The Director of Interpretation and Adult Programs directs the museum’s interpretation work and educational programs for university level and adult audiences, with a focus on engaging new audiences and increasing engagement with the permanent collection and special exhibitions. By supervising a team that creates and manages interpretive efforts and educational programs and initiatives for university and adult learners, this position promotes the museum’s role as a unique and relevant resource. As a creative and strategic thinker and problem solver with a comprehensive knowledge of art history and deep knowledge of education practice for academic and adult audiences, this position is responsible for leading the development and implementation of interdisciplinary, diverse, and innovative approaches to interpretation, and programming for academic and adult audiences.

This position has primary responsibility for all aspects of the department’s operation and management, including fiscal and personnel management and will facilitate the work of the staff and support their professional development and growth.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, lead, and evaluate innovative interpretive solutions and programs aimed at engaging target adult audiences, including university faculty and students, with the museum’s collection and special exhibitions. Ensure satisfactory level of cultural sensitivity, inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
• Expand the reach of the museum’s programs by cultivating strategic partnerships with other museum departments, community members and organizations, leading collaborative efforts to research, develop, and assess engaging interpretive resources and programs for adult audiences.
• Develop and maintain sustained partnerships with local academic departments, including formal partnerships with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Community College, and Cleveland State University.
• Oversee communication and materials that support interpretation, academic and programming including, but not limited to, website, blog, collection resources, and faculty newsletter.
• Supervise and coach team that designs and delivers interpretive resources and museum programs for adult audiences. Provide thought leadership in museum pedagogy, interpretation, academic and adult programs, ensuring that department activities support strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership and guidance related to the management of education volunteers, docents, interns and fellows that support interpretation, as well as academic and adult programs.
• Actively build and maintain strong working relationships throughout the museum, including with education, curatorial, design, exhibitions, publications, and research and evaluation teams. Actively participate in cross-departmental committees, as appropriate, that further visitor access and engagement.
• Develop and deliver presentations about exhibitions and related interpretive projects and programs both internally and with public audiences. Facilitate in-gallery learning experiences or virtual teaching as needed.
• Work with colleagues in research and evaluation to evaluate interpretive resources and programs to assess success and opportunities for growth.
• Develop and track annual budget, including revenue generating programs.
• Develop, implement and track metrics to measure, interpret and analyze the effectiveness and outcomes of education programs.
• Maintain understanding of current practices that impact interpretation, academic and adult programs.
• Create a culture of research and reflective practice in the field of museum education, representing the institution within the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Key Competencies

Master’s Degree in Art Education, Art History, or related field and five-eight years of professional experience at a supervisory level in arts education or equivalent education and experience.

Working knowledge of current practices in interpretation and adult learning a priority.

Demonstrated management and administrative experience, including ability to think strategically, problem solve, budget planning and supervision of a team of direct reports.

Ability to maintain comprehensive departmental budgets, able to understand and appropriately forecast both expenses and revenue, and a proven ability to work within a budget given dynamic operating conditions.

Demonstrated understanding of, and receptiveness to, the uses of emerging technologies in museum education.

Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Strong written communication skills are essential, as is an ability to work with databases, word processing, online learning platforms, and other digital tools.

Ability to assess priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and work well under pressure, excellent time management, problem solving and analytic skills.

Evidence of strong collaboration skills, both with internal and external collaborators.

All interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume when applying.