Access Programs Associate

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

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The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is seeking an Access Programs Associate. This person will work alongside the Public Engagement Associate as part of the Public Engagement team within the Education Department. The Associate will support the Senior Manager of Public Engagement and be the primary program lead for the museum’s flagship Mind’s Eye program for people who are blind or have low vision, as well as other access programs for adults. In addition to being a dedicated in-gallery teacher, this person will bring critical thinking and a spirit of social practice to access programming, incorporating current pedagogy around diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) in the museum field. They will be an active listener, responsive to both visitors and educators, able to think on both detail and big-picture levels, and an adept administrator. We are looking for someone who is committed to providing visitors with various disabilities the widest possible range of access and who can advocate for outstanding accessibility both within and outside the museum. This is a funder-supported, three-year position with possible extension.

Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, and other manifestations of visual culture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods. The Guggenheim realizes this mission through exceptional exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim strives to engage and educate an increasingly diverse international audience through its unique network of museums and partnerships. With nearly three million annual visitors worldwide, the Guggenheim and its network is one of the most visited cultural institutions in the world.

Responsibilities
  • With Senior Manager and Public Engagement Associate, coordinate, co-plan, implement, and lead Mind’s Eye programs for visitors who are blind or have low vision

  • Oversee formal evaluation and professional documentation of the Mind’s Eye program

  • Facilitate training, scheduling, and communication with freelance educators who lead Mind’s Eye and other access programs

  • Act as point person for all access inquiries

  • Oversee accessibility accommodations for museum programs

  • Provide and coordinate relevant trainings on universal accessibility and assisting visitors with disabilities for frontline staff

  • As a key member of the interdepartmental Accessibility Committee, ensure accessibility across the museum

  • With Senior Manager, co-plan/coordinate, and occasionally teach distance learning classes for older adults with limited mobility and provide support for Educators leading these classes

  • Collaborate with Marketing department to promote access programs on web and social media platforms

  • Co-produce content with Senior Manager and Interactive department to create accessible digital materials including Mind’s Eye documentation and other resources

  • Explore possibilities for implementing and expanding access programs

  • Represent the Guggenheim at professional conferences relevant to access programs, budget permitting

Requirements
  • 2 years of work experience with access programs/programs for people with disabilities

  • Solid working knowledge of modern and contemporary art

  • Previous in-gallery, object-based teaching experience

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks at a time

  • Some evening and weekend work required

  • If you identify as having a disability and/or are well-versed in disability studies, you are encouraged to apply for this role

  • BA or relevant work/life experience with disabilities

How to Apply

In addition to your resume and cover letter, please upload an attachment answering the following question in 300 words or less:

  • Imagine you are leading a gallery tour for a group of visitors who are blind or have low vision. You’ve planned to stop and discuss a particular artwork, but when you approach it you realize there is a physical impediment (i.e. stairs or a barrier) that will prevent some of the group members from getting as close as you had planned. Please offer two (2) ways you might handle the situation in that moment.

The deadline to apply for this position is September 1st. All applications will be reviewed after that date.

The Guggenheim offers a competitive salary and excellent medical, dental, life, disability, and retirement plan coverage. Our staff also enjoys generous vacation, sick leave and personal days, access to many cultural institutions, discounts to museum stores, and a stimulating and collegial work environment. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

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Posted on August 13