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.

Walker Art Center 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, public programs, offsite programming, and other learning events. Through an intensive training that will be provided by the Walker Art Center, Educators will be able to facilitate inclusive conversation about Walker collections, exhibitions, moving image screenings, performances, and other programs. Educators are required to work both as individuals and as a team with the Public Engagement, Learning & Impact (PELI) department to prepare educational activities, resources, and materials, and to design and deliver programs that shape people’s understanding of art with a focus on learner-centered, inquiry-based methods. Educators come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds including practicing artists, educators, and special education support staff. 

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Program Delivery           

• Deliver facilitated explorations of art in the Walker galleries, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and offsite or via video conference for audiences of all ages (K-12 through adult) 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.
• Design and assist in the delivery of hands-on studio sessions, workshops and other activities in the Walker’s Art Lab and community partners’ offsite locations for audiences of all ages and abilities.
• 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.
• Report on programs including numbers, participant feedback, and 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 and Walker events including Evenings for Educators, professional development sessions for teachers, Teen Programs, Free First Saturday, Sensory Friendly Sunday, public programs, accessibility programs for people with disabilities, programs for members and donors, and offsite events with community partners.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned including intra-departmental program support for other areas of PELI.

Lesson and Tour plan development

• Brainstorm and outline plans for art-making and self-guided activities in consultation with PELI staff.
• Develop inquiry-based tours for visitors of all ages and abilities that highlight current exhibitions and installations.
• 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. 

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• 2+ years of experience working with children and/or in an educational setting.
• Strong interest in education, contemporary arts and culture.
• Excellent communication skills and poise.
• Proven ability to welcome, encourage, and engage with people of all ages, abilities, attitudes, and cultural backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work a range of days and hours as required by programming. Must be available Thursday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Availability to attend Educator trainings scheduled Monday-Friday.
• Proactive and independent attitude, ability to problem solve and adapt to a range of situations in the moment.
• A commitment to cultivating an inclusive learning environment for all audiences.
• Fluency in a language other than English with preference for Somali, Spanish, Hmong, and/or American Sign Language.
• Experience working with people with specific needs including physical and/or intellectual disabilities and/or autism and/or dementia.
• Education in fine arts, design or architecture, art history, art education, media arts, education or social studies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and/or InDesign.

PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Fluency in a language other than English with preference for Somali, Spanish, Hmong, and/or American Sign Language.
• Experience working with people with specific needs including physical and/or intellectual disabilities and/or autism and/or dementia.
• Education in fine arts, design or architecture, art history, art education, media arts, education or social studies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and/or InDesign.

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 part-time (0.4 FTE Assignment), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $21.86 hourly. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

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.