Job Purpose:

The Curator of Education is responsible for shaping and leading the museum’s education initiatives, ensuring its programs remain dynamic and relevant to both the GU community and a wide range of external audiences in support of the mission of the museum and the university.

Essential Functions:

• 60% - Museum Education
  • Develop and implement strategies for integrating museum-based learning into GU courses via outreach and by partnering with faculty.
  • Recruit, organize, implement, and lead the museum’s volunteer docent program.
  • Establish, organize, implement, supervise, and lead a student engagement program, providing student-focused educational events and internship opportunities.
  • Plan, implement, and supervise programs and tours via partnerships and relationships with K-12 teachers.
  • Deliver exhibition- and collection-related on-site tours to groups of all ages, as necessary.
  • Assist and/or lead in the development of educational materials to accompany exhibitions and the permanent collection; these materials may include, but are not limited to, educators’ guides, packets, family guides, special brochures, online materials, social media, videos, and articles.
  • Develop, research, and implement innovative educational programming for broad and diverse audiences; these programs may include, but are not limited to, lectures, seminars, symposia, workshops, family activities, and student activities.
• 30% - Outreach and other duties
  • Assist the director as a liaison with the academic and civic communities for public relations and special programs.
  • Function as a curator for certain special, temporary exhibitions.
  • Assist in processing online paperwork, contracts, invoices, and documentation for speakers, guest artists, and educational program supplies and partners.
  • Participate in museum networks, national and regional conferences, and professional development opportunities.
  • Monitor evolving best practices in museum education, college and K-12 student engagement, and art- and object-based pedagogy.
  • Evaluate and assess all educational programs.
  • Assist in fundraising and grant writing, especially for educational programs. 
• 10% - Perform other duties as assigned and as necessary in support of the mission of the museum and of the university. 

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Master's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

1 year

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Skills & Abilities:

• Master’s degree in museum studies, art history, art, or museum education.
• One year experience in a museum education department.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms for educational programming and office work.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, with the ability to handle and to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously yet in a timely manner.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and verbal communication skills.
• Astute attention to confidentiality.
• Contribute as an optimistic, thoughtful, clear, honest, service-oriented member of the museum staff and of the university in relationship with faculty, staff, students, visitors, and community members.
• Clear understanding of the mission of the museum and of Gonzaga University.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in art education or a field related to art-based museum education.
• Three or more years of experience in a museum education department, especially in a university museum.
• Experience in grant writing.
• Ability to teach as an adjunct in museum studies, museum education, and/or art education.
• Strong understanding of educational pedagogy, learning styles, and cultural competency.
• Knowledge of printmaking techniques.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)