Museum Educator

at  National Museum of African American Music

The Museum Educator will support school groups, programming, and events initiated and implemented through the department. This position is essential to ensuring students and community members are provided with an amazing experience that explores the depths of African American music in a way that forms meaningful connections to our guests and museum storyline. The Museum Educator will support the NMAAM mission with intentional efforts and focus on Experiential Learning, DEIB, Community Engagement, Career Pathways, and Mentoring. This position reports to the Director, Education and Exhibitions.
NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans. The Museum will share the story of the American Soundtrack, integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.A. or equivalent experience in one or more of the following fields: education, African American history, African American music, museum studies, or public history.
• 2-3 years of experience in the field of education or in a related area in a history or music museum preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Supports the mission, vision, and strategic goals of NMAAM to serve both internal and external customers.
• Conducts self in a professional manner; maintains appropriate professional appearance.
• Follows and supports policies and procedures of NMAAM.
• Participates as a team member utilizing a collaborative style to achieve mutual goals.
• Provides proactive, creative cross-functional thinking and ideas to enhance service to customers.
• Participates in meetings or events as needed.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• Proven computer and software use skills, especially MS Office, with an ongoing commitment to training in both areas of soft and technical skills to maintain current skills and knowledge.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage day of execution of school groups as necessary in coordination with Lead Museum Educator and Director. (i.e., assisting with buses, greeting, gallery monitoring, serving as day of point of contact).
• Assist with expanding museum onsite educational experiences (materials, gallery programming, etc. (i.e., developing supporting materials aligned to museum galleries and group needs).
• Assist with program preparation, including setting up activity spaces and prepping supplies. (i.e., completing purchase requests for materials and supplies, completing BEOs).
• Develop an expert knowledge on museum content, programming, and exhibitions to lead gallery engagement, tours, and programming. (i.e., understanding the museum history, names of galleries, gallery contents, as well as current and future exhibitions/programs).
• Participate in educational engagement onsite and in-community (awareness tables, programming, etc.). (i.e., facilitation of community engagement requests through schools, community, centers, etc.).
• Track and report program participation. (i.e., dissemination of surveys to groups and providing that information to Lead Museum Education and Director).
• Participate and/or assist in team training, programs, and events as necessary and required. (i.e., attendance, set up/break down, material procurement with after hours and weekend assignments.).
• Assist with museum program development. (i.e., brainstorming, program proposals, budgets, building calendars, material procurement, and performers/speakers with the approval of the Director.)
• Promote educational programs, tour guides, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

ALL STAFF DUTIES:

• Serves as leader to assure strong communications between NMAAM and all external constituents.
• Actively seeks to learn the history of NMAAM.
• Supports and promotes the museum’s mission.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of special events.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.