Regional Coordinator, California Networks for Collaboration

The California Association of Museums (CAM) is a non-profit organization that serves the interests of California museums. CAM and 13 partnering organizations are embarking on a two-year project titled the California Networks for Collaboration, which will achieve two goals: (1) develop and organize a statewide network and infrastructure to support collaborative learning with regional participation and implementation and (2) produce collaborative strategies for studying, learning, and sharing baseline knowledge and best practices for public engagement and accessibility. CAM seeks year-long Regional Coordinators throughout 12 regions of California. Regional Coordinators will serve as the lead project organizer and key contact for his/her assigned region, to include organizing three study groups and recruiting and convening a volunteer Regional Council. Candidates must have familiarity with the cultural nonprofit sector and experience with or understanding of collaborative learning environments. Interested applicants may access the full job description and application process here: http://bit.ly/1zEqnLJ. 

Skirball Cultural Center, Head of Family Programs and Community Engagement

The Skirball Cultural Center (SCC) of Los Angeles, a dynamic cultural institution devoted to exploring and strengthening connections between people and communities, is seeking a Head of Family Programs and Community Engagement as a key manager within its Education Department. This individual will lead a team that develops and implements participatory programs for families of all types, especially those with young children. The Skirball’s family programs relate to and take place within its museum galleries, art studio and archaeological dig site, indoor and outdoor performance spaces, and the award-winning destination, Noah’s Ark at the Skirball. An important facet of family programs is facilitating community engagement through collaboration with partner groups, artists, and other local institutions with values-aligned missions.

The Head of Family Programs and Community Engagement reports to the Associate Director of Education and works closely with the Head of School and Teacher Programs and the Gallery Manager for Noah’s Ark.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the selection, planning, organization, and implementation of a wide variety of offerings for families and their children, including drop-in programs, performances, festivals, classes, sleepovers, studio projects, archaeological programs, and in-gallery experiences.
• Shapes family programs to achieve Education Department goals; strengthens the Skirball’s reputation as a major family destination that supports family learning through the arts, cross-cultural programming, and inter-generational experiences.
• Manages a team of regular and on-call staff and volunteers (including a Teen Corps and adult volunteers); provides leadership, support, and guidance to ensure content and experience goals are met.
• Participates as a key member of the Education Department’s management team; collaborates effectively with other managers and the Vice President of Education to set goals and priorities, cultivate leadership, guide staff, and further department goals.
• Forges partnerships and co-develops programs with mission-aligned community organizations and sister institutions, which serve and promote engagement among diverse audiences and focus on improving the larger community.
• Works closely with members of other Skirball departments—especially Public Programs, Operations, Communications and Marketing, and Private Events—to ensure smooth, collaborative planning and successful promotion and implementation of all Skirball family programs.
• Establishes and implements plans for assessment of family programs; fosters a culture of reflection and evaluation through collection of visitor feedback and staff reflections, and incorporates these in meaningful ways.
• Identifies innovative artists and performers for family programs. Shapes or collaborates on content to ensure appropriateness, accessibility, and mission alignment for a general family audience. Negotiates/contracts for their services.
• Develops and writes planning and program materials for programs, and oversees their production and distribution.
• Develops annual budget and track/controls expenses to ensure compliance with approved budget.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or higher in arts education, museum education, or related field.
• Prior experience in successfully managing an education team and providing effective leadership and coaching to staff and volunteers.
• Prior experience in developing and managing gallery- or performance-based family programs.  
• Orientation toward child-directed, flexible, inquiry-based, participatory learning with a focus on collaboration and respect for every learner.
• Professional experience in experiential education; solid knowledge of how to teach in a gallery setting and how to support families in using museums and other cultural resources.
• Excellent oral and listening communication skills and the ability to work well with people of diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds.
• Excellent written communication skills, including strong editing skills.
• Knowledge of the various forms of media used in educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain productive relationships within an organization and within the field.
• Active interest in the Skirball Cultural Center’s mission and goals. 
• Organizational skills sufficient to plan large-scale projects and initiatives.
• Some knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions desirable.
• Personal computer skills; proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Please email resume and cover letter to humanresources@skirball.org or fax to

(310) 440-4595.

Or send copies to:

Human Resources Department

Head of Family Programs and Community Engagement

Skirball Cultural Center

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  90049

Skirball Cultural Center Weekend Game Facilitator

The Museum and Education department of the Skirball Cultural Center seeks an energetic, outgoing individual for a weekend position from May 19 through September 2, 2012. Work with members of the Museum and Education departments, which focus on providing intergenerational learning experiences through the Skirball's exhibitions and collections. The Weekend Game Facilitator helps visitors–both adults and children–play games associated with the exhibition Project Mah Jongg. Games include mah jongg, checkers, dominoes, Chinese checkers, bean bag toss, and assorted board games. The Weekend Game Facilitator also has the opportunity to gain gallery teaching experience (as the schedule permits). The position is sixteen weeks in duration, May 19 - September 2,2012, part-time for 12 hours/week. Hourly compensation rate is $15/hr. Benefits are not provided. Responsibilities: ·Facilitate game-playing for adult and family audiences in anoutdoor environment. ·Work with Museum, Education,and Guest Services staff to guide visitors to game-playing opportunities in the museum gallery and outdoor play area. ·Maintain cleanliness and integrity of game sets. ·Assist visitors in learning to play exhibition-related games. Qualifications: ·Undergraduate degree or current undergraduate student,preferably with background or interest in museum studies, early childhoodeducation, visual art, or science. Mahjongg experience a plus! ·Excellent communication and organizational skills. ·Ability to work in a fast-paced, multisensory, stimulating workenvironment. ·Ability to problem-solve independently and collaborate with others. ·Ability to work directly with museum visitors of all ages anddiverse backgrounds. ·Availability to work two weekend days per week. Please submit resume and cover letter, preferably by e-mail, using the contact information below. The cover lettershould describe your talents and skills and discuss why you feel you are the best candidate. Please also include your availability from mid-May to early September. APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 28, 2012 e-mail: humanresources@skirball.org