Associate Director of Creative Aging Programs at Frye Art Museum
Job Title: Associate Director of Creative Aging Programs
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: $80,000 – $90,000
Position Summary
The Frye Art Museum seeks an Associate Director of Creative Aging Programs (“Associate Director”) to lead all programmatic activities, inside and outside the museum’s walls, dedicated to engaging older adults in multidisciplinary arts-based learning.
Since 2010, Frye has been a pioneer in the field of Creative Aging programs for adults living with dementia and their care partners. As a new member of the Learning & Engagement team, the Associate Director will play a vital role in nurturing and expanding existing programs while also spearheading the development of new programs that deepen and broaden community engagement, foster wellness, encourage creativity, and support lifelong learning for older adults.
The Associate Director will build strong relationships with older adults and their families, elder care providers, Creative Aging Advisory Committee members, and community partners, as well as support the recruitment and training of teaching artists and contract educators.
The Learning & Engagement team is dedicated to dynamic reciprocal engagement with artists, students, teachers, and community members. Our diverse programs engage individuals and groups of all ages in visual thinking strategies, hands-on art-making, and interdisciplinary performances and talks. We prioritize creative partnerships that further social, racial, and environmental justice, particularly with systemically marginalized communities. Our mission is to advance accessibility, foster intergenerational exchange, and nurture lifelong learning across and through the museum.
About Frye Art Museum
Founded in 1952, the Frye is Seattle’s only free art museum, bringing together art and new ideas within a stunning Olson Sundberg Kundig-designed building in historic First Hill. A foundation collection of turn-of-the-century oil paintings is bolstered by a wide range of modern and contemporary art holdings, reflecting our region’s evolving identity and a commitment to exploring the art of our time. Learn more at fryemuseum.org.
Oversight & Key Responsibilities
- Nurture and expand existing Creative Aging programs that focus on people with dementia and their care partners.
- Lead the development and implementation of innovative Creative Aging programs tailored to a broad spectrum of older adult communities, extending beyond dementia-specific groups.
- Serve as a public ambassador for Creative Aging, representing the program to the wider community.
- Maintain regular communication with local community partners and stakeholders to cultivate collaboration, gather feedback, and assess community needs to iterate and refine Creative Aging program offerings.
- Manage and mentor staff and identify opportunities for professional development and contributions to the field.
- Direct and support the work of teaching artists, contracted educators, and volunteers.
- Develop and oversee the departmental budget.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of inclusive and culturally responsive programs, including artwork discussions, art-making classes, professional development workshops, and public events that enable older adults to see themselves reflected in Frye programs and exhibitions.
- Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of all programs, internally and with external partners.
- Serve as Frye staff lead between Creative Aging programs and the UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center Memory Hub.
- Serve as lead contact for the Creative Aging Advisory Committee and manage quarterly meetings. With the Director of Learning & Engagement, identify and recruit new advisors to support new program areas.
- Maintain resources on creative aging and accessibility programs locally, nationally, and internationally for ongoing learning.
- With Learning & Engagement colleagues, develop cross-programmatic offerings for intergenerational audiences hosted on and offsite with internal and external partners.
- With the Manager of Public Engagement, develop public programs that bring together older adults, artists, and professionals from diverse disciplines.
- With Senior Director of Development and Director of Learning & Engagement, identify and cultivate funding sources, and contribute to proposals and grant reports as requested.
- With the Communications department, oversee program marketing and outreach and collect, analyze, and integrate data into program planning to increase public and community engagement.
- Share information across the organization and collaborate to support initiatives and practices that foster a welcoming environment and ensure a positive museum experience for diverse audiences.
- Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives.
Desired Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
- At least 4 years of related work experience developing learning and engagement programs for older adults. Awareness of dementia and other major issues of aging.
- Experience working in the arts, healthcare, community mental health, senior living communities, case management, or other programs primarily serving older adults.
- Familiarity with current trends, issues, and best practices in creative aging and education, including experience with curriculum design and implementation.
- A demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating relationships and collaborating with partner organizations.
- Proficiency in ASL and/or a language in addition to English is a plus.
Required Education/Experience
- At least 3 years of leadership experience.
- Professional and personal experience working with older adults.
- Demonstrated motivation to work with diverse audiences and experience developing programs and events accessible to a variety of people.
- Knowledge and experience interacting with community service providers.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to represent the museum with professionalism and enthusiasm.
- BA in art, humanities, museum studies, education, arts education, or BS in social work.
Benefits
- 35-hour work week
- Hybrid schedule: 3 days onsite and 2 days remote
- Full health benefits: Dental, Vision, Medical (100% employer paid option)
- Paid vacation and sick time accrual after 90 days of employment
- Transportation and Commuter benefits
- 403b savings plan with a 1.5% employer match
- Employee assistance program
- 20% Museum store discount
- 15% Cafe discount
- Reciprocal museum membership
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a resume that outlines relevant experience and a cover letter. The position is open until filled but priority will be given to candidates who apply by May 1, 2024.
In the cover letter, please address the following questions:
- Why are you drawn to work with older adults?
- What about this role appeals to you?
- Why is this opportunity relevant and important to you at this moment in your career?
The position is open until filled. No emails or phone calls, please. Due to the high volume of applications received, we can only contact candidates whose skills and backgrounds best fit the needs of the open positions. We will contact you by email or phone if we wish to arrange a phone screen.
Work Conditions
Work areas are inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor event sites. Shift times may vary to meet the museum’s requirement to staff the facilities at all hours. Work may require weekend hours and extended periods of attendance at museum events.
Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions
- Ability to converse and exchange information for effective communication.
- Remaining in a stationary location, standing or sitting, and occasionally moving through the museum, which is wheelchair accessible.
- Regular operation of computer systems and other office equipment such as phones and printers.
- Capacity to stay on-site for extended durations during museum programs and events.
As much as possible, the Frye Art Museum will accommodate applicants with disabilities to perform essential functions and duties. Please contact the Human Resources Department (jobs@fryemuseum.org) for additional information.
COVID-19 Considerations
Note that all employees are asked to adhere to museum guidance and policy for COVID-19, which may change over time.
EEOC Statement
We recognize that a successful candidate will meet many of the requirements in this job description but may only meet some of the qualifications. We encourage applicants to apply if much of this job description describes them.
As part of our commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we invest in building teams with various backgrounds, identities, and experiences. The Frye is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, marital or veteran status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.