| The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a leading nonprofit art museum and school. Since 1924, the institute has offered art classes, exhibitions, lectures, events, activities and a permanent collection. The KIA's mission is to cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts in West Michigan. We believe the visual arts are for everyone. They inspire, fulfill, and transform. Summary of Position: The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts seeks an Assistant Curator of Youth and Family Programs provides vision for and implements activities, materials, and programs designed to serve family, school, and youth audiences. The Assistant Curator of Youth and Family Programs works to leverage program impact and expand museum audiences through internal collaborations with the KIA’s Kirk Newman Art School and maintains and develops relationships with external constituencies including area pre-K-12 schools and other community organizations serving youth and families. The Assistant Curator of Youth and Family Programs will be a leader in promoting the value of arts education opportunities offered at the KIA. Responsibilities: - Provide leadership and staff support for family programs that promote visual literacy including the KIA’s monthly Art Detectives programs; materials to enhance KIA visits such as family guides, on-line materials, and interpretative labels. Create teacher and parent workshops on VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies).
- Enhance school partnerships through outreach to teachers, principals, and administrators. Work with Director of Museum Education to align tour content and create educator resources with preK-12 curricula for school tours, Art Labs, and pre-school tours. Explore VTS pilot program in school setting and work with educators to create professional development opportunities.
- Organize and coordinate the Annual Young Artists of Kalamazoo County exhibition (an exhibition of artwork by 50+ Kalamazoo County Schools).
- Provide activities and tools in the Upjohn Mason Grandchildren Interactive Gallery for families to enjoy art viewing together and build literacy skills.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations serving youth and families, including coordinating artGirls and other offsite summer programs with our Kalamazoo Public Library partners.
- Assist with High School Programs: Teen Filmmaker Festival, High School Portfolio Day, and Annual High School Area Show.
- Devise and implement evaluation tools to measure effectiveness of museum education programs in meeting goals and audience needs. Provide information, reports, and statistics as needed for grant applications and reports.
- Work with Museum Education team to develop annual Museum Education budget and monitor expenses monthly. Provide information and assistance with program grants.
- Attend department and other meetings and serve on committees as requested by Director of Museum Education.
- Perform additional functions as assigned by Director of Museum Education.
Job Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Art Education, Art History, Museum Studies or Fine/Studio Art and experience as a teacher; Master’s degree preferred. Familiarity and training in the VTS methodology highly desired.
- Minimum of 2 years proven leadership experience in education or museum setting is required along with the strong writing, verbal, and public speaking skills needed for interacting with and providing excellent customer service to parents, educators, volunteers, museum staff, and other constituencies.
- Effective project and time management, organizational, teaching, and research skills are necessary along with a sound knowledge of art history and current trends in classroom and museum teaching strategies.
- Aptitude for detail and ability to work both independently as well as in a team setting to develop programs and materials.
- Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, inclusion, and learner-centered interpretation strategies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms and design software is desirable.
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