Director of Education and Community Engagement

Classification: Full-time

Reports to: Executive Director

OVERVIEW

The Director of Education & Community Engagement leads the Swope Art Museum’s mission-driven initiatives that connect people of all ages and backgrounds to art. The position oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs, community partnerships, and outreach efforts. The Director will develop educational experiences that engage diverse audiences, strengthen community partnerships, and collaborate with the Executive Director on program-related marketing and public communications.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Education Program Leadership

• Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for children, families, K–12 students, and adult learners.
• Present and oversee tours, classes, lectures, performances, and studio programs aligned with the Swope’s exhibitions and collections.
• Recruit, train, and supervise docents, interns, and teaching artists to ensure program consistency and quality.
• Direct Summer Art Studio and seasonal educational initiatives, including staffing and curriculum planning.
• Collaborate with curatorial staff on strategies and learning resources that enrich visitor understanding.
• Develop and coordinate group tour program.
• Collect and analyze participation data and feedback to guide program improvement.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, universities, community groups, and community organizations to broaden access to museum resources.
• Represent the Swope at community events, professional meetings, and arts collaborations.
• Develop outreach programs and special events to reach new audiences throughout the Wabash Valley and West Central Indiana.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusion in all programs for audiences with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• Coordinate external rentals and facility use.

Marketing & Communications

• Provide program-related content, imagery, and schedules for newsletters, e-news, website, and social media.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and External Relations Committee to evaluate outreach effectiveness and enhance audience engagement.
• Prepare press releases, educational materials, and public information related to education and community programs.
• Coordinate marketing support for programs to achieve participation goals.

Administrative Duties

• Develop and manage the Education & Community Engagement budgets.
• Identify and pursue grant and sponsorship opportunities related to education and engagement initiatives, in coordination with the Director of Development and Executive Director.
• Support staff and Board committees with reports and updates as needed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Supervises docents, interns, teaching artists, education assistants, and volunteers.
• May supervise gallery attendants assigned to educational or outreach activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Art Education, Arts Administration, Education, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in art education, community engagement, or arts administration.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for multiple audiences.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with experience managing budgets and supervising teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic website/social media tools.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for programs and events.

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter and resume via Indeed. Review of applicants will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.