Education and Public Programs Manager

Since 1986, nonprofit Contemporary at Blue Star has offered innovative contemporary exhibitions and art education that inspire conversation, promote cultural understanding and connection, and give a voice to artists. We are seeking a full-time Education and Public Programs Manager to creatively engage widespread audiences through dynamic art education initiatives that extend the reach of our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate through contemporary art. The successful candidate exudes enthusiasm for the Contemporary’s exhibitions and programs; embodies professionalism, passion, and positivity; enjoys evaluation and analysis; is organized and thrives as a member of a fast-moving team; and effectively communicates with a wide range of people, from school age youth to adult audiences. In collaboration with the Curator and Exhibitions Director and education staff members, the Education and Public Programs Manager works to ensure equitable access to arts education through community wide coordination and is one of the public faces of the museum. The position reports to the Executive Director.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Designs, develops, and executes art education programming that connects a wide range of participants from youth to adults with contemporary art in exciting new ways.

Grows audience participation through the development and presentation of public programs like artist talks, workshops, and panel discussions in close collaboration with exhibiting artists that extend the reach of the themes and ideas showcased in the exhibitions.

Manages and oversees the Contemporary’s longstanding education programs like the MOSAIC Student Artist Program and Creative Classrooms.

Establishes and grows partnerships with area schools, after-school programs, universities, and identifies public outreach opportunities.

Develops and coordinates ongoing onsite art education programming for the newly renovated Contemporary Education Space and the Art Learning Lab and works with the Curator and Exhibitions Director to ensure the exhibitions are accessible to visitors of a wide range of age and ability.

Seeks out collaborations and community partnerships to extend the Contemporary’s programs in strategic ways.

Manages Internship Program and coordinates volunteer opportunities.

Systemize, evaluate, and track success of art education programs through quantitative and qualitative reporting while adhering to best practices in the field of education.

Advocate and promote art education in the community by identifying opportunities for
artists at all stages of development, actively participating in the arts community as a member of the Contemporary’s team, and sourcing creative ideas to contribute to the Contemporary’s programming

Specific Qualifications
3-5 years of professional experience in art education, preferably gained in a museum or contemporary art setting.

Eagerness and effectiveness in working with participants representing a wide range of ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Leadership and supervisory experience in managing staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers.

Possess excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Proficiency in Spanish, a plus.

Ability to represent the Contemporary with a high level of integrity and professionalism, work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment, and uphold institutional policies and support management decisions in a positive manner.

Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.

Knowledgeable in standard computer applications and programs, for e.g., MS Word,
email, and file management software.

Adobe Creative Suite knowledgeable.

Additional Information
This is a full-time, exempt position (35 hours per week), requiring after hours as needed for public programs and education events. The salary for this position is $55,000, commensurate with experience. Employee benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 13 paid holidays and accrued paid holiday and sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan.

The Contemporary is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Applicants are evaluated according to their experience, talent, and qualifications for the job, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender identification, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age if forty (40) or over, genetic information, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Guidelines
Applicants should submit a PDF package to include a thoughtful cover letter and a current CV/resume to mary@contemporarysa.org. The successful applicant will be subject to a background check.

Applicants that move forward in the interview process will be asked to share the contact information for three references. The successful applicant will be subject to a background check.

We recognize that not all candidates will meet 100% of the qualifications for this role. We encourage you to apply to this role if you feel you meet more than 60% of its requirements. Candidates who need to apply through alternate methods may contact Mary Heathcott at the email address above or at (210) 227-6960 to make arrangements. Incomplete applications or those submitted through other channels will not be reviewed.
https://contemporarysa.org/opportunities/
The position will remain open until filled.