School Specialist - Clark Art Institute
Williamstown, MA
About the Job
About the Clark
The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Gallery Education, the School Specialist serves as a liaison between PreK-12 schools and other academic audiences, and the Clark. The School Specialist is responsible for building relationships with administrators, teachers and other professionals in select school districts, sharing information about the Clark's educational pedagogy and programs, and working with them to learn how the museum can support their work.
Major Duties and Responsibilities [Essential Functions]
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills
Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.
The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.
The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Gallery Education, the School Specialist serves as a liaison between PreK-12 schools and other academic audiences, and the Clark. The School Specialist is responsible for building relationships with administrators, teachers and other professionals in select school districts, sharing information about the Clark's educational pedagogy and programs, and working with them to learn how the museum can support their work.
Major Duties and Responsibilities [Essential Functions]
- Develop and build relationships with school districts and school administrators in Berkshire County, Southern Vermont, and the New York Capital District region with a focus on Title I schools.
- Serve as the school liaison - attend appropriate off-site school meetings to build relationships with PreK-12 teachers, to share the Clark’s educational programs, and to identify need-based opportunities for supporting programs between the Clark and area schools.
- Research, develop, and manage a new teacher advisory group that can advise and support Education department staff in the development of high-quality programming for PreK-12 school groups and teachers.
- In concert with the Senior Manager of Gallery Education, the School Specialist will develop museum education programs for PreK-12 teachers and schools, based on the input of school professionals.
- Assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of school tours. Work closely with the Education Department Coordinator on school visits and with the Program Coordinator on the development of art-making activities when it complements a school tour. Able to lead tours when needed.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Gallery Education to develop new tours for school groups in response to teachers’ articulated needs and assist in the training and observation of docents that lead school tours.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Gallery Education on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of professional development programs for PreK-12 teachers.
- Write copy for the quarterly teacher newsletter. With the Education Department Coordinator, manage the production and distribution of the newsletter and continue to grow the teacher and school district contact list.
- In concert with Senior Manager of Gallery Education, write and design teacher resources (interdisciplinary classroom curricula, self-guided materials, and pre/post visit tour materials) that connect to the Clark’s permanent collection and special exhibitions and meet state and federal standards.
- Develop teacher surveys for school tours and teacher programs and analyze the responses in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Gallery Education. Work with Education Department Coordinator to distribute and collect.
- Actively participate in department meetings and other staff committees.
- Some travel required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Art history background with a focus on European and American art
- Curriculum development and teaching experience
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, public relations, and cultural competency skills.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently to achieve results.
- Proven ability to devise or modify and adapt existing methods, processes, procedures, or standards to meet new or unusual requirements.
- Familiarity in working with school districts, school administrators, classroom teachers, and a diverse audience of students in a variety of environments.
- Familiarity with object-based learning and different learning styles.
- Previous experience in program development.
- Must be able to work some weekend, holidays, and evenings.
- Master’s degree or M.Ed.
- Minimum of 3 years relevant experience required.
Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.
The Clark is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds.
The Clark provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The Clark considers equivalent combinations of experience and education for certain jobs. All candidates who believe they possess equivalent experience and education are encouraged to apply.
Source : Clark Art Institute