The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Learning Center is a platform for culturally responsive experiences that bring young people and the adults around them into dynamic and inspiring encounters with art and creativity. The Ryan Learning Center team:

• champions the role of art and culture in people’s lives,

• promotes access and equitable participation in art and the museum,

• fosters critical and creative thinking.

As part of the Learning Partnerships and Resources team, the Educator plays an essential role in developing collection-based educational resources and leading learning experiences for K–12 educators, students, and families held in the museum’s galleries, virtually, and offsite. With a focus on supporting relationships and developing partnership opportunities with civic and community partners, including Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Public Library, and Chicago Park District, among others, they disseminate information and resources that build awareness of the museum and its offerings for K–12 audiences.

This position holds a standard 9:00–5:00 Monday–Friday work week with occasional weekend and evening hours required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Development: Writes, edits, and produces collection-based print and digital content for educators, students, and other audiences that advances current museum scholarship and pedagogy and responds to the needs of key partners, particularly Chicago Public Schools teachers and students. Develops content and assists with production for teacher newsletters, the museum website, social media, and other communication vehicles that disseminate museum resources and programs. Evaluates and edits existing resources. Contributes to the annual planning of the scope and timeline of relevant print and digital curriculum resources for educators, including by identifying gaps in existing materials and opportunities for new resource production.

Program Development, Outreach, and Implementation: Develops, leads, and/or supports responsive and relevant professional learning experiences for K–12 teachers and students with a focus on connecting civic and community partners and the museum through onsite, virtual, and offsite programs and resources. Collaborates with the K–12 Student Experiences team and other museum staff focused on civic and community relations to use data from key partners to target and reach select partners in our work. Contributes to the design and implementation of evaluation strategies for educator programs and resources.

Teaching and Training: Contributes to ongoing training and community-building for educators who lead K–12 student tours and volunteers who support a range of programs and interns who facilitate family- and youth-focused spaces and learning opportunities. Provides guidance to K–12 educators seeking collection-based information, resources, and engagement strategies via email and in-person inquiries, including through the Ask an Educator program.

Administration and Management: Supports the scheduling of educator programs, event logistics, and communications; coordinates with the RLC operations team as needed to ensure that programs are adequately staffed and supported; helps track registrations and attendance for programs; supports budget management and invoicing; manages supply orders, materials, technology, and spaces for programs.

Communication and Collaboration: Contributes broadly to the efforts of the Ryan Learning Center by collaborating on programming across the department, as appropriate; engages in the departmental community of practice and other internal professional development experiences to build knowledge around teaching and learning; provides written and verbal reports on activities to ensure that colleagues across the department are aware of activities; maintains active relationships with external colleagues to ensure awareness of museum resources and opportunities and alignment of priorities with key partners. Provides back-up communications/publications support for the division, including submitting web updates, digital signage, and print/digital publications requests as needed. Shares in responsibility for external email communications. Maintains clear communication with Associate Director and divisional team members about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects. Performs other duties as required.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working directly with K–12 students, teachers and/or adult learners within museums or informal education settings.
• Understanding of current education trends, assessment, documentation, evaluation, and methods for differentiated learning and instruction; understanding of virtual pedagogy and e-learning frameworks.
• Energy and enthusiasm for the mission of the museum and demonstrated commitment to advancing the museum’s values.
• Experience teaching with works of art and general knowledge of art history and various making techniques.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Suite, social media platforms and experience with remote work systems required;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with audiences of different backgrounds, levels of knowledge, and types of ability. Ability to function effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organization and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, respond to shifting priorities and support multiple aspects of program development and operational sustainability.
• Utilizes an asset-based framework that supports developing the shared leadership and vision of the department.
• Familiarity with Chicago’s K–12 education and arts ecosystems.
• Commitment to innovation and life-long learning.

APPLICATION

If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

In place of a cover letter, please briefly (1-2 paragraphs each) respond to the following prompts:

• Share why you would excel as a member of our teaching and learning community in the Educator position.
• What do you think K-12 teachers need most from museums right now?
• Referencing the Art Institute’s Mission and Values, describe how you embed antiracism and equity into your practice.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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The Art Institute of Chicago requires all applicants to complete an online application to be considered for employment. 60 minutes are allotted for applicants to complete the employment application. The application will automatically time out after 60 minutes. If you are unable to submit the completed application at this time, please choose the "Save for Later" option to avoid losing the information you have entered so far.

Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31