Education Director, Japanese American Museum of Oregon, Portland, OR

The mission of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (previously Oregon Nikkei Endowment) is to preserve and honor the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest, educate the public about the Japanese American experience during World War II, and to advocate for the protection of civil rights for all. Located in Portland’s historic Old Town neighborhood where a Japantown once stood, the organization manages a history museum as well as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, aka the Bill of Rights Memorial.

Position Summary:

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon is seeking an Education Director who will lead the museum’s educational initiatives by implementing onsite and offsite programs and managing museum docents. They will be responsible for advancing educational outreach and coordinating museum tours and speaking events. In designing educational programing, the Director will actively manage relationships with local schools and national partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, train, and recruit a docent team of various ages and backgrounds;
• Plan and implement community programs alongside the museum staff and volunteers;
• Create and cultivate relationships and collaboration with local to national educational institutions through resource sharing, curriculum curating, tours and speaking engagements;
• Implement student internship programs for local and international learners;
• Collaborate with the Director of Collections and Exhibits on exhibition interpretation and coordinated programming for all audiences;
• Manage a museum education advisory board consisting of local educators, docents, and advisors to create curriculum and public programs;
• Attend community, cultural, and educational events as a representative of the museum.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in History, Education, or related fields required. An advanced degree in Education or Museum Studies is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience / Knowledge: Minimum 2 years of experience in Museum or Education field. Experience working in a museum, classroom, nonprofit, or cultural organization preferred. Exceptional written and communication skills required. Must be skilled in public speaking and effectively presenting information to audiences of all sizes and ages. Must possess the ability to work both independently and in a team. Must contribute to achieving revenue and attendance goals. Must demonstrate cultural competency and flexibility. Willingness to learn and apply new skills in a fast-paced work environment and handle multiple priorities required. Experience with fundraising events and grant writing/grant management desired. Knowledge of Japanese American, Japanese, and Asian American history and culture preferred.

Requires occasional evening and weekend hours for programming and special events. Annual salary range: $38,000-$42,000 plus benefits, commensurate with experience.

To apply, please submit an application, resume, and letter of interest to info@oregonnikkei.org or by mail to Oregon Nikkei Endowment, 121 NW 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, Attn: EDU DIR. Application must be received by 5:00 pm 12/31/2019. Successful candidates will be contacted for interviews.

For more information and application, see www.oregonnikkei.org/job.htm