Director of Student and Educator Engagement at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Job Title: Director of Student and Educator Engagement 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Salary: $90,000

Description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

The Director of Student and Educator Engagement (SEE) leads a team that develops accessible and impactful art-based experiences for students and educators that ignite curiosity and creativity, foster connection, empathy, and global understanding, and support the division’s strategic priorities and the museum’s mission and vision.  

As a member of the Learning and Engagement division, the Director of Student and Educator Engagement (SEE) reports to the Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement. As a department head, they oversee K-12 School and Teacher programs, School Tours and the Student Center, College, Medical School, and Internship programs, Teen programs, and the development of educational and curricular resources (print and digital). They are responsible for the vision, strategy, conceptualization, development, implementation, and evaluation of SEE initiatives at the museum, in schools and communities, and online. 

They directly supervise the Associate Director of Student and Educator Engagement, Manager of School Visits, and Manager of Delphi (Teen) Programs. They collaboratively work with this team to support the day-to-day work of larger SEE team and lead in developing the educational philosophy, pedagogy, goals, strategies, and professional growth opportunities for SEE. They work with Deputy Director of Learning and Engagement and division leaders to develop long range plans and goals for SEE and the division. 

This Director is a key liaison between the museum and area school districts, with a focus on the School District of Philadelphia, in addition to other arts, cultural, educational, non-profit, governmental, and civic organizations. They are responsible for connecting students, educators, administrators, and community partners through innovative participatory projects and advancing the civic role of the museum in Philadelphia and beyond. 

Specifically, you will:

  • Set the vision, priorities, and budget for impactful and responsive K-University, Teen, and Teacher programs inspired by community needs and interests, state and national standards and curricula, and the PMA’s collection and exhibitions.
  • Work with Deputy Director of Learning and Engagement and department heads to develop long range plans and goals for SEE and the division.  
  • Supervise and mentor the Associate Director of Student and Educator Engagement, Manager of School Visits and Manager of Delphi Teen Programs, providing support, guidance, and feedback so they can successfully accomplish their goals and support their teams in serving the mission. 
  • Lead the SEE team to develop the pedagogy, strategy, goals, and metrics for student, teen, medical school, and educator programs. Work with the SEE team to identify and organize professional development opportunities for both individuals and the team.  
  • Oversee the development and implementation of single-visit and multi-visit student programs and experiences.
  • Develop the SEE budget and work with the Deputy Director for Learning & Engagement and the Advancement team to seek funding for programs and report to and cultivate donors and foundation support.   
  • Work alongside the SEE team to develop and lead gallery experiences for K-12 and higher education students. 
  • Enhance existing programs and develop new educational experiences with a focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access. 
  • Model best practices/strategies in tour facilitation and lead gallery teaching training sessions.
  • Collaborate with SEE team to develop and lead professional development programs for educators and create teaching resources for educators and students that use art and the museum’s collections as a resource for classroom learning.
  • Engage with school administrators, funders, board members and other advisors and committee members to ensure that K- university programs and resources are meeting the needs of area students and teachers and align with state curriculum and other city and state initiatives and goals.
  • Work with art and education organizations across the city to develop partnerships that further the PMA’s work with students and educators. 
  • Work cross departmentally to represent the needs and be a voice for students and educators and the SEE team for exhibitions, programming, and facilities. 
  • Represent SEE across the museum by attending standing meetings for exhibitions, programs, funding, and administration. 
  • Represent and extend the museum’s work with students, teachers, and professionals in the city, region, and nationally through meetings, conferences, and workshops. 
  • Expand the reach and impact of Student and Educator Programs in Philadelphia, the region, nationally, and globally. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in a collaborative leadership role, providing creative and intellectual oversight to a team.
  • Innovative and enthusiastic team player with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work in collaboration with a wide variety of people.
  • History of success in building an inclusive and equitable culture and setting goals and strategic planning that support diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with individuals from a wide range of social, economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds; record of expanding and diversifying participation and audience levels in educational/community-centered and programmatic offerings.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated capacity to communicate with a wide range of constituencies effectively and professionally, verbally and in writing; public speaking experience.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, follow-through, decision-making, problem-solving skills, and ability to develop effective program structures and work processes; ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Passionate about connecting, learning from, and collaborating with educational organizations, schools, students, educators, community members, cultural partners, and artists.
  • Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels.
  • Well-versed in object and visitor-centered teaching practices and strategies, including inquiry-based models.
  • Knowledgeable in the history of art, art making techniques, etc.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and leading gallery-based education sessions, with a focus on DEAI, culturally responsive teaching, anti-racist pedagogies, and trauma-informed strategies, addressing difficult tour topics, and facilitation and questioning methods, etc.
  • Extensive knowledge in learning theory, pedagogy, and child and youth development
  • Background in facilitating successful interactive virtual experiences and programs.
  • Experience and knowledge in tour and program evaluation; ability to offer constructive feedback.
  • Able to collaborate, advise, supervise, and motivate staff.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing and maintaining authentic partnerships with diverse organizations, individuals, and artists.
  • Proven record of developing and meeting budget goals.
  • Bachelor’s degree art education/education, art history, museum studies or related field or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Knowledge of and experience working with the School District of Philadelphia and other metro area and regional schools is a plus.

Position and Compensation Details

  • The SALARY for this position is $90,000.
  • This position is FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, and 35 hours per week.
  • This position reports to Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement
  • Physical requirements:
    • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
    • Periodically move throughout museum departments
    • Ability to lead groups throughout the museum’s galleries.
    • Ability to move 50 lbs. and lift 25 lbs.
    • Frequent use of multiple technical equipment and applications
  • Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum, and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
  • Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

  • Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
  • Discounted guest tickets for admission
  • Discounts on gift memberships
  • Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
  • Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

Apply via AAM