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 Manager of Interpretation will apply a knowledge of contemporary art history, accessibility, and learning theory to facilitate access to our programs and exhibitions for audiences with a wide range of learning needs, styles and interests, from K-12 to adult learners. This individual will report to the Head of Public Engagement, Learning and Impact (PELI), and will work collaboratively across PELI and the Walker’s programmatic and communication departments to develop interpretive processes and resources, including digital modes of interpretation to amplify the Walker’s programs and collections. They will use their skills in writing, project management, and storytelling to create innovative resources for both onsite and online platforms that facilitate access to art and creativity.

The Manager of Interpretation works in close partnership with the Head of PELI, the Chief Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs and broader curatorial team, the Manager of Lifelong Learning and Accessibility, and other programming departments to strategize, plan, and implement an inclusive and accessible style of institutional language connecting the Walker’s diverse constituents with the museum’s programming.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop standards for interpretive writing at the Walker that are accessible, culturally-responsive, and engaging.
• In collaboration with staff in Visual Arts, Moving Image, and Performing Arts, oversee and contribute to the delivery of onsite and online interpretive resources, including exhibition labels and didactics, and online content related to exhibitions and collections.
• Lead discussions with programmatic staff to formulate the framing of key ideas, themes and artistic practices.
• Oversee the development of learning materials across a range of platforms, including lesson plans in collaboration with the broader PELI Learning team.
• Coordinate translation of written materials in various languages including Hmong, Somali and Spanish.
• Synthesize and translate input from community stakeholders as part of the design and development of analog and digital resources for families, K-12 students and adults.
• Support the organization of materials on the website in an accessible and intuitive format.
• In collaboration with the Chief Curator and Head of PELI, lead special curatorial projects that require community consultation and engagement as part of Walker presentations.
• Create evaulation strategies that measure the efficacy of interpretive texts, tools, strategies and iterate processes accordingly.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES          

• B.A. in art history, museum studies, or a related field required; M.A. preferred.
• Specialization in contemporary (post-1960) art preferred
• 3+ years of developing educational resources for multiple audiences or related teaching experience required, including experience working within informal learning environments.
• Knowledge of current practices in the art learning field is preferred.
• Excellence in written and editorial skills; with a keen ability to adapt messaging to tone, reading level, vocabulary, and content focus for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to tell stories using media assets and digital platforms and mastery of innovative thinking regarding overall information delivery.
• Basic understanding of the Minnesota State Standards of education for core subjects.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, able to prioritize and reprioritize competing objectives with strong planning and project implementation skills.
• Must be proactive and collaborative, an independent problem solver, with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. 

Job Specifications 

• This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $65,000 annually.
• 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.

Robust benefits package, Walker membership and museum discount, and the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals and support remarkable artists, events and programming.

To be considered for this role, please upload a relevant writing sample along with your resume.

Vaccination Expectation The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

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.