Assistant Director Of Education Kelsey Museum

HOW TO APPLY

• An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae
• A formal letter of interest (addressed to Jennifer Kirker, Associate Director, Kelsey Museum) that details experience showing the applicant is prepared for this role and explains why this particular opportunity is the desired next step in their career
• A list of references

SUMMARY

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan seeks a full-time Director of Education to provide vision and strategic direction for the Museum’s academic and public programming. The ideal candidate will have a passion for archaeology education and the ancient world as well as a record of success in innovative program development, visitor engagement, and audience evaluation in museums. The Director of Education should have experience in object-based learning and a demonstrated ability to make connections between objects and varied disciplines across the curriculum. The Kelsey Museum is a dynamic research institution and academic museum that serves diverse audiences throughout the year. The Director of Education will develop an educational plan, that supports the museum’s strategic plan, focused on intentional campus and community programming that supports academic curricula; fosters access, inclusivity and cultural understanding; and ultimately engages the archaeologist in us all through dynamic exploration of the past.
This is a full-time position. Flexibility with schedule is required to accommodate evening and weekend events and programs.

WHO WE ARE

The Kelsey Museum is located on the central campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and houses a collection of more than 100,000 objects from the ancient Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. In addition to its permanent galleries and special exhibitions, the museum sponsors research, archaeological fieldwork, and a wide range of academic and public programming. It serves as the home of a graduate program, the Interdepartmental Program in Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology, and is closely affiliated with the university’s Museum Studies Program. The education department is vital to the Kelsey’s mission and vision, serving a growing audience of approximately 1500 K-12 tours and 2500 university classes annually.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• M.A. in museum studies, education, anthropology, archaeology, art history, classics, related field or equivalent professional experience;
• Applied knowledge of professional museum principles, practices, and procedures;
• Knowledge of research tools and methodology;
• Self-directed and motivated;
• Collaborative by nature, flexible, and helpful;
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and in an atmosphere of continual growth and rapid;
• Minimum 5 years of museum education experience;
• Minimum 3 years of management experience with staff, students and volunteers;
• Ability to interpret the collection and to communicate knowledge about it in a manner relevant to distinct audiences;
• Ability to engage and interpret scholarly research in the fields of museum and art education or informal learning;
• Excellent communication (speaking, writing, presentation, and listening) skills and an ability to effectively communicate within all levels of the University, as well as with external audiences;
• Demonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration;
• Effective interpersonal skills, tact, and emotional IQ;
• Highly developed public speaking skills, in both prepared and impromptu speaking;
• Self-directed, able to work independently;
• Passion for learning and teaching about the ancient Mediterranean world, art, and archaeology.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Passionate educator with a demonstrated ability to engage audiences in ways that generate excitement as well as meet learning goals;
• Track record of successful collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Ability to lead with trust and integrity;
• Commitment to lead and expand diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives;
• Cultural sensitivity and diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and commitment to the highest standards of professionalism;
• Professional and personal integrity, self-awareness, and optimism;
• Commitment to, and advocacy for, museum education;
• Knowledge of ancient Mediterranean art and/or archaeology;
• Experience working in higher education/university museums;
• Experience in using interactive technologies, volunteer management systems, virtual learning platforms, and project management platforms.

• Establish a vision for the Education Department to engage both the campus and community in the mission of the Kelsey Museum, which is to advance understanding and appreciation of the ancient Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East through our collections, research, exhibitions, and fieldwork;
• Manage the strategic direction of the Education Department, ensuring alignment with the institutional strategic plan;
• Lead and supervise the design and implementation of academic and community programs that build audience and participation, enhance visitor engagement and learning, and encourage repeat visitation;
• Develop university and public programs related to the collection and exhibitions;
• Engage U-M faculty to utilize the museum’s collection for research and teaching;
• In partnership with the Community and Youth Educator, oversee the docent guild;
• Reimagine the undergraduate student group and serve as advisor;
• In collaboration with the Director, supervise the completion and implementation of the DiSKO (Digital Study of Kelsey Objects) project;
• Evaluate and revise current outreach initiatives in virtual programming, Kelsey@Home, teacher curriculum guides;
• Manage documentation and evaluation of museum visitation (statistics, program evaluation) and of activities of the department;
• Participate in peer committees within the university and in the larger professional field;
• Collaborate with colleagues to support their work as it relates to education;
• Represent the museum by participating in community building, presentations to VIPs and external stakeholders, donor development, public relations, and special events as needed.