Museum Educator - School Programs

Overview

The Museum Educator at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego plays a vital role in bridging the museum's offerings with its diverse community. Serving primarily in school settings and workshops, this part-time role (20 hours weekly) reports to the Manager of Education & Engagement and requires a presence both at the La Jolla location and offsite. The position demands occasional weekend and evening availability, offering hourly compensation between $21.91 and $23.06.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate by integrating artistic practices to design engaging programs, workshops, and lessons.
• Create arts-integrated curricula targeting both digital and in-person exhibitions.
• Lead or assist in delivering school-focused tours, lessons, and workshops, including supporting the Extended School Partnership.
• Contribute to family-oriented programming such as Play Days, MCAinSD events, and Camp workshops.
• Conduct interactive tours for schools, general visitors, and special events on-site and off-site.
• Help deliver community workshops related to ongoing exhibitions and the permanent collection.
• Provide exemplary customer service during special museum events.
• Assist in research activities including surveys, observations, and preparation of detailed outlines for exhibitions.
• Participate actively in training sessions and maintain up-to-date knowledge about museum exhibitions, history, and public programming.
• Adhere to museum policies ensuring a safe and professional environment.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated strong personal artistic practice and understanding of contemporary art.
• Experience developing arts-integrated education programs, curricula, and art-making workshops.
• Familiarity with facilitating gallery-based discussions that blend visual arts with academic subjects, especially those focused on contemporary art.
• Preferably skilled in visual thinking and inquiry-driven learning methodologies.
• Proven capability in creating compelling educational experiences for children and youth emphasizing inclusive teaching practices.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills suitable for diverse audiences including visitors, staff, and trustees.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to multitask amidst distractions and busy attendance periods.
• Competent written communication and adept problem-solving abilities demonstrating tact and diplomacy.
• Technical proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite applications.
• Bachelor's degree plus two years of relevant professional experience in art history, studio art, or education—or equivalent experience and education blend.
• Preference for candidates with active art practice and Spanish language bilingualism.

Work Environment and Culture

The Museum fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and enriching workplace that allows employees to blend their passion for the arts with professional growth. The institution recently expanded its La Jolla campus in 2022 to enhance its capacity as a premier regional cultural center showcasing contemporary art.

Additional Information

• Background checks including education verification, references, and criminal history are required.
• TB testing may be mandated for youth-focused roles.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid, as well as completion of mandated reporter training, is required.
• The museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing discrimination on all legally protected grounds.