Program Manager for the African Diaspora at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Job Title: Program Manager for the African Diaspora

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Hartford, CT

Salary: $50,000 – $55,000

Description

ABOUT THE AMISTAD CENTER FOR ART & CULTURE

The Amistad Center is a dynamic not-for-profit cultural institution that cares for and provides public access to its collection of more than 7,000 works of art, photography, historical artifacts, memorabilia and rare books documenting the African American experience. The Amistad Center is located in the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and as a result of a unique institutional partnership, collaborates with the Wadsworth on various aspects of its operations and programs.

ABOUT THE WADSWORTH ATHENEUM MUSEUM OF ART

Founded in 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously-operating public art museum in the United States and home to a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years and encompassing the art of Asia, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been at the forefront of collecting works by artists such as Caravaggio, Frederic Edwin Church, Joseph Cornell, Salvador Dalí, Piet Mondrian, and Joan Miró. Today, visitors to the museum find captivating and innovative installations mining the iconic holdings and offering new stories that illustrate the breadth and quality of the collection.

The Wadsworth Atheneum seeks an Amistad Center for Art & Culture Programs Manager for the African Diaspora whose primary responsibilities are to conceive and deliver creative arts experiences and programs for all audiences that advance The Amistad Center’s strategic priorities in the areas of community engagement and education and elevate the art, history and culture of the African diaspora. Reporting to the Director of Learning and Engagement at the Wadsworth and working closely with the Learning and Engagement team and The Amistad Center Associate Curator for the African Diaspora and Executive Director, this position amplifies the collections of both the Wadsworth Atheneum and The Amistad Center. The role supports relationship-building and develops programs that serve Pre-K through college and university faculty and students, as well as adult audiences. The position participates in all aspects of public engagement in the museum setting and offsite, including teaching, exhibition development, and interpretation.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMS

  • Working alongside the Wadsworth’s Public Engagement and Programs Manager, conceive and coordinate public programming that presents innovative, educational, and inspirational opportunities for museum audiences to connect and build relationships through the art, history and culture of the African diaspora. These may include artist conversations, artist residencies, performances, lectures, gallery talks, drawing courses, as well as new and experimental formats.
  • In collaboration with the Wadsworth’s Youth and Community Programs Manager, plan community and family-centered days in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Juneteenth.
  • In collaboration with the Wadsworth’s School and Teacher Programs Manager, create tour programs and interpretive curricula for students in grades preK-12 and manage professional development opportunities for teachers. Coordinate annual Teen Photography and other youth focused community programming.
  • Serve as educator in galleries and off-site for adults, school and university groups, teacher workshops, special courses and talks.
  • Develop and sustain relationships with external stakeholders, including agencies in the city of Hartford, community-based organizations, advocacy networks, and the faith-based community, to further The Amistad Center’s communications and community engagement efforts.
  • Contribute to audience development activities to expand The Amistad Center’s and the Wadsworth’s public outreach. This may include building capacity for community advisory group participation in exhibition and program development.
  • Advocate for values consistent with The Amistad Center’s and the Wadsworth’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in programs.
  • Support internship opportunities for The Amistad Center.

ADMINISTRATION

  • Work with the Wadsworth’s communications and marketing team to promote programs in print and online.
  • Develop assessment strategies and documentation for programs.
  • Work with Development colleagues to increase funding for public engagement and programs; ensure that all funding criteria are fulfilled in compliance with program grants. Assist with grant writing and reporting.
  • Plan and monitor program budgets.
  • Prepare monthly and annual reports detailing activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary, experimental, and collaborative approaches to public programming and engagement.
  • Excellent public speaking skills. Dedication to interactive and interdisciplinary teaching. Experience with object/inquiry-based teaching and learning desired.
  • Strong organizational skills. Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously and adapt to change.
  • Strong knowledge of museum education theory and practice as well as art history/art of the African Diaspora.
  • Ability to work well in a team.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as program schedule requires.
  • Aptitude in MS Office programs including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and databases.
  • Budget management skills.
  • Strong writing and editing skills.
  • Close attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in art history, museum education, art education or related field.
  • Three to five years of experience in program planning, community engagement, or related work.
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Must have ability to work evening and weekend hours to manage programs.
  • Physical Demands: Frequently moves inside the building and travels in area; often must ascend/descend stairs; operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently communicates with staff and others and must be able to exchange accurate information.  
  • Special Environmental Factors: Close office setting.

DISCLAIMER:

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000

HOW TO APPLY

Wadsworth Atheneum is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

Please apply by sending a cover letter noting the reason for your interest and salary requirements, plus your resume to: HR@TheWadsworth.org.