Manager, Studio Programs

Description

The Manager of Studio Programs is a position within Public Programs, in the Learning and Engagement division, responsible for leading the planning, development, and delivery of studio programming that is engaging and meaningful for all audiences. The position leads on the strategy for studio programs offered at the museum, develops and delivers a variety of studio programs inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions, architecture, and grounds, prioritizing access, diversity, inclusion, and innovation. This position will include oversight of all studio classes, content for artmaking in studio spaces, and oversee artists leading workshops and demonstrations. With a planned campus expansion and construction of state-of-the-art studio spaces, the Manager will lead on the growth of the museum’s studio programs which will include ceramics, drawing, new media art, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and more.

The Manager of Studio Programs will support the museum’s commitment to a new multi-year strategic plan with the priorities of expanding audience, increasing revenue, and building and strengthening the museum’s reputation. We seek to accomplish these through an inclusive and community-centered lens that champions multiple perspectives, inspires joyful learning, and creates a sense of belonging and social connection.

In order to be successful in this role and advance the museum’s mission and priorities, the Manager of Studio Programs will embrace innovation, a growth mindset, and a commitment to collaboration. The Studio Manager will bring a solid understanding of museum audiences, a solid grasp of high-quality artmaking experiences for all ages, and the confidence to integrate ‘out of the box’ engagement strategies into their programming work, all while strengthening existing programs which contribute to the museum’s reputation as a leading cultural institution.

This position reports to the Director of Public Programs and supervises the studio educators. As Manager, this person serves in a leadership role on the public programs team. The position manages the schedule for studio programs coverage, creates and monitors effective program timelines, serves as the lead educator for The Studio space, plus a portfolio of multigenerational programs. The Manager works closely with the Director of Public Programs to plan and assess the success and impact of all studio programs, facilitate program innovation and improvement, and build and monitor budgets and spending.

Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
▪ Plan and facilitate select programs on the museum’s roster of studio programs.
▪ Strategically develop an expansion plan for the museum’s studio offerings as a part of the museum expansion plan.
▪ Develop artmaking projects for various artmaking spaces in the museum, such as the classroom and The Studio, and oversee artists demonstrating in The Studio.
▪ Communicate and collaborate effectively with Learning & Engagement team, curatorial, marketing, and all other necessary departments to present programming inspired by and interpreting the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
▪ Engage with the local community to build a diverse presenter network, inclusive collaborations, program access and audience interest. Cultivate effective collaborative
relationships with artists, institutions, communities, and organizations to develop quality public programming.
▪ Provide written program content as needed, and collaborate with the communications department for successful marketing, and creation of collateral materials.
▪ Serve on cross-departmental teams to collaboratively plan multigenerational public programs, represent education on exhibition teams, and contribute to other initiatives.
▪ Work with the division’s administration and operations team to coordinate facility needs, resources, supplies and registration for programs
▪ Assist in the creation of the public programs budget; manage program expenditures.
▪ Consistently monitor/evaluate programs for effectiveness, impact, and improvement. Meaningfully reflect on past programs to help push museum program offerings forward.
▪ Research new development on trends in audience engagement for adults and share knowledge with groups to inform programs.

Minimum Qualifications
Traits, Skills and Abilities
● Practicing artist with formal education in studio arts or art education
● Three years’ experience in planning and presenting educational programs in an art museum setting, or equivalent experience required.
● Demonstrated skill in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media. Demonstrated skill in digital media arts is highly preferred.
● Ability to teach studio-based classes in visual arts, (beginner to intermediate level)
● Knowledge of the visual arts and museum pedagogy; knowledge of or willingness to learn about nature, education, and architecture.
● Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of museum practices and confidentiality
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Outstanding customer service skills
● Ability to work independently, as well as within a team
● Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings and holidays as required
● A good sense of humor and a calm demeanor under pressure
● Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
● Ability to use or willingness to learn specialized museum applications including The Museum System, Event Management Solutions, Tessitura and Tableau.
● Bilingual (Spanish language) is a plus
Education and Experience:
● Bachelor’s degree in art education, art history, museum studies or studio art or related field required.
● Two years’ experience in planning and presenting educational programs in an art museum setting, or equivalent experience required.
 

Licenses and Certifications:
● Valid Arkansas driver’s license with clean driving record; willing and able to travel for program development and facilitation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
● Physical demands: Regularly, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served. In the work environment described below, position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting in the ability to move around galleries, the classrooms, and throughout the museum, including travel on the outdoor trails. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.
● Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum galleries, art studios, outdoors on the trails, and in communities served. Some evening and weekend hours are required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate
 

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