Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design, and is the steward of one of the most diverse and comprehensive design collections in existence—more than 215,000 design objects spanning 30 centuries. From ancient textiles and works on paper to icons of modern design and cutting-edge technologies, Cooper Hewitt’s collection serves as inspiration for creative work of all kinds and tells the story of design’s paramount importance in improving our world.

The Education Specialist (Digital) will develop design-related digital content for Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, working with senior Education Specialists and members of the Digital team. Reports to Deputy Director of Learning.

The dynamic role will support a wide range of initiatives, including highlighting the museum’s collection, discussing contemporary design topics, and sharing current design literacy pedagogies, for youth, educator, and adult audiences. Serves on exhibition teams and organize those exhibition-related public programs. The following duties have learning, engagement, and audience needs at its core.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

• Develop content for digital resources related to design, design literacy, and Cooper Hewitt’s collection and exhibitions.
• Develop and implement participatory approaches to engagement in virtual/digital offerings through YouTube, Smithsonian Learning Lab, podcasts, and social media.
• Collaborate with the Learning and Audience Engagement, Digital, Curatorial, and Marketing teams to plan and communicate yearlong digital programs and content for existing and new audiences.
• Monitor and report regularly on digital content analytics and use this information to help inform future initiatives.
• Perform a wide range of administrative and logistical assignments in the planning, development, and execution of various meetings, programs, and events (onsite, offsite, and virtually), including working on content development, community outreach, leading identified programs, act as a Learning team member in an exhibition team, and act as a thought partner to the Senior Education Specialist.
• Take leadership in fostering online communities and developing accessible and inclusive digital content that meets the needs of audiences from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Ensure all content creation and delivery are accessible and inclusive, including through alt-text, closed captioning, and visual descriptions.
• Correspond and interact with designers, participants including youth and adults, and stakeholders in a professional manner, building and maintaining excellent relationships.
• Gather and assist with editing content and images for publications, website, audio-visual program, and educational offerings.
• Maintain budget and coordinate with vendors, prepare purchase orders, and make purchase card payments, ensuring all financial protocol is followed.
• Serve as a dynamic team member, working with colleagues in the Learning department and across the museum at all levels to support all learning and audience initiatives.
• Utilize Windows Office (i.e., such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Suite) in completing assignments. Familiarity with executing online virtual programs using Zoom and other digital platforms.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree, preferably but not necessarily, in design, arts administration, education, museum studies, or related field. Transcript required if selected for the position.
• Understanding of digital platforms and pedagogy, how they are used for various audiences and learning.
• Experience organizing education programs and special events of various scales, onsite, offsite, and virtually.
• Ability to take ownership and initiative of administrative projects to ensure they are completed timely and accurately.
• Ability to write effectively and articulately and proofread work, including promotional materials, and program descriptions.
• General knowledge of or interest in design and/or design literacy.
• Highly proficient in Windows Office such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of software such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop a plus. Interest and experience with learning new digital technology.
• Experience tracking budgets and compiling data using Excel.
• Knowledge of WordPress, Zoom, Miro, WordFly, and/or Tessitura are a plus.

This position also involves and requires:

• Ability to travel domestically.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, holidays and weekends for programs.
• Ability to lift at least 25lbs.

TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT: One-year full-time appointment that may be extended beyond the one year (based on performance and budget).

Please submit cover letter and resume (addressing qualification requirements) to: HReducation@si.edu

Subject line of email please indicate: Education Specialist (Digital)