Museum Educator | Beaumont, TX

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Museum Educator

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Develops and implements educational programs for a variety of audiences in accordance with institutional mission and interpretive goals.  Using the McFaddin-Ward Museum collections, develops and prepares Lesson Plans and implements programs that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards; maintains ongoing working relationship with schools and educators, as well as with area cultural institutions.  Assists with the training program for museum volunteers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

ADULT EDUCATION: INTERPRETATION & EXHIBITIONS

-           Develops and implements complimentary educational components for special exhibits and interpretations.

STUDENT EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING

-           Works closely with area schools, both public and private, (including home schoolers) to develop classroom and on-site Lesson Plans and other programming that directly align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, incorporating, where possible, the museum's mission and interpretive goals.

-           Assists with and participates in collaborative efforts with other museums and cultural organizations in program development for schools and other audiences.

-           Plans and coordinates a “Teacher Open House” to introduce area educators to programming and Lesson Plans available through the McFaddin-Ward Museum.

-           Develops and implements extra-curricular programs for children, such as after-school and summer day camp programs.

VOLUNTEERS\DOCENT EDUCATION

-            Leads and conducts Docent training in conjunction with the Museum Curator, and in coordination with the Director of Public Programming.

-            Develops and maintains the Docent Volunteer Training Manual, and Lesson Plans for training sessions.                       

-            Assists the volunteer coordinator in the recruitment, training, and scheduling of volunteers.

PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS

-           Works with other staff in the design and production of printed materials promoting educational programs.

-           Works with the public relations coordinator on media promotion and coverage of departmental programs.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

-           Develops and implements evaluation techniques for and monitors relative success of educational programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE

-           Prepares annual budget recommendations to address the capital and operating needs of the department.

COLLECTIONS

-            Responsible for management of the museum's teaching collection according to established policy.

OTHER

-            Functions as a member of the exhibit team, developing themes, exhibits, interpretation and promotion of exhibits.

-            Serves as a member of the editorial team of the museum's newsletter, contributing articles and other materials as required.

-            Performs other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor for the good of the museum.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will bring strategic vision and passion for educational impact and reach. The Educator must be a positive leader, capable people manager, and skilled administrator with a keen and proven ability to translate plan into action through a broad range of educational initiatives.

The Educator must be a culture builder, stellar communicator, strategic thinker, and relationship builder with ability to articulate an inclusive vision that others are excited to embrace and follow. The candidate must have experience managing staff, volunteers, budgets, and program plans. The Educator is responsible for developing and maintaining active and productive relationships with the staff, and for being a highly visible presence both within the museum and throughout the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

-            Advanced degree (M.A. preferred) in history, knowledge of education best-practices across various disciplines (not just history), and an ability to implement a broad range of educational tools and methods, including research in learning theory, program evaluation, and visitor studies, as well as the application and use of technology to engage, communicate, and attract audiences.

-            A track record of acting on innovation and experimentation that drives engaging and refreshing experiences consistent with a knowledge economy and a continuous learning philosophy.

-            Demonstrated ability in the successful development and maintenance of a wide variety of community partnerships and a commitment to diversity in programs and to developing and nurturing diverse audiences.

-            Recognized expertise in organizational management, capacity to inspire staff and volunteers, responsibly delegate tasks, and ensure a collaborative working environment, and ability to make strategic and qualitative judgments.

-            Proven ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with agility, thoroughness, and good humor, and to establish credibility with the Director/CEO, board members, colleagues, visitors, volunteers, donors, local government and public school officials, and the community leaders.

-            Substantial knowledge and skills in managing budgets and providing leadership for strategic-planning initiatives.

COMPENSATION

Starting Salary: $45,000

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter and current resume, along with contact information for three references, by email to: mcfaddinwardhouse@gmail.com