Expanding the Walls / Youth Programs Coordinator

The Studio Museum in Harlem has earned an international reputation as a leader in the contemporary arts arena with its groundbreaking role in promoting the work of artists of African descent.

The Museum seeks a highly motivated, energetic museum education professional with exceptional initiative, to coordinate the Museum’s signature Expanding the Wallsand Teen Programs, known together as Youth Programs.

Youth Programs at the Studio Museum provide a safe environment for teens to express themselves creatively. These programs offer students the opportunity to meet and converse with prominent visual artists, express their ideas in discussions, participate in tours and hands-on workshops and to develop important communication and critical thinking skills.

Expanding the Walls: Making Connections Between Photography, History and Community:

Expanding the Walls: Making Connections Between Photography, History and Community (ETW) is a multifaceted intergenerational program that uses the James VanDerZee Archives at the Studio Museum as a point of entry for people of all ages to share experiences and perspectives on community, identity, American history and culture.

At the core of ETW is a group of high school-aged students selected for an eight month photography based experience. Participants engage in a regimen of discussion groups, art workshops and field excursions, while learning the basics of digital photography in order to investigate connections between history, community and identity through the lens of a camera. Expanding the Walls provides participants with an opportunity to curate an exhibition of their work, in partnership with the Studio Museum Education staff and Curators. Participants receive extensive training on inquiry based discussion methods so that they are able to work effectively with youth, families and senior citizens, building an intergenerational dialogue around the ever evolving notion of community.

Teen Programs:

Teen Programs include ArtLooks, a program that brings teens into the studios of contemporary artists and behind the scenes of arts and cultural institutions; and StudioWorks, an intensive art making workshop series is designed to give teens an opportunity to work directly with professional artists.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement Expanding the Walls program curricula to facilitate student learning around the following major program components: the Museum, the camera and image making; exposure to various paths and career opportunities in the arts; exhibition planning; community exchange and engagement
• Guide participants through all aspects of the ETW exhibition, including image selection, artist statements and didactics
• Collaborate with the Education department, other Museum staff and program partners as necessary for various aspects of the ETW program
• Facilitate opportunities for meaningful exchange between teens, families, seniors, community organizations in Harlem and the Museum
• Develop and implement Teen Programs, ArtLooks and StudioWorks
• Perform administrative duties for ETW and Teen Programs, including ordering supplies, tracking participation, documentation, program evaluation, and year end reporting
• Build and foster relationships with community based organizations, schools and other supporting institutions in an effort to extend Museum services to a wider community
• Organize gatherings, excursions, and other engagement opportunities for ETW Alumni and Teen Advisory Group
• Supervise and mentor participating youth
• Organize outreach and recruitment efforts for Expanding the Walls and Teen Programs
• Teach and/or participate in teen related aspects of Education Programs, as needed

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a BA or BFA in art, art history, education, African American Studies, or related fields.

Additionally, qualified candidates must have:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in youth/adult/community programming with responsibilities in planning, development and implementation of educational programs
• Minimum 2 years experience working with high school-age youth in a structured learning environment
• Experience with developing multilayered robust program curricula
• Museum education experience
• Passion for the dual programmatic mission of achieving artistic and educational excellence and broad audience participation
• Ability to organize and administer all aspects of intergenerational program
• Experience in community outreach and developing relationships with cultural, social, and educational organizations
• Demonstrated ability in the successful development and maintenance of programmatic partnerships
• Ability to assess and manage multiple competing priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to complete multiple projects successfully
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated proficiency with and accuracy in using MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and other related software applications
• Demonstrated ability to work professionally and tactfully, to represent the Museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism, to adhere to Museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner

Work schedule includes required evening and weekend hours to lead and participate in Museum program, and to meet job goals and deadlines.

Salary commensurate with experience, skills and knowledge.

To apply: Please email cover letter and resume including three references. No phone calls or email inquiries, please.

For further information, please visit: http://www.studiomuseum.org/about/current-available-positions#ETW