The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Lead Educator position supports various facets of learning programs at the Walker, including tours and workshops, teacher events, and the development of lesson plans and tour strategies for audiences of all ages. The lead educator also provides guidance to other members of the educator team through trainings, tour evaluation, and modeling best-practices in gallery teaching and program facilitation. All Walker Educators provide a welcoming and flexible approach to engaging a diverse range of visitors and guests with the programming and content of the museum through tours, workshops and other learning events. The Walker serves culturally and linguistically diverse families and individuals. All Walker Educators are required to work both as individuals and as a team with the Public Engagement, Learning & Impact (PELI) department to prepare resources and materials to deliver program activities that shape people’s understanding of art with a focus on learner-centered, inquiry-based methods. Some evening and weekend work is required. 

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Program Delivery

• Deliver facilitated explorations of art in the Walker galleries, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, offsite or via video conference for K-12 students with a focus on maximizing learning outcomes.
• Prepare resources and materials to teach and deliver program activities as well as pack up, clean, organize and store resources and materials.
• Deliver hands-on studio sessions, workshops and other activities in the Walker’s Art Lab.
• Conduct program and event evaluation with groups and participants through surveying and other methods.
• Contribute to research and writing of interpretive materials, including education resources. 
• Duty of care: supervision of students & participants in their care, protecting both students and artwork. 
• Report on programs including numbers, participant feedback, observational notes on curriculum and program structures. 
• Welcome and greet visitors to the museum and provide information and assistance where required. 
• Attend and help facilitate PELI events for teachers including Evenings for Educators, professional development sessions for teachers, Teen Takeover, Free First Saturday, Sensory Friendly Sunday, accessibility programs for people with disabilities, and offsite events with community partners.

Lesson and Tour Plan Development 

• Brainstorm and outline plans for Art Lab activities in consultation with PELI staff. 
• Conduct research on artists and artworks represented in WAC exhibitions and prepare artist/artwork files for Educators to use when tour planning. 
• Other curriculum and lesson development as needed. 

Training and Continuing Education 

• Attend exhibition trainings, monthly Educator meetings, and other training sessions as required. 
• Research and become familiar with the exhibitions on view at the Walker. 
• Assist in the training and mentoring of other members of the Educator team. 

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

• 3+ years of experience working with children or in an educational setting.
• Proven ability to welcome, encourage, and engage with people of all ages, abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience developing lesson plans, studio workshops, or other types of curriculum for K-12 students and/or families. 
• Familiarity with art materials and art-making techniques.
• Strong interest in contemporary arts and culture.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and poise.
• Flexibility to work a range of days and hours including occasional evenings and weekends, ability to work at least two shifts per week.
• Availability to attend monthly Educator trainings. 
• Proactive and independent, with an ability to problem solve and adapt to a range of situations in the moment.
• Education in education, fine arts, design or architecture, art history, art education, media arts, or social studies is preferred.
• Experience applying universal design for learning and culturally-competent teaching techniques to the development and facilitation of learning experiences is preferred.
• Experience working with people with specific needs including physical and/or intellectual disabilities and/or autism and/or dementia is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and/or InDesign is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

• Ability to traverse the Walker campus to facilitate tours and programs.
• Ability to direct and assist with setup of programs, moving up to 15lbs on occasion

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $50,909.72 annually.

The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/

This position is covered by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) labor contract.  

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.   

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled. 

E-Verify Participation Notice Walker Art Center participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

For more information, please review the following notices:

• E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)