COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.
When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.
That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).
We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Learning Guide I role at the Portland Art Museum will facilitate experiences for K-12 students during class visits. They create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students of all ages feel a sense of belonging and know their voices are valued. Learning Guides engage groups of 8 - 12 students in close looking, discussion, and activities with 3 - 5 artworks for 20 - 60 minutes (depending on the teacher’s preference). These participant-driven experiences foster curiosity, exploration, self-reflection, and open-ended inquiry (and fun!).
Learning Guides participate in two weeks (20 hours) of training before they begin working with students and will receive ongoing training throughout. Training will focus on facilitation techniques, group management strategies, and learning about the artwork on view in both permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. Through their training and experience in this program, Guides will develop skills in facilitation and leadership, critical thinking, visual analysis, working with youth, and working in a nonprofit arts and culture organization.
College and graduate students of all concentrations and majors are encouraged to apply. No studio art, art history, or museum experience required. Guides are paid interns who will be compensated for time spent on training and research as well as time working directly with students.
Information about the School Visit Program: The Portland Art Museum welcomes approximately 10,000 K-12 students every school year at no charge. Classes come from throughout the Portland Metro region and sometimes farther away in Oregon and Washington. Classes visiting the museum are about 50% high school, 25% middle school, and 25% K-5. The Museum also welcomes 2,000 college students on class visits each year. The Learning Guide program launched during the 2023 - 24 academic year and has drawn an overwhelmingly positive response from K-12 students and teachers as well as from the Guides themselves. We are excited for Learning Guides this year to be part of the grand opening of the Museum’s transformed campus in the fall of 2025.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL

• Facilitate discussion and interaction with art with small groups of K-12 students in the galleries.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and visitors.
• Collaborate with the Head of Youth and Educator Programs, other educators, and PAM staff to deliver and continuously improve the K-12 class visit program.
• Embrace ongoing learning and a culture of respectful feedback and growth.
• Learn about the permanent collection and special exhibitions at the Portland Art Museum through training and materials provided and through independent research.
• Facilitate activities and gallery conversations during youth and educator programs and Museum free days, when available.

SUMMER DUTIES:

• Research upcoming 2025-26 permanent collection and special exhibitions.
• Collaborate with Learning Department staff to create resources for the new Guide cohort and assist in planning for the new school tour year.
• Facilitate Look With Me gallery conversations with visitors on First Free Thursdays and Sundays, as needed, and mentor volunteer guides.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU HAVE THESE REQUIREMENTS

• Current enrollment in either a college or a graduate program is strongly preferred
• Previous experience working with youth is helpful, but not required
• Proficiency in Spanish or other language in addition to English is appreciated, but not required
• A strong interest in working with youth of all ages and developing collaborative leadership skills
• A strong interest in art, in how people connect with art, and in how people connect with each other through art
• Friendly, creative, and open to learning new skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Dependable, punctual, and able to commit to a schedule
• Ability to check email while off site and use Google Drive, Docs, Meet, and Calendar
  If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.