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
