Curator of Education
The Museum Of Contemporary Art Detroit
The Curator of Education is a visionary, strategic thought-partner that provides leadership, guidance,
and oversight of the Museum’s education initiatives for people of all ages. This includes the development of an innovative and balanced program that responds to the museum’s mission and
strategic goals. The Curator of Education works with the Artistic Director to ensure that programs are evaluated to identify the museum’s long-term impact on visitors. In addition, the Curator of Education works collaboratively with senior staff, the Artistic Director, and the Arts Committee. The Curator of
Education needs to use independent judgment based on professional skills and experience to provide responsible management of the museum’s educational programs. Responsibilities include direct and
indirect supervision of staff, temporary and contracted employees, volunteers, and interns.
Programs
- Collaborate with other Curators to provide support for the Museum’s interpretation strategy,
including supporting the development of a variety of ephemeral materials that engages
visitors with MOCAD exhibitions.
- Ensure said interpretation embodies the Museum’s mission and strategic plan, aligns with
principles outlined by the Artistic Director and COO. Initiatives delivered should welcome all
audiences by honoring their many cultures, abilities, backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Initiate at least one innovative educational program per season. This does not have to directly
relate to current exhibitions but will align with the overall goals and mission of MOCAD. Said
mission-based programs are aimed at engaging audiences of all ages to develop lifelong
relationships with the Museum.
- Be present for and support any programs that are presented by the Education department, all-
staff events and fundraising initiatives.
- Guide the development of the MOCAD tour program that engages with K-12 students in
Detroit’s title 1 schools. Be on site for said tours. Tours to said schools should be delivered at a
minimum of 3 times per exhibition season.
- Coordinate and deliver Education partnerships with community groups at least 2-3 times per
exhibition season.
- Oversee, facilitate and deliver the implementation and evaluation of innovative educational
programming for broad and diverse audiences presented in various formats including family
days.
- Coordinate and deliver Family day programming in Collaboration with the Community
Engagement and Education manager. Family Days are to be delivered 2-3 times per season.
Take lead in collaborating with the curatorial, education and community engagement teams to
develop educational materials. These may include, but are not limited to the Community
Engagement + Education program guide, special brochures, web-based materials and articles
for the newsletter. Oversee execution of educational materials by coordinator.
- Is present for and supports all-staff programs and events including MOCADs gala, Noel Night,
Monster Drawing Rally and any other projects as assigned.
- Ideate and facilitate executing new programs that inspire engagement with MOCAD across
visitors of all ages.
- Working closely with the Operations Manager, oversee MOCADs internship program ensuring
it aligns the mission of the Education department and MOCAD’s operations.
Administrative
- Create and deliver contracts related to MOCAD programs and partners in collaboration with
MOCADs operations team.
- Work directly with the Operations team to process said contracts and payments in a timely
matter with a net delivery day of 30
Oversee programming and education budgets, including creation, tracking, and reconciling.
Coordinate social media plan to market education programs and coordinate distribution of
promotional materials.
- Create detailed event plans for education programs including managing event assistants in
executing programs.
- Organize backline, sound + tech checks, load-in, set- up, and attend all public programs to
provide assistance throughout.
- Facilitate all Community Engagement + Education Department Meetings.
Outreach
- Lead outreach for MOCAD related Education and Community Engagement initiatives and
programs.
- Collaborate with Senior Leadership to support fundraising for Educational and Program
initiatives. Work with said team on outreach to potential partners who can be invested in
MOCADs mission and education programming
- Take Initiative in engaging and facilitating partnerships beyond MOCAD’s walls. This includes
representing MOCAD by attending new and ongoing partnership events, openings, and
activations offsite.
Maintain and develop contact list to keep the educational community and community partners
informed of MOCAD programs.
Bachelor’s degree required in Arts Education, Art History, Public Humanities, Cultural
Studies, Museum Studies. Masters Degree Preferred;
- A minimum of three years of experience in a management position at a Community
Engagement and or education role at an Art/history, gallery, arts non-profit, museum or
educational institution. Experience should reflect curriculum development and best
practices in museum engagement/education in terms of multi-sensory, object
interpretation strategies etc.;
Familiarity with public school systems is a plus;
Experience executing public centered programming and/or workshops is required;
Broad understanding of the field of visual arts, including a range of cultures, and artistic
trends, and a willingness to learn about subjects and material outside of established
areas of expertise;
Strong communication, organizational, and writing skills are required;
A demonstrated understanding of progressive D.E.I.A strategies;
Ability to represent the museum with the highest level of integrity and professionalism,
advocate for and adhere to museum policies, and contribute to and support management
decisions in a positive, professional manner;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team;
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with approachable communication
qualities;
Experience with general administrative duties;
Working knowledge of Google Suite,, Apple OSX, MS Office Suite (Word and Excel), and
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop). Basic knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign are very
useful.
To apply for this role, please email your resume and cover letter as a PDF to jobs@mocadetroit.org. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to inquiries about hiring or this position.