Job Description

Museum Educator

The Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University is an academic museum with deep community roots. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it has a combined purpose to integrate art into the life of the community and the mission of MSU Texas. Located on the south campus, the Museum offers ample free parking and is a gateway to the popular Sikes Lake walking trail. Rotating exhibitions feature works from the Permanent Collection, the art of regional and national emerging and professional artists, and work of historical importance. Exhibitions change two to three times per year, with educational programs offering opportunities for interaction and contribution with collections and exhibitions.

The Museum Educator develops and manages a range of programs and co-curricular opportunities that enrich and expand the educational mission of both the Wichita Falls Museum of Art and Midwestern State University. Primary responsibilities include planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating museum educational programming consistent with the WFMA's mission to enrich life in our community and the university through experiences in visual art for all ages. The Museum Educator also develops and manages goals, calendars, interpretive plans, reports, summaries, recommendations, and budgets related to the museum's educational programs. The position plays a crucial role in engaging the MSU campus and surrounding communities through innovative creative educational activities connected to WFMA exhibitions and collections. Programs include, but are not limited to, On the Wall Workshops, Essentials Art Studio, Crafternoon and Creative Calm workshops, Storytime in the Galleries, and the Art of Seeing. This is a grant-funded appointment. Position reports to Museum Director.

Examples of responsibilities include:

• Develop, promote, implement, and evaluate on-site creative art activities and educational programs for visitors, including school children K-12, public and private school teachers, families, university students, faculty and staff, and senior citizens.
• Develop, promote, implement, and evaluate off-site creative art activities and educational programs for local schools and community organizations.
• In collaboration with the Curator and Collections Manager, develop interactive learning experiences related to collections and exhibitions for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Research and develop working knowledge of the collections and exhibitions to conceptualize educational programming, encourage research projects and internships, and develop and implement gallery tours.
• Develop and deliver informed gallery tours to school and community groups and organizations.
• Develop and manage museum internship program and develop campus partnerships to grow consistent cross-curricular internship opportunities for students' professional development.
• Supervise and mentor education student assistants, volunteers, and interns.
• With Museum Curator, serve as liaison with MSU campus partners to develop academic projects, activities, and learning opportunities for MSU students, faculty, and staff and facilitate engagement between the museum and the university's academic units.
• Serve as a liaison with public and private schools, community groups, and other target audiences to arrange a program of field trips, guided tours, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Serve as an educational ambassador for WFMA, cultivating museum support and partnerships with regional schools and organizations to strengthen both on and off-site museum educational engagement.
• As required, facilitate Museum Studies course teaching and student mentoring.
• Maintain educational art supplies and supervise inventory.
• Track museum education budget.
• Engage in data collection and evaluation of participant feedback.
• Assist with grant development for educational programs.
• Keep pace with current and best practices in the field of museum education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Moderate physical activities required of general office work and the ability to supervise and participate in the educational programming activities as well as physical setup/breakdown of events designed for the general public and MSU groups.

One to three years art teaching experience in a museum, classroom, or informal setting. Experience in developing art-integrated education programs, art-making workshops, and curriculum is preferred. Extended experience in studio art and creative practice also preferred. Experience in public or museum programming management and building creative content and educational programs within an art museum or equivalent institution.

Required excellent interpersonal skills to work in a museum team environment, with the public, and with MSU faculty, staff, and students. Required working knowledge of current museum best practices. Experience in classroom management techniques and practices. Experience with studio art practices. Basic knowledge of art history. Highly motivated, flexible, and comfortable with all audiences. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, along with ability to work independently and in a team to complete projects. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Bachelor's degree in Art, Art History, Art Education, Museum Studies, or related field required. Master's degree preferred, OR a combination of education, experience, and training may be applied.

Must be available to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings and weekends and travel occasionally. Driver's License required, willing to drive small groups in bus or van.

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University's core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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