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 School and Gallery Programs position at the Walker Art Center requires a candidate who embodies forward-thinking and effective management of learner-centered educational experiences for K–12, college, and adult audiences in a contemporary art museum setting. This role will be a key partner to the Head of Public Engagement, Learning, and Impact, and will partner with other divisions within the PELI Department and the Walker to help develop a unified approach to serving Walker audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Strategy

• Be an active internal and external advocate for arts-integrated learning in K-12 education and develop a community of educators centered on teaching with contemporary art in the classroom, in the galleries, and online.
• Develop the Walker Art Center's K-12 programs for teachers and students, including the development of school tours and workshops, and continuing education and resources for teachers.
• Partner with the Manager of Lifelong Learning and Accessibility to develop cohesive learning goals, approaches to facilitation, and tools for learners of all ages.  

• Develop strategies to better align Walker K-12 programming, school tours, and resources with teacher needs, MN state standards, 21^st-century skills, and innovative teaching models.
• Work with Marketing Department to develop and implement a communications plan to build audiences for K-12 and college programming and for the adult tour program; manage Walker Educator and teacher e-newsletter; oversee the production of marketing collateral; ensure relevant information is updated on walkerart.org.
• Assess the efficacy of current programming and potential opportunities for wider programmatic integration through research, data collection, and evaluation.

Program Management

• Create professional development opportunities and teacher resources that will advance teacher skills and comfort level with integrating contemporary art in the classroom, and deepen their understanding about contemporary art and how it can be used to engage students. Develop and nurture a core network of K-12 teachers.
• Partner with Minneapolis Public Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, and regional teachers to remove barriers to access for schools and teachers.
• Manage and update gallery learning programs at the Walker to provide platforms for dialogue, reflection, and meaning-making for visitors of all ages as part of the PELI School and Gallery Learning Program.
• Perform administration responsibilities including assisting with the development of grant proposals, and interim and final grant and sponsor reports.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, contracts, and payments.

Supervision

• Recruit, train, and manage Education Programs Coordinator, Lead Educators, and Part-time Educators, along with project-based independent contractors.
• Develop and implement a training program for Educators focused on techniques for working with audiences of all ages, with special attention paid to inquiry-based facilitation, universal design for learning, and culturally-competent teaching strategies.
• Prioritize mentorship by developing ongoing professional development opportunities for Educators and staff.

External Partnerships

• Manage and cultivate an extensive network of educational partners in the community and beyond, helping advance cooperative programs with area schools and teachers, from K-12 to colleges and universities, while furthering collaboration with peer arts organizations and agencies.
• Provide leadership for the Walker in the area of K-12 education and gallery learning in the local community.
• Provide a national presence for the Walker Art Center’s K-12 efforts by presenting at conferences, publishing work, etc. 

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, studio art, education, museum studies, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience designing curricula and working with K-12 teachers or other learners in informal or formal learning environments where coordination and program delivery was a key component of the work is required; experience teaching in a museum or other cultural organization is preferred
• A demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating relationships and collaborating with partner organizations required
• Fluency with technology and practice with online teaching and learning tools is required
• Knowledge of contemporary art required
• Experience with inquiry-based teaching, universal design for learning, and culturally-competent teaching practices required
• Experience working with people with disabilities
• Possess excellent facilitation, presentation, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple and complex projects while maintaining high standards and a high degree of accuracy
• Experience in a range of project evaluation techniques and the capacity to analyze learnings and translate them into project development
• The ability to navigate through complex public school system structures
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to organize budgets, staff, and project resources in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in developing educational resources and experiences for a variety of audiences, including adult learners
• Ability to demonstrate and articulate a point of view about how art history, artistic practice, thematic concepts, and conceptual language can be interpreted for a range of audiences, including adult audiences
• Familiarity and facility with MN State Curriculum Standards
• Fluency in a language in addition to English preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk
• Prolonged periods of looking at screens
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

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. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• 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.

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.