Manager of School and Family Programs – Spurlock Museum, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Spurlock Museum seeks a colleague with experience developing engaging educational programs for K-12 and family audiences. We value a strong commitment to ethical practices in cultural heritage management, creative thinking, and enthusiasm for collaborative work. The successful candidate will enjoy working in an environment that promotes innovation and experimentation and be dedicated to making the Spurlock Museum a welcoming and inviting space for our community. The Spurlock Museum team is a diverse and talented group of museum professionals that promote transparency, thoughtfully dismantle traditional gate-keeping museum practices, prioritize reparative practices, and center diversity, equity, access, an inclusion in our work. 

Job Summary

Develops, presents, evaluates, and supports engaging and participatory programming that interprets the Museum’s exhibits and collections for K-12 school groups and family audiences. These programs will foster a welcoming environment, develop empathy, and engage with diverse perspectives and stories.

Duties & Responsibilities

Museum Educational Programs and Special Events

  • Develop, present, and evaluate programming for family audiences and school groups, which may include (but are not limited to) school tours and workshops, educator open houses and professional development, family Sunday programs, and special events
  • Create interpretive materials that connect to temporary and permanent exhibits, Museum collections, and Museum initiatives
  • Lead tours for school and family audiences
  • Oversee bookings and signups for school and family programs and tours
  • Work closely with educators and community members to develop program content
  • Manage the school and family program budget and make purchases and execute contracts to support school and family programs
  • Advise other staff on the needs of student and family audiences in relation to the development of exhibitions and programs and the development and use of the Museum’s collections
  • Research, develop, and write grants to fund educational programs
  • Hire, train, evaluate and supervise staff to assist with the development and delivery of programs. May work in partnership with the Manager of Community Engagement and Programs to provide training to staff who provide tours
  • In partnership with other staff, develop content for the Museum’s website and social media channels. Maintain and use an email list to inform educators and stakeholders about Museum offerings. Develop written materials and information about programs to disseminate to educators and stakeholders through various communication channels including (but not limited to) email, newsletters, and social media
  • In partnership with other staff, develop and edit content for the promotion of programs and events
  • Research and maintain knowledge of other museum education programs
  • In partnership with the Academic Programs Coordinator, oversee the management, refinement, and development of the Museum’s teaching collection
  • Partner with other campus units and community groups to develop collaborative programs

Administrative

  • Actively participate with the other members of the Education Section in developing the section’s priorities and goals
  • Provide information for reports and grants
  • Advise Museum Director on initiatives and issues related to school and family audiences

Participate in Museum-wide initiatives and other professional activities that contribute to the missions of the Museum and the University of Illinois

  • Attend staff meetings and actively participate in planning and evaluation of the Museum
  • Actively participate in creating a work environment that is supportive, respectful, welcoming, and collaborative
  • Attend Museum events and assist in promoting the Museum on campus and in the community
  • Actively participate in creating and reviewing Museum policies and procedures
  • May serve on community or campus committees, working groups, or participate in other advisory groups
  • Remain active in appropriate professional groups and develop conference or informational presentations when appropriate

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Education, History, Art History, Art Education, Ethnic Studies, or related field.

A total of two (2) years (24 months) in education, training and/or work experience in informal or formal teaching experience at the pre-K through 12th level. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Anthropology, Education, History, Art History, Art Education, Ethnic Studies, or related field
2 years of experience developing educational programs that align to K-12 curriculum standards
2 years of experience developing and delivering object-based educational programs
1 year of supervisory experience
1 year of experience developing and managing budgets
1 year of event planning experience

Successful candidates will have the following:

  • Ability to build rapport and establish effective working relationships with co-workers and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated commitment to developing programs and relationship building that prioritizes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion
  • Knowledge of national, state, and local educational systems, practices, and curriculum standards
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated effective organizational skills
  • Excellent project and time management skills
  • Enthusiasm for working in classrooms and with educators, students, and community members
  • Working knowledge of technology such as computer applications, video, and audio applications for creating online content and programs and website and social media content
  • Ability to work collaboratively

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 – Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The salary range for this position is $48,000-$55,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CDT) on April 15, 2024. To apply for this position, please use the Apply Now button at https://go.illinois.edu/SpurlockK-12. Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and the names/contact information for three (3) professional references. References will only be contacted if you become a finalist for the position. Please remember to include specific information in your application materials on how your experiences and qualifications meet the qualifications of the position and align with the mission of the Museum.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact spurlock-business-office@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.


Requisition ID: 1020160
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Categories: Job Postings