Education and Rural Arts Director

The Director of Education and Rural Arts position oversees all school and youth programs and tours; family programs; interpretive materials; and community outreach initiatives. This person will foster strong relationships with principals and teachers, community organizations, and staff to implement innovative education and outreach programs on behalf of the Museum.

Primary Areas of Focus

There are three programs this position will be solely responsible for.

1) Rural Arts Initiative – an outreach program that delivers, installs, and de-installs exhibitions across the state of North Dakota. Employee is responsible for organizing annual tours of in-house curated exhibitions throughout North Dakota communities. This position requires travel, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of art handling. Ideal candidate must be able to create accompanying lesson plans for each exhibition, working knowledge of some tools, have a good driving history, enjoys working with others, and able to lift 50 lbs.

2) Family Day – a two-hour art making session on the last Saturday of the month between October and March. Ideal candidate develops multiple activities for children and family members to participate in from 10 am - 12 pm. In addition to developing creative ideas, the candidate is responsible for securing volunteers to assist, set-up, and take-down after each session.

3) Summer Art Camp – Each summer the Museum hosts week-long day camps for children between the ages of 6 – 16. Each camp consists of up to 20 children. Ideal candidate will be well organized, can communicate efficiently with multiple departments, parents, and staff. This person is responsible for filing paperwork on time, write small grants and fundraising letters, secure teachers, manage budgets, order needed supplies, advertise camps in advance, and manage all camps professionally while creating a vibrant learning environment.

Qualifications:

Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Art History, Art Education, Education, Museum Studies, or a related field, or two years of experience in a nonprofit education setting or art institution setting.

Highly motivated and organized with a passion for art and expanding the role of the museum to a broad and diverse audience.

Demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically.

Excellent communication skills, especially the ability to speak and write about the museum, its collections, and program activities in a comprehensible manner.

High energy, strong motivation, hands-on work ethic and a personality for social and community interaction. Must be able to communicate with people of all ages.

Professional, diplomatic, and comfortable in dynamic or challenging situations.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Duties:

Conceptualize, develop, and implement strategic/operational plans and interpretive material for school, family, and community programs.

Maintain active presence in the museum education field; knowledge of scholarship related to art education and museum practices.

Ensure that education programs for all ages reflect current scholarship and interpretation, are publicized widely in the community, are carried out in the most effective manner related to facilities and the visitor experience, are financially responsible, developed for a diverse audience and managed well.

Develop long-range goals, objectives and benchmarks for the Museum’s services to schools, teachers, youth organizations, families, and adults.

Responsible for Education department budget oversight and accountability, working closely with the Accountant and Director.

Act as a representative of the museum in the community and the field.

Personally present programs, teach classes and conduct tours when required and appropriate.

Strive to expand programming where possible and feasible.

Aid in the development of museum marketing, publicity and publications, including brochures, posters, print/newspaper ads, writing press releases, event program books, etc.

Aid in the development of educational programming content for the museum website and within the social media tools.

Other duties as needed in support of all Museum programs.