Associate Director of Learning & Engagement at the Honolulu Museum of Art

Job Title: Associate Director of Learning & Engagement

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Honolulu, HI

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000


Job Summary:
Under the general direction of the Director of Learning and Engagement, the Associate Director of Learning and Engagement is a key team player in driving the creation of meaningful educational and interpretive content for the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA). They are responsible for managing and mentoring a team of museum education professionals, art instructors, and docents as well as ensuring that HoMA’s educational programs are excellent in quality, relevant to our time and place, and accessible to a diverse set of visitors and participants.
The Associate Director of Learning and Engagement oversees the development and implementation of interpretive projects that enhance visitor experiences with the collection and exhibitions. This is a highly collaborative position working in concert with other museum departments to carry out the strategic vision of the museum through various cross-departmental initiatives, activities and experiences. They work closely with the Director of Learning and Engagement in identifying, securing, and reporting on funding opportunities and grants for programs.

The Honolulu Museum of Art:
Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.
To learn more about HoMA, please visit our website.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Art History, and/or Museum Studies or related field.
  • Knowledge of educational methodologies and philosophies, visitor research/evaluation, informal learning environments, and gallery and studio teaching practices.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in museum or other cultural institution in planning and implementing programs, community engagement initiatives, exhibitions, visitor research, interpretation, and other activities for diverse audiences.
  • 3 years of experience managing a team, including delegation and distribution of work.
  • Project management experience and the ability to manage multiple timeline and development stages simultaneously.
  • Experience managing budgets, payroll, inventory, programming and safety.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal skills, including the ability to tailor speech and writing to a variety of audiences and purposes.
  • Highly organized, with a strong background in developing, implementing, and adhering to program and production schedules and timelines.
  • Must demonstrate broad knowledge of art education and museum practices.
  • Honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, perspective, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment and follow-through.
  • Ability to work within and support a diverse community of visitors, artists, and employees.
  • Ability to build, lead, and develop a driven, diverse team of employees and volunteers.

Desired Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree in a related field, such as Art Education, Art History, and/or Museum Studies.
  • Working knowledge current art education pedagogy and HiDOE curriculum.
  • Understanding of Honolulu Museum of Art’s established identity and dedication to advancing it.

Essential Duties:
Staff and Department Management

  • Responsible for hiring, developing, and leading a team of Museum Education Professionals that develop innovative tours, interpretive resources, studio arts, educator resources and community engagement programs.
  • Ensures timely communication to museum staff and key constituents to ensure a positive and productive work culture.
  • Develops timelines and manages the schedule of department programs and resource production.
  • Works closely with Learning and Engagement’s Managers to refine and update the department’s policies and procedures. Continually evaluates SOP’s for improvements.
  • Provides constructive feedback and opportunities for team and individual growth and learning and holds each accountable for their performance.
  • Oversee the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of Learning and Engagement initiatives.
  • Communicates directly with Museum audiences and program participants to provide information and changes regarding Learning and Engagement Programs.
  • Pursues opportunities for additional grant funding in partnership with the Development team for education and programing. Assists the Grants Manager with grant applications and reports for the Learning and Engagement Department.
  • Develops fiscally responsible plans that support the scope and scale of the budget and institutional goals.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through respectful communication and cooperation with others at all times, continuous training and modeling inclusive behaviors.
  • In partnership with HR, supports the leadership team in ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion acumen, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and belonging that embraces the contributions of all staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Tour Programs

  • Oversees tour programs and works closely with the Tour Programs Manager and docents on the development of tour programs that deepen engagement and learning about collections and exhibitions.

Education Programs

  • Oversee education programs and resources and works closely with the Education and Community Programs Manager and Interpretive Resources Manager in the development of school and educator programs, and resources.
  • Builds, maintains, and evaluates relationships and collaborations with local and state educational organizations. Serves as a key partner with the HIDOE (and universities).
  • Maintains knowledge of educational priorities in Hawaii and ensures same from team.

Community Programs

  • Oversee Community program development and the implementation of strategic partnerships with community-based organizations.
  • Works closely with the Education and Community Programs Manager to identify and actively build relationships with external partners and community organizations to co-create experiences.

Interpretation Strategy, Planning and Resources

  • Works closely with the Director of Learning and Engagement and Director of Curatorial Affairs to build inter-departmental and institutional knowledge of interpretation methodology, theory, and best practices.
  • Collaborates with colleagues across the museum to develop and implement interpretive methods and strategies for enhancing visitor experience and learning in exhibitions and the permanent collection.
  • Works closely with curators, designers, IT and exhibition managers to create interpretive frameworks for exhibitions and the permanent collection.
  • Develops, reviews, and refines exhibition narratives, big ideas, key messages, and visitor outcomes.
  • Designs experimental and engaging interpretive resources and experiences including text, participatory learning spaces and other multi-media and digital platforms.
  • Provides strategic oversight in the management and outreach of the Lending Collection.

Compensation
The Honolulu Museum of Art is committed to practicing salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $70,000 per year and the maximum salary is $80,000 per year. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting pay, including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity. This opportunity includes a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

  • Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee
  • 12 paid holidays
  • 15 days of vacation accrual in 1st year, increasing to 20 days in 2nd year
  • 15 days of annual sick leave
  • Group retirement plans with employer matching after 2nd year
  • Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts
  • Onsite parking provided

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:
Works in an office environment. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm with flexible scheduling as needed. Ability to operate general office equipment including computer, copier, printers, fax machine, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 25 lbs. of general office material or equipment. Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
The employee must be able to fulfil all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity:
HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record, citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is also prohibited.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Art History, and/or Museum Studies or related field.
  • Knowledge of educational methodologies and philosophies, visitor research/evaluation, informal learning environments, and gallery and studio teaching practices.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in museum or other cultural institution in planning and implementing programs, community engagement initiatives, exhibitions, visitor research, interpretation, and other activities for diverse audiences.
  • 3 years of experience managing a team, including delegation and distribution of work.
  • Project management experience and the ability to manage multiple timeline and development stages simultaneously.
  • Experience managing budgets, payroll, inventory, programming and safety.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal skills, including the ability to tailor speech and writing to a variety of audiences and purposes.
  • Highly organized, with a strong background in developing, implementing, and adhering to program and production schedules and timelines.
  • Must demonstrate broad knowledge of art education and museum practices.
  • Honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, perspective, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment and follow-through.
  • Ability to work within and support a diverse community of visitors, artists, and employees.
  • Ability to build, lead, and develop a driven, diverse team of employees and volunteers.

Desired Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree in a related field, such as Art Education, Art History, and/or Museum Studies.
  • Working knowledge current art education pedagogy and HiDOE curriculum.
  • Understanding of Honolulu Museum of Art’s established identity and dedication to advancing it.

TO BE CONSIDERED APPLY DIRECTLTY TO https://honolulumuseum.org/pQ3viv/opportunities

This job was sourced via AAM