Education / Interpretation / Historian Positions







Docent Coordinator
Toledo Museum of Art
Toledo, Ohio, USA

  • Responsible for guiding and maintaining the relationship between the volunteer Docent corps and the Museum.
  • Works collaboratively with the Docent Board to identify need for, and recruit, new Docents.
  • Manages communication with Docents to build their connection with the Museum and enhance their understanding of the Museum’s educational goals and outcomes.
  • Provides training for new Docents and enrichment/development activities for the existing Docents to increase their understanding of the collection and education initiatives and to enhance their presentation skills.
  • Provides Docents with feedback, including peer observations and tour evaluations, and provides coaching or corrective action when appropriate.
  • Administers the program: responsible for keeping updated information on Docents, including contact information and evaluation information; coordinates all logistics for training, continuing education/enrichment sessions, and other Docent activities; ensures that logistics for tours are implemented and any other necessary support for successful presentation is in place.

Requires a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in art education, education, or art history with a demonstrated understanding of both adult learning principles and K-12 methods, and five years experience in a museum education environment working with volunteers, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience should include at least one year of supervisory experience. Must have basic computer skills with ability to use internet, produce documents using MS Word, perform basic operations in Excel and understand principles of relational databases with ability to learn basic functions and perform queries. Successful candidate will have an outgoing personality with strong interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, and demonstrated ability to lead and direct volunteers, with a broad knowledge of art history and creative use of studio art to aid in appreciation of visual art. Volunteer experience in a non-profit setting is highly desirable.

Full job description is available on our website: www.toledomuseum.org.

To apply, e-mail resume with cover letter to jobs@toledomuseum.org or mail to HR, Toledo Museum of Art, PO Box 1013, Toledo, OH 43697. Please make certain to indicate the position applied for.

The Toledo Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from July 26 through October 25.







Curator of Education
Fallingwater
Mill Run, Pennsylvania, USA

Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterwork, has an opening for Curator of Education. The Curator directs the interpretation and education department at Fallingwater, which includes the public tour program, interpretive staff training and a variety of public education programs. This position reports to the Vice President/Director of Fallingwater and is located in Mill Run, PA.

Required Qualifications include a minimum of an undergraduate degree in art education, museum education, architecture or art history, with a master’s degree preferred. At least 5 year’s of teaching or equivalent museum education experience is required. Five year’s supervisory experience is required; must have the ability to positively lead a large staff. Must be creative and have the ability to design innovative educational programs for diverse audiences; experience working with electronic media and writing curriculum. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and reflect a polished, professional demeanor in a variety of situations. Prior management experience, including formulating and managing budgets is strongly preferred. Grant writing experience would be a plus.

This is a full time position offering an excellent salary and fringe benefits package and the chance to work on educational programs for an architectural masterpiece. Interested candidates should send a letter, resume and salary requirements to wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list Curator in the subject line of the email.

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from July 23 through October 22.



Museum Teacher-Education Department
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut, USA

Mystic Seaport Museum has available: Museum Teacher-Education Department

The Museum Teacher uses the resources of Mystic Seaport to share stories of America and the Sea with audiences of all ages and learning styles. The Museum Teacher facilitates interactive, engaging, and inspirational learning pertaining to the Museum and maritime history for organized groups .

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS include flexibility, versatility, and adaptability, ability to work effectively and enthusiastically with diverse audiences in an array of learning environments. Also required is the ability to retain learned information and use it to engage audiences. Must possess excellent customer service, communication skills and reflect a polished, professional demeanor in a variety of situations. College level training is required, a background in maritime history, museum experience and/or teaching is preferred. Must be willing to work a highly flexible schedule corresponding to the needs of the Museum, weekend and holiday work assignments required.

Environmental Conditions include ability to work outside in all weather and deliver programs in venues that can be cold, wet, hot. Position requires sufficient eyesight, hearing, and physical stamina to fulfill the necessities of exhibit, demonstration or program requirements.

Position is seasonal. For an application or information visit our website www.mysticseaport.org/employment  or call Human Resources, 860.572.5346. Submit cover letter, resume, and Seaport application by August 20, 2010 to Mystic Seaport Museum, P. O. Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355, Attn: HR. An AA/EOE.
 
Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from July 20 through August 20.



Assistant Curator of Education - Public Programs
High Desert Museum
Bend, Oregon, USA
 
About the Position
The Assistant Curator or Education is responsible for the design, scheduling and implementation of a variety of Education programs with an emphasis on understanding and having an ability to work with young children. Responsibilities also include assistance with training and supervision of volunteers.
 
Responsibilities

  1. Develop curricula and assessment for the Museum’s on and offsite educational programming such as Summer Camp and Discovery Classes.
  2. Manage onsite programming such as the Otter Den, Backpack Explorers, Totally Touchable Tales, exhibit interactive tables, and Wild Wednesdays
  3. Assist in the development, implementation, assessment, and management of the High Desert Museum Public and School programs.
  4. Assist in the development, preparation, and implementation of educational programming for a variety of ages (especially young children) that is incorporated into ongoing exhibits and special events.
  5. Manage Public Program registration
  6. Manage and train Kids’ Program Volunteer Team and interns participating in various programs.
  7. Successfully satisfy animal handling training requirements and maintain animal handling protocols.

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Education, Natural Sciences, US History, Anthropology, or
    Museum Studies, with educational emphasis preferred.
  2. Minimum 1-2 years experience in an educational institution and/or instructional
    setting as well as experience with administrative duties.
  3. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices teaching methods and classroom
    Management of young children as well as older age groups.
  4. Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills.
  5. Ability to work well with a diverse group of people in a service oriented manner.
  6. Ability to teach a variety of subjects and grade levels effectively and energetically.
  7. Ability to work flexible hours and days.
  8. Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Access database.

Working Conditions
Work is both indoors and outdoors. Must be detail oriented in handling program scheduling and other administrative duties. Traveling is sometimes required. Must be able to multitask with a high degree of energy and enthusiasm for a visitor service oriented organization. Requires normal vision, hearing and problem solving skills. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Position requires some evenings and weekends.
 
To apply, email cover letter and resume to: jobs@highdesertmuseum.org
 
Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from July 9 through October 8.



Educator For Interpretation and Visitor Engagement (Half-Time)
Mohonk Preserve
New Paltz, New York, USA

Position Announcement

The Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported nature preserve is seeking an environmental educator to fill the position of:

Educator For Interpretation and Visitor Engagement (Half-Time)

The Preserve is a dynamic organization with responsibility for managing approximately 7,000 acres of the northern Shawangunk Mountains in Ulster County, NY. The Preserve has four integrated programs -- Research, Education, Land Stewardship, and Land Protection, and is a regional model for large-scale conservation planning which guards the integrity of our natural surroundings while providing for public recreation and education. We have an annual budget of $2.3 million, 30 year-round staff, and over 300 volunteers. We also have a diverse support base of over 12,000 individual members and supporters and a goal for a major/planned gifts initiative to secure a sustainable endowment. Our Visitor Center is acclaimed as a model of “green” design.

We have a strong Education Department which includes field studies for schools, summer camps, public programs, outreach programs, personal interpretation and exhibitry. We are seeking a half-time educator who loves the outdoors and has with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills who works equally well independently and as a member of a team. This position reports directly to the Director of Education. The position requires exceptional computer skills with a strong command of Microsoft Office applications. The essential responsibilities include the development of interpretive exhibitry, delivery of interpersonal interpretation for visitors, maintenance of live plant and animal exhibits, coordination of the volunteer Interpretive Guides program, and general support of the education department.

The successful candidate will have experience in written and oral communication, graphic design, and a proven ability to interact effectively with the public. A strong knowledge base of the natural and cultural history of the region and a commitment to the mission of the Mohonk Preserve is required. Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary for the candidate to interact with staff, volunteers, families and general visitors. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with volunteers, strong planning & time management skills, and be successful in meeting deadlines. Additional requirements include: Bachelor’s Degree in interpretation, museum studies, graphic design or related field; driver’s license; seasonal weekend and evening work; and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Excellent work environment with generous benefits including health, life, disability insurance, retirement plan, and access privileges to the lands of the Mohonk Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House resort.

Compensation: Mid-teens, commensurate with experience (half-time).

Must be received by July 21st. Send hard copy resumes with cover letter and references to: Director of Education, Mohonk Preserve, P.O. Box 715, New Paltz, NY 12561, or electronically to: employment@mohonkpreserve.org. No phone calls, please.

For information about the Preserve visit our web site: www.mohonkpreserve.org

Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from July 3 through October 2.



Character Interpreter
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Virginia, USA

Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Estate has an exciting upcoming character interpreter position within MVLA’s Interpretation & Events Division, office of Character Interpretation.  Please find information detailing the requirements below.
 
Position:  Character Interpreter    
Department:  Interpretation & Events Division, Office of Character Interpretation     
General Description:
Mount Vernon’s Office of Character Interpretation produces educational and entertaining experiences by authentically portraying persons from George Washington’s world, including family members, close friends, enslaved workers, colleagues, and other noteworthy contemporaries.  Character Interpreters engage guests through improvisational dialogue and staged/scripted performances.  Both approaches aim to grow guests’ knowledge of George Washington and his lasting legacy as well as life at Mount Vernon in the 18th Century. 

Mount Vernon’s Office of Character Interpretation seeks a professional character interpreter to portray an enslaved person who lived and worked on George Washington’s Estate (Possible historical figures include: Frank Lee, enslaved butler; Billy Lee, enslaved valet; Caroline, enslaved house servant; or Charlotte, enslaved seamstress). 
 
Essential Duties:

  • Thoroughly research and portray at least one personality from Washington’s world
  • Engage a diverse audience in impromptu conversation, targeting pre-determined    interpretive/educational goals.
  • Research, write, and perform (multiple times daily) 10-20 minute dramatic vignettes
  • Regularly adapt presentations for numerous unique occasions and various internal programs
  • Maintain appropriate appearance for the person portrayed; follow all standards for 18th-century etiquette/deportment
  • Assist Director in developing and implementing specialized interpretive performances and  programs including extensive research, writing and taking on new responsibilities

Special Requirements:

  • Position requires standing/walking for long periods of time and being exposed to all weather conditions as most performances are outdoors 
  • Dressing in 18th Century appropriate attire required (concealing modern styles/ accessories etc…)
  • Frequent weekend and evening work is required

Qualifications:

  • Professional acting experience - ability to perform formally and informally in a variety of settings and conditions to a diverse audience
  • Knowledge of and interest in George Washington, Mount Vernon, and 18th-century America
  • At least 2 years of relevant experience
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Well developed interpersonal communication skills
  • A bachelors degree in a relevant field of study preferred

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.
 
Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
Please reference museum-employment.com when applying for this job.
This job posted by MERC from June 17 through September 18.



The last update to this page was 7-26-10.



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