The Museum of Art & History at the McPherson Center

Programs Associate Job Description

Yes, we’re hiring! We’re looking for an amazing programs associate to help us create and deliver community and school programs. The full job description is below.

To apply, please send a single PDF document to jobs@santacruzmah.org that includes three items:

1. A cover letter that addresses the unique skills you bring to the table, your long-term professional goals, and your availability (2 pages maximum).
2. A resume with at least one professional reference.
3. A filled-out application. Download the application here (it’s a word document) and follow the instructions to do a few activities to demonstrate your skills. These activities are not optional; you must return the application to be considered for the job.

We are accepting applications through the end of the day on Thursday, May 24. We will schedule interviews for mid-June, and make a decision by the end of June.

And now, on to the job description…

Hours: 32-40 hours per week. Friday evenings and Saturdays are a must; other weekdays to be scheduled.

Salary: $11/hour. Full benefits.

Summary:

Support the Museum’s community and educational programs under the direction of the Director of Community Programs and the Director of Education. Approximately ½ time community programs, ¼ time educational programs, ¼ special projects.

Community Programs Duties:

• Assist the Director of Community Programs with the planning and development of Community Programs including: 3^rd Friday, Family Art Days, special events and outreach programs.
• Lead 1^st Friday art activities by planning, preparing and producing creative intergenerational art projects.
• Assist the Director of Community Programs in leading small Friday evening art and history activities on the 2^nd and 4^th Fridays of the month.
• Actively seek out and develop collaborations with local artists, organizations and groups within the community for upcoming programs.
• Assist in marketing programs including: distributing promotional materials, press releases, event signage, gathering materials and updating social media outlets.
• Assist in program evaluations: gathering feedback and surveys.
• Attend and contribute to Community Program meetings with interns.
• Continuously research and apply new forms of community engagement, participatory history activities, multidisciplinary art and culture activities, family development and learning theories, and innovative museum program strategies.
• Actively and enthusiastically represent the MAH in the community.

Education Duties:

• Serve as an on-call docent or intern to lead school tours of history and art exhibitions.
• Integrate contemporary educational approaches and theories into school tour curriculum development.
• Assist with the research, development, and implementation of pilot programs, including the museum’s work in local schools.
• Maintain school trunk program (work with front desk administrator in maintaining quality and integrity of trunks). Implement new trunk concepts.
• Maintain program spaces as well as art making supplies and storage.

Our ideal candidate has:

• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be personable and diplomatic in working with diverse constituency. Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.
• Enthusiasm for team work. Ability to work well with staff, teachers, and volunteers to promote the philosophy and goals of the Museum of Art & History as a participatory community hub.
• Self-driven; able to multitask and lead interns and volunteers. Entrepreneurial when it comes to sourcing materials – trips to the dump are involved.
• Experience working with a variety of artistic mediums. You are the crafter we all wish we could be.
• Basic knowledge of local history and culture preferred–curiosity essential. You are an amateur historian with a genuine interest in community engagement.
• Some experience in graphic design, program planning, education or museum experience.
• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Education, Social Practice, Arts Administration, Art History, History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, Childhood Development and Learning, or Sociology.
• Two years of teaching or related experience with children.
• Comfort working with Google Calendar, Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

And you must have:

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. This could be a bike, but you still need a driver’s license and, ideally, access to a car.
• Any criminal history must be disclosed and will be reviewed.  Additionally, finger printing may be required.