Work Hours/Week 40
Annual Salary Range 55,000-60,000
Desired Start Date 01/09/2023
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 10/03/2022
Description of Work Unit
The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising is a university teaching collection as well as a public museum of historically and culturally significant items of dress, textiles and interior artifacts representing regional, national, and international cultures. The collection includes 25,000+ objects. The Avenir Museum is housed in a 19,000 sq. ft. facility (opened in 2016) at 216 E Lake Street, adjacent to the University Center for the Arts, and includes three galleries, a large dedicated smart classroom and program space, expanded collections storage and work areas, extensive library/conference room, and conservation lab.
The Avenir Museum’s academic home is within the CSU Department of Design and Merchandising, which offers B.S. degrees in Apparel and Merchandising (AM) and in Interior Architecture and Design (IAD), both of which are nationally accredited programs. The department also offers an M.S. in Design and Merchandising.
The department includes over 20 faculty as well as administrative professionals and staff who support approximately 700 undergraduate students and 20 graduate students. The department is housed in three buildings. The Nancy Richardson Design Center is home to the DM main office, design labs, computer labs, a design library, classrooms equipped with virtual reality, lecture capture, and video conferencing technologies, exhibition areas, and the RDC fabrication labs (prototyping, woods, metals) that support experiential learning. The neighboring Gifford Building features classrooms, computer labs, apparel construction labs, an exhibition gallery, and textile science labs. The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising is a designated University Center that features collection space, exhibition galleries, a textile conservation lab, a classroom, and a library/conference room. The Department and the Avenir Museum recently received a transformational gift from an anonymous donor, which will allow for exciting staffing and programmatic growth in the coming months and years through new significant endowments. The successful candidate will collaborate in the museum’s visioning for the new positions and programming opportunities for digitalizing the collection, offering increased educational outreach, and new collaborations through textile conservation/testing resources. To learn more about the Department of Design and Merchandising (DM), visit: https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/dm
Position Summary
The primary responsibility of the Education Programs Coordinator is to create and deliver outstanding education experiences for people of all ages (including PK-12, undergraduate and graduate students, adult, and senior audiences) at Colorado State University’s Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. The Education Programs Coordinator develops and provides relevant, engaging, inquiry-based, diverse, and inclusive mission-based experiences, digital offerings, and other educational programs at the Museum, across the CSU campus, in the Northern Colorado – Southern Wyoming region, and beyond.
The Education Programs Coordinator will build connections between the Avenir Museum’s collections and exhibitions and the CSU campus and regional communities through a variety of public programs including lectures and gallery talks, tours, classes, weekend workshops, film series, and in-gallery interpretation. The successful candidate will have a passion for diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice, and will bring a wide range of experiences working with diverse audiences including those of all ages, backgrounds, and knowledge levels. The Education Programs Coordinator acts as an integral leader of the Avenir Museum educational programs development process and will work closely with Museum staff members to manage public programs, both in-person and on virtual platforms. Building on that collaboration, the individual will work with key staff members to develop and review all exhibition-related interpretive materials to ensure that resources are accessible and educational. The individual will also have input on exhibition planning as it impacts the Museum’s ability to successfully deliver both in-person and virtual platform educational experiences and outreach programs.
Ideal candidates for the position of Education Programs Coordinator hold considerable education programming experience, have strong interpersonal skills, can manage multiple projects and deadlines, and understand that working at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising is a collaborative enterprise across all realms at Colorado State University. This position is an opportunity to become a valued and integral team member at an academic museum, developing and delivering exceptional educational experiences for all ages and audiences in fulfillment of the museum’s mission and strategic vision, while contributing to excellence across all Avenir Museum endeavors.
The regular work schedule for this full-time position is 40 hours/week, Tuesday through Saturday; this work schedule corresponds to the public hours of the Avenir Museum. Flexible work hours will occasionally include weekend and evening hours to support public programs and events.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Education, History/Public History, Art History, Park Interpretation, Anthropology, or a related field.
Minimum two years’ full-time employment in an educational setting, such as: general museum, academic museum, PK-12 educator, gallery, arts organization, or similar setting working in development and delivery of educational experiences with diverse constituencies.
Experience creating cross-disciplinary curriculum, with working knowledge of current methodologies and the use of interactive technologies and social media in museum education to tell complex stories that include multiple perspectives in age-appropriate ways.
Experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of education programs and materials for all ages, inclusive of ‘shared authority’ practice and perspective.
Understanding of, and commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice (DEAIJ) practices and embedding those practices throughout all educational programming ventures.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Master’s degree in Museum Education, Education/Teaching, History/Public History, Art History, Museum Studies, Park Interpretation, Anthropology, or a related field. Minimum 5 years’ full-time employment in museum education, with knowledge of and commitment to current exhibition practices and collection stewardship policies.
Teaching experience in a preK-12 classroom, museum, or similar setting, including experience managing a classroom and incorporating state academic standards into comprehensive museum programming.
Working knowledge of historic apparel and textiles and a demonstrated interest and capacity to learn more about objects in the collection that address topics relevant to higher education curriculum and preK-12 curriculum needs.
Volunteer/docent program management, public speaking for multiple audiences, and public relations experience skills.
Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Bilingual Spanish/English communication proficiency.
Knowledge of digital audio-visual presentation equipment/smart classroom technology and video conferencing software; experience working with a website content management system such as WordPress.
Personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by involvement in teaching, research, creative activity, service to the profession and/or diversity/inclusion activities.
Essential Duties Category (30%): Museum Education
Develop, implement, and conduct preK-12 educational programming and tour experiences for on-site field trips at the Museum, including thoughtful attention to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice (DEAIJ) in all museum education programs.
Work closely with Avenir Museum Curator (faculty member) to design tours and programs enabling CSU students to make connections between the objects in the Avenir Museum collection and exhibitions with themes in their courses.
Coordinate cooperative learning opportunities between the Avenir Museum and CSU academic units.
Broaden museum education experiences to include opportunities such as family days, hands-on interactives, in-gallery programs, film series, day camps, adult public programs, weekend workshops, teacher professional development/continuing education opportunities, etc.
Work collaboratively with Avenir Museum staff colleagues to coordinate community programs and marketing to ensure comprehensive integrated programming, and to manage documentation of educational programs participation.
Manage educational programs’ organization of and payment for guest speakers/artists, performers and collaborators, and program facilitation from set-up to breakdown.
Manage scheduling calendar for Avenir Museum tours, hands-on experiences, museum programs, and requisite volunteer support coordination.
Supervise university student hourly workers occasionally, as required for educational events or programs.
Essential Duties Category (30%): External Education Activities
Plan and facilitate educational activities at schools and community venues (arts fairs, weavers guilds, libraries, PK-12 schools, etc.).
Develop educational materials and programs in support of major campus and community events, such as Ram Welcome orientation, CHHS Research Day, CSU Alumni Association, CSU Morgan Library, CSU Lagoon Summer Concert Series, Fort Collins Bike-to-Work Days, Earth Day Fort Collins, etc.
Identify educational opportunities between the Avenir Museum and CSU’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), CSU Extension/4-H, and CSU Spur at the National Western Center in Denver.
Work with faculty, museum colleagues, and other campus and community groups to identify and create distinct learning opportunities to integrate the Museum’s teaching collection into curriculum and research.
Identify and pursue collaborative educational opportunities and initiatives with the School of Education/Center for Educator Preparation in CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
Work with Museum staff to author newsletters, press releases, and other promotional material in support of museum education initiatives.
Work with Museum staff colleagues to develop a collaborative plan to amplify a strategic presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote Avenir Museum educational programs.
Essential Duties Category (30%): Educational Resources
Develop on-site resources and procure supplies for hands-on experiences, including interactive installations in the galleries, curriculum resources for educators including lesson plans in both print and digital formats.
Create outreach materials for use with area school and educator tours, including both unaccompanied materials (such as traveling trunk program) and staff-accompanied resources.
Help faculty create resources for university-level teaching with the Avenir collection, including development of finding aids on core subjects, and identifying topics for curriculum integration.
Oversee design and assembly of large-print gallery exhibit notebooks, and arrange for bilingual translation of exhibit wall panels and labels, as an accessibility/inclusion service for visitors.
Collaborate with the Department of Design and Merchandising (DM), the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS), student organizations, and faculty at CSU and beyond to develop resources for use in university courses; partner with DM and CHHS to develop and integrate museum public programming at Department and College levels.
Train and support docents in their participation in Museum events and the development of tours.
Develop budget for educational programs, working with Avenir Museum Director and Design and Merchandising Business Coordinator, as well as track participation and evaluate programming.
Provide education programs perspective with implementing and maintaining volunteer hours tracking database.
Essential Duties Category (10%): Community and University Relations
Participate in service opportunities at the university, and in professional organization education activities/committees on the local, regional, and national levels.
Work collaboratively with DM and CHHS on sponsorship opportunities, publicity, and social media strategies in support of education programs, events, and special projects.
Assist in identification of grant opportunities and the writing of applicable section of applications, proposals, and reports.
Represent CSU and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising at regional community event booths (farmers markets, community resource fairs, cultural arts, and sustainability events, etc.).
Collaborate with Avenir Museum staff to ensure emergency readiness on behalf of visitors, the artifact collection, and the building.
Assist other Avenir Museum staff members when “all hands-on deck” tasks are necessary (e.g., with exhibits installation/strike, major public events, etc.) as required.
Application Details
To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV or resume, three references, and portfolio of educational and programmatic materials developed and implemented by the applicant in prior employment or endeavors directly to this posting: https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/111981
Emailed applications will not be accepted. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License – Valid Driver’s License or ID card issued by a State or Territory of the United States is required
Search Contact Anthony Vecchiarelli anthony.vecchiarelli@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
Portfolio
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