arts, including an emphasis on observation skills, criteria development, craftsmanship, and shared results and dialogue. With ambitious plans for growth to include on-line instruction, and increased student contact hours Science of Art will play a major role in the regional education community.
- School Visit Program: Led by docents a visit to MOG is a highlight for many students and typically includes a tour of the galleries, a Hot Shop visit and an art activity. Pre- visit curriculum is provided for select exhibitions.
- Hot Shop Live! Daily online streaming of the Hot Shop is coordinated and presented as an education offering. With MOG's on-line audience steadily increasing the opportunity to program on-line content is of increasing importance.
- Education programs and activities associated with Major Exhibitions: In gallery and on-demand didactic information is developed in collaboration with curatorial team members. This has included gallery guides and activities, digital components, and hands-on areas.
Education and Experience
Education - Master of Education or related field
Years of experience - Five or more years' experience in museum education or academia
Certifications - n/a
Other - Familiarity with the history of glass in the context of contemporary art
- Proven ability to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals; demonstrates interest in building positive and authentic relationships.
- Experience in budgeting, developing work plans, and monitoring progress.
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and superb presentation skills, in English.
- Ability to lead and manage others, as well as work as an effective team member.
- Ability to effectively manage a high work load, multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Strong attention to detail, excellent organization skills, and ability to work well under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
- Strong contributor to a positive and collaborative organizational culture that helps attract and retain competent, caring staff.
- Appreciation for the dramatic arts and their role in engaging audiences.
- High ethical standards and values.
- Passion for the mission, vision, values and goals of the Museum of Glass
- Evenings and/or weekend work will be required.