Position Title:       Academic and Adult Programs Manager

Supervisor:           Director of Education and Public Engagement

Classification:       Full time position

 

Organization Description:

The Allentown Art Museum is a 21st century regional museum with nine decades of robust research in the arts and collecting and preserving art.  The Museum is an inclusive resource that uses arts and culture to drive interaction, education, experimentation, and social change, and offers exhibitions and programs that inspire, teach, engage, and transform. An individual in this role will help the Museum in reaching our strategic vision in the areas of education, vibrancy, and relevance in order to increase community impact, ensure excellence, engage audiences, and build capacity.

  

Overview:

The Academic and Adult Programs Manager is responsible for engaging the broad and diverse adult audiences represented in the community. Through the development, implementation, and promotion of educational arts-based programming, this individual will strengthen existing and foster new relationships with individuals and organizations that serve adult audiences. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, designing and coordinating a calendar of public programs; staffing programs; and building relationships with other arts organizations, area universities, artists, performers, community leaders, and Museum volunteers to expand AAM’s impact. This position will require a highly collaborative individual willing to work cross-departmentally and with volunteers as well as community stakeholders to examine and meet the diverse needs represented in the greater Allentown area.

This position will also require strategic thinking and planning to establish both consistent public programming opportunities as well as unique and innovative partnerships. Specifically this individual will be tasked with increasing demonstrable and sustainable engagement with area colleges and young adult audiences.

 

Essential Functions:

  1. Work collaboratively with curators, community advisors, Museum educators, artists, and performers to research and develop engaging public programs for adult audiences in connection with the Museum’s special exhibitions and its permanent collections with the goal of establishing AAM as an inclusive community resource.
  2. Coordinate and manage ongoing adult public programs, including Dynamic Conversations, Third Thursdays, Arts Crawl, and Founder’s Series. Coordinate all internal and external logistical arrangements to ensure program success.
  3. Work with the entire Education and Public Engagement staff to develop strategic long-range plans, including annual goals, key partnerships, educational programs, department mission, and budget.
  4. Manage the internship program by working collaboratively and coordinating with Museum Staff and area universities to:
    1. Promote internship program and opportunities
    2. Develop new fellowship and internship opportunities
    3. Recruit students and adult learners for open positions
    4. Design and coordinate professional development opportunities for interns to gain a better understanding of museums and the arts community
    5. Manage internship experience including onboarding, orientation, and program evaluation
  5. Strengthen relationships with area colleges and universities by creating meaningful partnerships and opportunities for student and faculty to engage with the Museum.
  6. Build compelling opportunities for young adult audiences that fosters a sense of community and an appreciation for the arts.
  7. In partnership with the Director of Education and Public Engagement, manage the Museum’s Tour and Docent Program, including:
    1. Managing tour scheduling and staffing
    2. Recruiting new docents that are representative of the diverse audiences the Museum serves
    3. Promoting tour opportunities in collaboration with the Marketing and PR Department
    4. Managing volunteer relationships
    5. Creating training and professional development opportunities to keep gallery educators abreast of the most effective and up-to-date museum education practices
  8. Assist in developing and managing initiatives that make AAM more accessible for audiences with unique needs.
  9. Analyze target audiences and develop appropriate outreach strategies. Work with the Marketing, Development, Curatorial, and Executive Departments to ensure effective planning and promotion of all public programs through the Museum’s website, program guides, press releases, Museum signage, fliers, brochures, paid advertisements, social media, and other creative forms of information dissemination.
  10. Manage relevant programming and partnership archives in Museum software.
  11. Establish and maintain relationships with individuals, groups, and institutions to extend Museum services to a wider community.

 

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Art History or cultural studies, or the equivalent combination of education/experience. Master’s degree preferred.
  2. Two or more years of relevant experience in public programming with responsibilities in planning, development, and implementation of complex educational/public programs.
  3. Strong oral and written communication skills.
  4. Knowledge of volunteer management; program development and administration; budget development and management.
  5. Demonstrated proficiency with and accuracy in using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and other related software applications.
  6. Passion for the dual mission of achieving artistic and educational excellence and broad audience participation.
  7. Working knowledge of new technologies and ideas in cultural programming and museum practice.
  8. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse audiences and stakeholders including artists, students, volunteers, community leaders, museum funders, etc.
  9. Strong organizational skills with the ability manage programs and people with empathy and a sensitivity to the diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds present in the Lehigh Valley.
  10. Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
  11. Bilingual candidates will be given special consideration.

 

The AAM is committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to: hr@allentown-art-museum.local