Job title: Curator of Education
Institution: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
Shawnee, OK
Application deadline: Open until filled
Job description/responsibilities:
The Curator of Education is an integral part of the staff of a growing, dynamic institution considered a leader among Oklahoma’s museums. Believing that art is for everyone, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art enriches individual lives and enhances the entire community by empowering diverse audiences to engage with works of art from many cultures and time periods. In 2019, the museum received the Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence Award from the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
The Museum’s collection includes artwork spanning a uniquely broad range of human history and culture. The Ancient Egyptian collection is considered one of the finest in the region and includes Oklahoma’s only mummies. The collection also features examples of Greek, Roman, Oriental, Oceanic, African, and Native American art. European works of art from the middle-ages, the Renaissance, and into the 19th century are also important holdings. Wonderful 19th and 20th century American paintings, including fine examples of the Hudson River School, and a small, but important collection by Oklahoma artists round out the Museum’s permanent collection.
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s award-winning educational programs impact audiences in Central Oklahoma and beyond. They include tours designed to meet state curriculum objectives in science, math, language arts and social studies, after school and summer programs, an innovative teacher training program, and classes and workshops for adults. Click the engage tab at www.mgmoa.org.
During the pandemic, the Museum began working with acclaimed art therapist Madeline Rugh, PhD to create a new and innovative program SWAN (Supporting Wellness through Art and Nature.) This program includes workshops for adults and training for professionals. It is the only art therapy training program in Oklahoma. Planning is underway to deliver this program to audiences on-line.
Shawnee is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and is 30 minutes from Bricktown and the Downtown districts. Shawnee has a low cost of living, a stable housing and job market and is one of the fastest growing communities in Oklahoma, while retaining its small-town atmosphere.
The successful candidate will have experience in art education, art history, and knowledge of material culture and museology. A master’s degree in art history or museum education is preferred, but a bachelor’s in art, art education or museum studies and experience will be considered. A willingness to work as part of a team of dedicated staff, enthusiastic volunteers and with broad based community organizations, artists, scholars, and diverse public is also required. A sense of humor is a must.
More specifically:
Work with established children’s education program, and evaluate, modify and add aspects as needed; create opportunities for additional grade levels and other schools to participate; explore and pursue opportunities for partnerships; serve as liaison between museum and the classroom teachers and develop outreach materials and lesson plans for classroom use; develop education materials to link museum visits with curricula and collaborative projects.
Continue to develop teacher training initiatives.
Plan and create Community art days and projects
Create and oversee opportunities for college and university students and adult education.
Recruit and train docents; schedule tours and docents accordingly; provide continuous education, training, and evaluation for all docents, through the development of training manual and professionally accepted standards; act as docent in the instance that no other docents are available for tours.
Work with Director of Development to seek and write grants for appropriate funding agencies for education programs and related costs.
The Curator of Education must possess excellent communication skills.
Requirements for position: Bachelor’s degree in art history, art education or art required and 3 years experience in a museum or art education field. Master’s degree in art history or museum education preferred.
Salary range is $35,000-$45,000. Benefits include health and dental insurance, 401k with employer match up to 5% of salary.
Valid driver’s license required and finalists will undergo a background check.
How to apply/contact information: To apply, e-mail cover letter, resume and three references to: hr@mgmoa.org, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, 1900 West MacArthur Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.
