Situated in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the Everson Museum of Art is Central New York’s architectural landmark and cultural anchor, serving approximately 60,000 visitors annually. The Museum’s 60,000 sf building is notable as architect I.M. Pei’s first museum design, and houses a collection of 10,000 works, with strengths in modern and contemporary American art, international ceramics, and early video. The Everson’s education program is highly regarded locally and nationally, and the Docent Program is one of the longest-running in the country. The Museum typically serves more than 16,000 individuals annually through education, outreach, and public programs; and serves K-12 students from thirty school districts, including all fifth grade students in the Syracuse City School District. In addition to online and community outreach, Everson learning and engagement activities take place onsite within a new 3000 sf education center, 300 seat auditorium, ten galleries, and a large outdoor plaza. A new “farm-and-kiln-to-table” restaurant will open in late 2021.

The Everson Museum of Art seeks an experienced Director of Learning and Engagement to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities across the museum experience—onsite, in the community, and virtually—for all ages and abilities. A newly-created position, the Director will evaluate the museum’s current educational initiatives and develop and implement a new comprehensive strategy that aligns with the Everson’s mission and commitment to DEAI values, current pedagogy, and best practices in the field. The ideal candidate will bring an enthusiastic and proactive attitude, work well in a team setting, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and fluid work environment.

The Director of Learning and Engagement is a critical member of the senior leadership team, reports to the Director/CEO, and manages 1-2 staff positions (to be filled), a 50-member docent corps, and several fellows, interns, and volunteers. The Director of Learning and Engagement also serves as staff liaison to the Equity & Engagement Committee of the Board of Trustees. As a newly created position, the Director of Learning and Engagement has the exciting opportunity to build on the successes of the Everson’s past achievements while contributing to an ambitious future.

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

Leadership, Management, and Accountability

• Set overall departmental vision with clear goals and measurable outcomes. Represent departmental priorities and projects to Museum leadership, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Build, inspire, and lead a high performing team that prizes cross-department collaboration and communication.
• Guide team members’ growth and development, and foster a positive and inclusive attitude in a fast-paced work environment.
• Set and manage annual departmental budget.
• Build and expand relationships with teachers, school administrators, arts and cultural organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other external stakeholder groups to increase equitable opportunities for visitation and collaborative partnerships.
• Oversee the development of both printed and digital educational resources that promote the museum as a space for inclusion.
• Accurately collect and analyze program evaluation data and prepare recommendations for equitable and inclusive program development.
• Collaborate with Development team on fundraising for programs, projects, and initiatives, including grants and gifts which support the museum’s emphasis on serving diverse populations.
• Manage internship program that provides opportunities for BIPOC students, including recruitment, professional and project development, and placement with staff supervisors.
• Initiate and maintain partnerships with local arts organizations and businesses.

Adult & Public Programs

• Lead interpretation planning for all exhibitions and collaborate with curatorial department to ensure that content and interpretive techniques best meet audiences’ needs.
• Develop and implement onsite, outreach, and virtual programs relating to special exhibitions and collections for a diverse range of adults.
• Ensure public programs are developed cross-departmentally, connect with strategic priorities, and strengthen relationships with new and current Museum audiences.
• Liaise with area college/university faculty on curriculum-related opportunities.

Youth Programs & Tours

• Work with local and statewide school and higher education administrators to prioritize the value of Museum visits, integrated art curriculum, and resources.
• Lead docent program and partner with docent executive board. Supervise docent recruitment, training, and professional development.
• Lead development of tour curricula based on NY standards and best practices in visitor engagement and diverse learning styles.
• Develop overall strategy for experiential learning opportunities for all ages and abilities, and ensure program revenues meet budget goals.

Requirements

This is a salaried, full-time position with a competitive benefits package, and may require a flexible schedule to accommodate programs, events, and after-hours work including weekend and evening hours. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Education & Experience

The ideal candidate is both an exceptional educator and a tactful manager with an undergraduate degree, academic training, and work experience in art education, art history, material culture, museum education, museum studies, studio art, or related field; 10+ years of experience in museum education or closely related field, with progressively increased responsibility for program, staff, and volunteer management; excellent writing, editing, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills including public speaking; the ability to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity; and awareness of critical social issues and their relationship to inclusive and equitable decision-making in the arts. Graduate degree and experience creating engaging, interactive programming for American and/or contemporary art are highly desirable. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Within this extraordinary workplace, you’ll find a team-based office environment, endless opportunities to learn and grow, and creative staff members with a diverse group of voices. Staff members enjoy a variety of special benefits including free parking, discounts in the Museum Shop, café, and on adult and youth classes, and a robust paid-time-off policy. Our competitive compensation package also includes health and dental insurance and a 403B retirement program.

To apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to everson@everson.org. No phone calls, please.