Curator of Education at Lehigh University Art Galleries

Curator of Education

Reporting to the Director, the Curator of Education is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the museum’s educational programming and visitor experience functions.  The Curator of Education is responsible for growing an active and successful program of faculty, student and community engagement, and leads a wide range of learning opportunities across all audience types.  As part of the senior leadership team, the Curator of Education supports the LUAG’s aim to be a vital and irresistible resource for the diverse and inclusive community at Lehigh University and Bethlehem, PA.

This position is an exempt, 11-month per year position.  

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy, Development, and Implementation:

  • Directs the development and implementation of educational and visitor services programs and activities, including academic programming, faculty outreach, and collaborations, student programming, family/community programs, public programming, and PK-12 school and educator programs

  • Collaborates with other LUAG staff, including the Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, to maximize the educational value and impact of exhibitions

  • Collaborates with internal and external partners and organizations, including Bethlehem Area School District, to ensure programming aligns with audience needs

  • Forms and leads advisory committees (student, faculty, community) in order to foster communication and collaborative program development

  • Develops and monitors program budgets in cooperation with the Coordinator

Program Evaluation and Impact:

  • Ensures that program research, development, and evaluation are conducted according to nationally accepted standards

  • Uses outcomes-based models and approaches that measure changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors

  • Skillfully and strategically applies both quantitative and qualitative methods of evaluation

  • Recruits and trains students, volunteers and others to assist in evaluation projects

  • Prepares compelling and evidence-based written and verbal reports that promote the value of arts education

Teaching, Training, and Interpretation:

  • Teaches programs regularly and across all audience types

  • Trains others to teach with works of art using learner-centered, inquiry-based approaches, including student guides, local teaching artists, and freelance educators

  • Works with exhibitions staff to develop interpretive programs and resources; authors and collaborates on the creation of user-centered exhibition text and publications.

  • Manages the recruitment and training of general museum volunteers and students who will interact with the public, including student guides who lead tours and programs for the public

  • Schedules student guides, teaching artists, and volunteers as appropriate for tours, workshops, and events

  • Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of education department and visitor services staff

  • Directs the museum’s internship programs

Fundraising and Support:

  • Under the supervision of the Director, identifies and collaborates on fundraising activities, including grant writing

  • Authors reports (front-end, formative, and summative) and provides data that support fundraising activities

  • Meets with Development staff to provide them with information and evidence of impact that support fundraising

  • Attends and leads presentations as needed at meetings and events that involve LUAG donors, Trustees, and supporters

Communication and Promotion to Audiences:

  • Ensures the effective promotion of all programs by coordinating efforts with University Communications/Marketing staff and others

  • Maintains a visible presence in the local, state, and national professional community by presenting information about the museum’s education programs and establishing communication and exchange with other museums implementing exemplary programs.

  • Acts as the department’s resource person and spokesperson for both public and staff for art and education related issues

Performs other duties as assigned. Weekend and evening hours are required.

Qualifications:

  • B.A. required

  • Master’s degree preferred

  • Proficiency in a second language (Spanish, Arabic, or Mandarin) preferred

Experience/Skills Required:

  • 3-5 years of experience working in a museum or cultural organization, including experience leading and developing educational programming across a range of audience types

  • 3-5 years of experience working in higher education and developing programs with faculty and students

  • Highly skilled in inquiry-based, learner-centered teaching approaches

  • Proven experience in program evaluation and outcomes-based methodologies

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Contact and Application link:                                                     https://lehigh.hiretouch.com/position-details?jobID=54330&job=curator-of-education