ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art provides experiences that inspire human connection and transformation through art depicting the peoples, landscapes, and history of the American West, and wildlife of the world. More than 400 works of art including sculpture, paintings, and jewelry are on display in the museum’s 26,000 square feet of gallery space. The museum engages the community through programs and educational opportunities that bring our history to life and amplify voices that are not often at the forefront of mainstream Western art. The James Museum opened in April 2018 in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, a community with a thriving arts scene, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Education & Public Programs, the Manager of Docent & Group Learning develops educational programs and resources for groups of adults, K-16 students, and educators. This position also oversees the museum’s vibrant volunteer docent program, providing ongoing training and support in the delivery of tours and gallery experiences for adult and K-16 groups based on the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Docent Program

• Manage the museum’s team of approx. 70 docents, nurturing a learning community that guides and empowers docents in the delivery of high quality, engaging, and inclusive gallery experiences for groups of all ages.
• Set programmatic goals, structure, training program, budget, policies, and recruitment strategies.
• Continually grow and diversify the docent team and support cultural fluency.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive training course for new docents, as well as a robust, year-round calendar of continuing education.

K-16 Student & Adult Groups

• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and resources for K-16 student and adult groups.
• Programs and resources include docent-led tours, audio tours, studio/artmaking experiences, educational materials, and outreach.
• Ensure programs and resources are grounded in research and study of the museum’s permanent collection and a rotating schedule of special exhibitions.

K-16 Educators

• Cultivate relationships with K-16 educators and administrators, creating opportunities for connecting with the museum as a personal and professional resource.
• Develop and implement initiatives that support K-16 educators, such as professional development programs, annual Teachers’ Night Out, special exhibition previews, outreach presentations, and educational materials based on the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Other

• Work collaboratively with the Education team, other museum departments, contract presenters and artists, and partner organizations.
• Complete special projects or additional duties as assigned that are consistent with the skills, training, level of responsibility and other requirements for this position
• Invest time in professional development to stay abreast of trends and best practices in the field of museum education.
  
  

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
Minimum 5-7 years of experience as an art museum educator with success in training and supervising docents. Bachelor’s degree in museum education, museum studies, art history, art education, Native American studies, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of museum education theories, principles, and best practices; proficient in Visual Thinking Strategies and other constructivist approaches to learning.

• Ability to design, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs for learners of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Success in managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards, quality, and accuracy.
• Proficient and comfortable with computer applications and other office technology.
• Able to work a varied schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

• Skilled in leading and coaching volunteers, addressing challenges and difficult situations when they arise.
• Ability to maintain positive and constructive working relationships, interacting with diplomacy and tact.
• Strong research skills; attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Collaborative working style, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

• PREFERRED: Deep knowledge of Indigenous history/cultures of the American West and a demonstrated understanding of and respect for the diverse communities reflected and represented in the museum’s artwork, exhibitions, and programming.