Public Programs Specialist

This content is exclusive for CfC members.

Please or register to see all our content.

Job Summary

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two facilities, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photography to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts approximately 25 temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program, and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors.

The Opportunity

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks a Public Programs Specialist for its Malibu location at the Getty Villa, which is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Reporting to the Senior Public Programs Specialist for Family and Artist-Based Programs, the Public Programs Specialist is accountable for the development, implementation, and assessment of educational programs relating to the Villa’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions, including contemporary artist projects, drawing classes, and artist demonstrations for adult audiences as well as a robust slate of multi-model, multi-sensory family offerings for the diverse communities of visitors we serve onsite as well as online. The Public Program Specialist also assists with visitor engagement by overseeing the Family Forum, the Villa’s designated family space, and liaises with the Villa Docent team.

The position requires a demonstrated ability to produce engaging, accessible, and inclusive educational programs in a museum or related context, work effectively with artists and creative professionals, develop lesson plans, and identify successful teaching practices. The Public Programs Specialist manages all stages of program planning and execution, directs schedules, establishes budgets, develops contracts, creates all project-related communication, and oversees program assessment. The successful candidate should possess knowledge and appreciation of the ancient world, strong production skills, and the ability to work successfully within a collaborative work environment. Knowledge of visual-arts practice, local artists, and other creative resources is desirable, as is the ability to think creatively and use digital technologies to expand outreach opportunities. Some evening and weekend work required.

Major Job Responsibilities

Research, develop, and implement educational programs related to the Getty Villa’s antiquities collection and exhibitions
Advocate for audiences and strive to create positive, engaging, and inclusive experiences for all
Provide technical assistance and subject matter expertise to staff, artists, and vendors
Develop scaffolded experiences, didactics, and lesson plans
Oversee production schedules, budgets, resources, and contracts for on-site and digital programs
Supervise daily operations of public programs and family spaces, providing direction according to established guidelines, policies, and procedures

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in museum education, art education, art history, or closely related field strongly preferred
5-8 years of project/process management and subject area experience
Foreign language skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated success in following through and completing projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage complex projects for adult, family and/or age-free audiences
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, presentation technologies, research and evaluation tools, and social media platforms (Facebook Live, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.