Curator of Education & Programs

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center (WVMCC) fosters dynamic connections to the history, cultural traditions, and arts of the Wenatchee Valley. A vibrant mid-sized museum, WVMCC is a vital hub for creating community connections with our region's unique heritage and arts through creative, interdisciplinary programs, exhibits, and publications. WVMCC seeks an experienced, collaborative, and innovative leader to strengthen and grow the Museum’s education and programming initiatives.  

The Curator of Education & Programs is instrumental in creating and executing a short- and long-term vision for the Museum’s educational and programmatic efforts, which currently include offerings at our downtown Museum and at the Historic Wells House for families, adults, schools (both in and out of school time), and the general public, as well as overseeing the Museum’s makerspace. This role works with the Museum’s leadership, curators, and education team to cultivate and manage relationships with the community. WVMCC is committed to enriching educational experiences and our community’s culture, and the person in this position will excel in a growing, diverse community.  

 This position works collaboratively with the Curator of Collections and Exhibits in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for Exhibits, Programs, and Collections; and creating and delivering high-quality educational initiatives that make the Museum’s collections and exhibits meaningful for and accessible to museum visitors and the community. They partner with the Museum’s Marketing team helping to effectively position the Museum’s stories to gain wider visibility and increased visitation. The work requires a high degree of collaboration and flexibility, accompanied by creative thinking, vivid storytelling, and leadership skills. 

Organizational Relationship

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator of Education & Programs oversees direct reports currently include two Education Specialists, in addition to many contracted instructors and professionals.  

Position Duties and Responsibilities 

·        Lead and inspire our team of museum educators and volunteers in the development and delivery of educational programming that aligns with the Museum’s mission and vision. 

·        Overall management of all the Museum’s educational offerings. 

·        Develop docent scripts and training for Museum exhibits, tours, and educational programming 

·        Manage the departmental budget in accordance with established goals, priorities, and metrics. 

·        Ensure excellence in program facilitation and delivery. 

·        Engage in ongoing evaluation, assessment, and refining of education programs, including data collection, analysis, tracking, and reporting. 

·        Support Museum’s volunteer program.  

·        Equip museum educators and volunteers with current and relevant understandings of museum education and practice. 

·        Work effectively with the other Museum Curators and the Marketing team to develop innovative, efficient, and more integrated ways and opportunities to bring the Museum and its exhibitions, collections, and programs to the attention of the community and Museum supporters. 

·        Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the region, such as  

·        teachers and administrators, the local Education Service District, educational nonprofit organizations, creative organizations, artists, academics, and other community organizations. 

·        Collaborate with the Director of Operations and the Director of Development & Communications to identify and cultivate funding sources and prepare proposals as needed. 

·        Represent WVMCC at programs and events in the community and at professional conferences. 

·        As a member of the Curatorial Team: 

·        Consults with and assists museum staff to develop and implement permanent and temporary exhibits and other interpretive programs.   

·        Work closely with the Director and other Curatorial Team members on long range planning. 

Qualifications: 

·        Passionate about the Museum’s vision and mission 

·        At least 3 years’ experience developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs in a museum or similar setting 

·        Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate a team, prior management or supervisor experience desired   

·        Experience managing budgets, contracts, and working within tight deadlines

·        Experience with K-12 curriculum development, review, and implementation 

·        Strong collaborative skills and experience leading teams through multi-faceted projects  

·        Able to generate ideas for experimentation and continued improvement in programs  

·        Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a diverse range of groups, organizations, and communities; experience working with community partners required 

·        Experience working with volunteers or part of a volunteer organization 

·        Strong ability to be creative and think critically  

·        Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment  

·        Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; comfortable speaking in front of groups and public speaking.  

·        Proven ability to communicate complex ideas with a wide range of peoples and communities 

·        Available to work a flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends  

·        Proficiency in Word, Excel, and project management software 

·        Knowledge of informal learning theory and practice, visitor studies or evaluation theory and practice, and applications of technology in museums preferred 

·        Bilingual, Spanish-English, is desired 

·        College degree in a related field is required. 

This is a 40-hour/week position, with an hourly range of $30 - 40/hr. Salary is dependent on experience, education, and qualifications. Museum benefits include service-based accrual PTO, 10.5 paid holidays, a health care stipend, a SIMPLE IRA with employer match, opportunities for professional development, and the potential for some flexible scheduling and telework.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials to Courtney Tiffany, Director of Operations, at ctiffany@wvmcc.org with the subject heading: Curator of Education & Programs.

·        An updated resume in PDF or Word format

·        Letter of interest describing why you are interested in this position and how your experiences meet the needs of the position

·        Contact information for three professional references