Dayton Art Institute seeks a Learning and Community Engagement Director.

The Dayton Art Institute seeks a Learning and Community Engagement Director (LaCE Director) to support all the museum’s strategic goals for learning, inspiring and engagement. 

The LaCE Director’s role meets at the intersection of education, programs, and community impact. Director will facilitate standards aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 learners, develop opportunities for engagement with our many constituencies and facilitate a broad body of intergenerational programs that are inclusive of guests will different abilities and learning styles.

As department leader, the LaCE Director will oversee a team of museum educators, museum instructors and volunteers in creating, managing, and implementing programs including but not limited to developing and delivering special exhibition and collection gallery programming; curating and programming the Lange Family Experiencenter, an internationally recognized hands-on gallery for all ages; community outreach; data collection and visitor assessment; and museum guide programs. The LaCE Director will develop innovative ways to connect with diverse audiences and to engage current and potential guests through the museum's educational programs. 

The successful candidate will understand and reflect the importance of authentic storytelling in programs of all kinds, ensuring the unique experiences of diverse communities and cultures are welcoming, engaging and accessible. The ideal candidate will bring a broad approach to leveraging a variety of educational tools, media, and areas of focus (science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

This is a full-time hybrid position. Work schedules vary as workflow requires. While the ability to work a hybrid flexible schedule is provided, the majority of this position’s schedule is Monday through Friday. Evenings and weekends will be required but typically known in advance.

Reporting Relationship: The LaCE Director reports to the Director and CEO and is a member of the Leadership Team. This position works closely with the Education subcommittee of the Board of Trustees.

Desired Qualifications, Experiences, Skills, and Abilities

  • Master’s degree in art education, museum education, art history, fine arts, education, museum studies, media or studio art or closely related field; equivalent experience will also be considered

  • Minimum five years in an arts or cultural institution or leading/designing educational programs for culturally diverse audiences in a museum or similar cultural or educational environment

  • Strong supervisory and mentorship skills

  • Experience developing and managing school and public programs and events in an arts or cultural institution, working directly with schools and educators

  • Classroom teaching experience a plus

  • Knowledge of academic content standards, current museum teaching strategies, and learning theory

  • Knowledge of current practices in museum/community education, exhibition design and development, interpretation and visitor studies

  • Working knowledge of and strong affinity for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)

  • Capacity to work and thrive in a fluid and dynamic environment

  • Exemplary written, verbal, and listening communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with emotional intelligence and diversity to a wide range of target audiences including students, educators, media contacts, board members and donors

  • Adept at writing in a variety of voices and styles; strong editor and proofreader

  • Ability to be engaged with all aspects of the Dayton community as an ambassador on behalf of the DAI

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, electronic mail, and calendar software applications. Museum database (TMS) and additional software knowledge preferred. Comfortable with technology, including use of social media, mobile devices and other relevant media

  • Knowledge of American Sign Language; multilingual a plus

Submission Deadline: Initial submission review will begin March 10th. This job listing will remain open until the first interview phase is complete or until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified. NOTE: Incomplete application materials may not receive full consideration for the position.

Salary range: $90,000-$110,000

Job classification: Full-time; salary

To apply: To be considered for this opportunity, submit a resume and cover letter stating salary expectations. Relocation assistance available. Click the link to apply: https://jobapply.page.link/1irBT. Deadline for applications: March 13, 2023.

Posted: February 20, 2023
Deadline: March 13, 2023

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