Director of Education and Public Programs

Job Description and Characteristics

The director of education and programs is a key member of the senior management team. The director is the primary partner in the conception of, and fully responsible for, the organization and delivery of a broad range of formal educational programs to the public, specialized audiences, schools and colleges, in accordance with our mission. Public programs include lectures, demonstrations, gallery tours (live and audio), school offerings, workshops and special events. Both popular and scholarly programs are aimed at sustaining and developing audiences, broadening the visibility, reputation and attendance at the Museum.

The department has recently restructured to create three new full-time Educational Interpretation positions. This change has increased the professionalism and flexibility of the department. With new full-time staff involvement in program planning and strategic initiatives, new programming and rapid responses to opportunities are mandated.

The Higgins is in the early planning stages for a complete transformation of the hands-on Quest Gallery and a reinstallation of the gallery spaces of the Great Hall. The Director of Education is an integral part of the planning and implementation team for these projects, which will significantly improve the visitor experience and the interpretation of the Museum’s world-class collection. Upgrades made through these projects will have a long-lasting impact on the institution.

Responsibilities

Concept and content development: Interpretative, training and evaluative programs and materials:
Develops and establishes a broad unified curriculum that reflects the Museum’s mission and serves all of the Museum’s public programs.

• In cooperation with Curatorial Department, develops institutional strategy for use of the collection for audiences. Contributes to the development of a permanent exhibit plan and associated didactic materials that is accurate, coherent and engaging.
• Creates, scripts and manages all tour (live and audio) and interpretive programming and manages extended learning projects (Internet II, web site, staff training, etc.).
• Provides all interpretive materials (labels, panel information, brochures, audio guide scripts, in-gallery materials, hands-on experiences, etc) for in gallery use, web, temporary exhibitions and nationally traveling Museum exhibitions.
• Provides and monitors evaluation programs to assess effectiveness of all Museum projects including audience surveys, evaluates gallery, workshops, school programs, and outreach projects. Creates reports for grant agencies, staff, trustees.
• Develops new educational programs for use on an in-house and outreach basis, keeps informed on current curriculum requirements in schools and universities across the region.
• In cooperation with the curatorial department, develops and supervises training programs for staff, volunteers and docents.

Staffing, volunteer coordination and management:

• Supervises and evaluates all education staff (currently: full-time Program and Outreach Manager, three full-time Education Interpreters, part-time department administrator, and part-time/on-call and OverKnight staff), ensures smooth day-to-day operations, evening/weekend staff and managers, and ensures efficient and effective use of personnel.
• In collaboration with events/rentals and marketing staff, coordinates staffing for all public, interpretive, outreach and special events including: OverKights, rentals, Higgins Faire, Festival of Ale, family days, and manages other specific events as required.
• Develops and maintains volunteer program, processes all inquiries and applications relating to Museum-wide volunteer and internship opportunities. Consults with other department heads to place interns and volunteers in appropriate areas.

Financial management and grants:

• Prepares budgets for education department, its programs and grants and supervises and reports spending.
• Prepares, in whole or in part, grant applications for special funds and grants to support a variety of existing public offerings or new programmatic ventures.
• Carries out any other responsibilities as assigned by the Director.

Outreach:

• Serves as Museum liaison with local, regional, national and international cultural and educational agencies and institutions to broaden the visibility and reputation of the Museum and to develop leadership and innovative programs.

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to the Executive Director.
Manages relevant Board/Community Advisory Committees as necessary.

Works closely with:

• Paul S. Morgan Curator and the Curator of Arms & Armor on staff training, development, implementation and assessment of educational programming, exhibition materials.
• Development Department on grant applications and grant-funded projects.
• Marketing Manager on program publicity, press requirements, newsletters, website, and other publications.
• Events coordinator on rentals
• Museum staff on events, establishment and evaluation of volunteer programs and internships, and other projects.

Qualifications:

Education: Masters degree in education, history, art history or related field
Experience: minimum five years of responsibility in museum or creative school environment with responsibility for department staff and curriculum.
Knowledge of and/or interest in medieval and renaissance history, arms and armor, or multicultural studies in related subjects.
Skills: Good manager of staff and budgets; internet savvy with knowledge of on-line education techniques.
Requires a flexible schedule and the ability to work nights and/or weekends for Museum events.
Must be able to physically lift, push, pull, hold and carry 20 to 30 pounds.

To apply

Please send cover letter and resume to: djudge@higgins.org.

The Higgins Armory Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to attracting a wide range of diverse candidates.