Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University

Associate Curator for Education

The Associate Curator for Education reports to the Curator for Education and also works directly with the Educational Services Coordinator, and with other Center staff, to shape and promote the institution’s mission as an educational resource.  In tandem with the Curator, the Associate Curator for Education manages and oversees the Center’s educational programs for the general public, members, and the greater community; s/he also maintains significant involvement with the university community and participates in academic programs.  As a member of the Education department, the ACE develops and implements a wide range of activities with staff, volunteers, faculty and students, the museum education community at large, and the general public. 

            The Cantor Arts Center collections, ranging from antiquity to the present day, include works from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.  Its programs reflect the diversity of its holdings; education staff must be widely knowledgeable in art and in current museum learning practices, and are expected to augment and update their expertise in areas appropriate to current collection, exhibitions, and programs.

The major responsibilities of the position are as follows:

1.  Direct the docent program

a.      Assure smooth operation of the docent tours program.  Public and private group tours are conducted year-round by 60+ volunteer docents for visitors of all ages to the Center, sculpture on campus, Memorial Church, and Wright’s Hanna House. 

b.      Conduct ongoing education and enrichment for docents;  organize and participate in training for special exhibitions and regular gallery rotations.

c.       Administer support for the docent program (in-house research library; recruitment, training, and enrichment; ongoing docent business);  conduct and/or attend regular meetings with the Docent Chair, the docent steering committee, the full docent corps, and other education and Center staff.  

d.     Participate in ongoing evaluation of program content, format, procedures, and efficacy.

e.      Direct the docent training program, which is a comprehensive 9-month course in global visual cultures and effective museum teaching methods:  recruit and interview candidates for the program; collaborate with a committee of docents to plan and implement all aspects of the training course; teach in some segments of the course; evaluate trainees on an ongoing basis; conduct follow-up sessions after graduation as needed.

2.  Direct program of tours and classes for schools, outreach groups, and the general public

a.      Facilitate schools’ use of the Center and its resources; strengthen relations with area teachers and school administrators (pre-K through 12).

b.      Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations in the local area; develop and oversee ongoing programs of studio and gallery classes for their constituents.  Work with Center staff and donors to secure continued funding for programs; evaluate program goals, content, and methods on a regular basis and manage its growth and development.

c.       Oversee programmatic activities of the Studio Manager, who, with the Educational Services Coordinator, arranges contracts with all instructors, student interns, and volunteers who work in studio and outreach programs.

d.     Research, write, and oversee production of collection-based materials for schools, families, and the public; develop, prepare, and lead workshops and seminars for teachers.

3.      Participate in exhibition planning, implementation , and evaluation

a.   Serve as education representative on exhibition planning teams;  collaborate with curators and other Center staff to develop installations, activities, and programs that further educational goals for the Center; prepare and edit interpretive materials, including labels, for exhibitions and gallery rotations.

b.      Nurture collaborations with faculty, staff, and students that will further the Center's goal to become a more integral part of the university's academic program.

4.  Serve as educational liaison to the Center’s membership and to community groups

a.      Maintain communication with educational interest groups within and beyond the Center. 

b.      Conduct and/or attend meetings with representatives from various groups to discuss and plan collaborative programs, services, and events; follow up on meetings to realize agreed-upon plans and goals. 

c.       Collaborate with public relations and other staff to convey information to community constituencies.

5.  Share collegial responsibilities

a.      Develop and administer programs (including but not limited to:  lectures, conferences and symposia, classes, film and concert series, annual Stanford Community Day); participate in staff planning and coordination of program offerings;  host certain programs as the Center's representative.

b.      Supervises the Educational Services Coordinator/Tour Scheduler.

c.       Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with the Curator for Education and other Center staff. 

d.     As requested and arranged, represent the Curator for Education at certain meetings. 

e.      Meet deadlines for publications, documents, comments, or other written materials. 

f.        Participate in ongoing discussions with colleagues regarding Center business and its educational mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in art history, art education, or related field; solid working knowledge of art history with strength in one or more areas; established professional with minimum three years full-time museum education experience, including teaching. Excellent communication skills (oral and written); sound research and computer skills; familiarity with A-V equipment desirable.  Ability to work effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and the public; responsible, reliable, resourceful, cooperative, have good humor and personal integrity.  Able to handle multiple tasks, solve problems, resolve conflicts, set priorities, and meet deadlines.  High degree of judgment and discretion, representing supervisor and institution in sensitive situations.  Salary commensurate with experience.  EOE