Inspire Learning. Connect Communities. Bring Art to Life. Join John Michael Kohler Arts Center as our next Lead Educator and help shape engaging, accessible learning experiences that connect students, educators, and diverse audiences with artists, exhibitions, and collections. Lead innovative educational programming, cultivate meaningful school partnerships, and empower a team dedicated to making art an inspiring part of everyone's experience.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Lead Educator provides leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programming and interpretive resources aligned with JMKAC’s mission to “generate a creative exchange between artists and the public.” Collaborating with Programming, Exhibitions, Collections, and the Manager of Education Initiatives, the Lead Educator develops engaging, accessible learning experiences that connect diverse audiences with artists, exhibitions, and collections. The Lead Educator develops K–12 curricula, gallery and online resources, interpretive guides, and standards-aligned learning materials while cultivating partnerships with regional educators, school districts, and academic institutions. Through these efforts, the Lead Educator advances JMKAC’s role as a regional and national resource for art education. The position supervises and mentors the Senior Educator and Learning and Access Coordinator, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and excellence in educational practice. The Lead Educator supports JMKAC’s commitment to accessible learning, continuous improvement, and excellence in museum education. The Lead Educator works closely with the Manager of Education Initiatives and reports to the Deputy Director of Programming.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- K–12 Field Trip Program Leadership Oversee the development, coordination, and evaluation of K–12 field trip experiences at the Arts Center and Art Preserve. Coordinate with the Museum Educator on scheduling, staffing, resources, itineraries, and age-appropriate tours and workshops. Train, mentor, and observe Museum Educators and docents; provide constructive feedback; and lead tours or workshops as needed to ensure engaging, high-quality learning experiences. Assess participant and educator feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and identify improvements.
- Educational Programming and Interpretation Collaborate with Programming, Exhibitions, Collections, and the Education team to develop exhibition- and collection-inspired workshops, gallery interpretation, curricula, and educational resources for school groups and diverse audiences. Incorporate age-appropriate, accessible, and varied approaches to learning.
- School Partnerships and Educator Professional Development Cultivate and sustain partnerships with regional K–12 educators, school administrators, charter schools, and school districts. Develop professional learning opportunities, maker experiences, and other initiatives that strengthen educational partnerships and position JMKAC as a leader and resource for art education.
- Youth Art Month Exhibition Lead the planning, curation, promotion, installation, and deinstallation of the biennial Youth Art Month exhibition. Coordinate opening celebrations and related opportunities to recognize and engage participating students, educators, and school communities.
- Staff Supervision and Mentorship Supervise, mentor, and support the professional development of the Senior Educator and Learning and Access Coordinator. Establish clear expectations, foster collaboration, and support effective program delivery and continuous improvement.
- Broader Audience Engagement and Institutional Collaboration Coordinate educational opportunities for homeschool, scout, camp, church, and other multi-age groups; support public programs and community events; maintain knowledge of Arts Center exhibitions and Art Preserve collections; and participate in weekly Public Programming meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA)
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with audiences of varying ages and backgrounds.
- Knowledge of effective teaching practices, curriculum development, and age-appropriate learning strategies.
- Familiarity with accessible and inclusive learning practices, including adapting educational experiences and interpretive approaches to accommodate diverse abilities, learning styles, and access needs.
- Ability to develop engaging learning experiences that connect audiences with artists, exhibitions, and collections.
- Ability to train, mentor, supervise, and provide constructive feedback to staff and docents.
- Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with educators, school administrators, colleagues, and community partners.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment; respond effectively to inquiries; and receive and apply feedback.
- Interest in learning about artist-built environments, folk art, contemporary art, and JMKAC’s collections and programs.
- Familiarity with museum touring strategies and gallery interpretation preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Education Requirements
- K–12 teaching experience; classroom or art teaching experience strongly preferred.
- Experience coordinating educational programs and managing program logistics, preferably in a museum setting, arts education, youth program, or a related field.
- Experience supervising, training, mentoring, or providing feedback to staff, educators, volunteers, or other program participants. Formal supervisory experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; a degree in education, art education, arts management, museum studies, or studio art preferred.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods; communicate with others to exchange information; and assess the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work. The employee will occasionally move about to accomplish tasks, maneuver in various positions, including tight or confined spaces, and perform repetitive motions involving the wrists, hands, and fingers. The position does not require climbing ladders or stairs, operating machinery or power tools, operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment, or lifting and moving objects as an essential job function. The employee must be able to read and interpret documents, write routine correspondence, and communicate effectively with others. The employee must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions and address problems involving a limited number of concrete variables in standard situations.
Work Environments:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position is primarily based in an office, art gallery, and outdoor grounds environment. The employee may occasionally work in areas with high temperatures, exposure to outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind, moderate to loud noise levels, and small or enclosed spaces. Exposure to low temperatures, hazardous conditions, and areas with poor ventilation is not expected as part of the position's regular duties. Hours of work generally include daytime hours Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturday and Sunday work to meet staffing and event needs. The position may require travel between various work locations based on the schedule.