Director of Learning, Experience and Programming

Company: Oakland Museum of CA
Location: Oakland
Posted on: June 8, 2021

Job Description:

The Director of Learning, Experience and Programming creates and executes the institution-wide strategy that brings together in-gallery and exhibition experiences and campus programming to support OMCA’s brand as a museum, garden and gathering place and to advance its social impact of building trust, understanding, and connection between people and communities. Working in close partnership with the Chief Content Officer, the Director of Content Development, and program, curatorial, and collections staff, the Director oversees programming and interpretive activities that are imbued with a unified theory of learning and clearly articulated impact and outcomes, and that advance OMCA’s vision to create personal, accessible, imaginative and relevant experiences for all visitors.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe following reflects OMCA’s definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIESSupport the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and core commitment to the visitor experience, community engagement, anti-racism and institutional relevancy for the future;Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives such as diversity advancement;Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives;Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement.All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role.POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESStrategy and LeadershipDevelop programming and learning models that foster deep community inclusion and incorporate community voice.Define a clear strategic direction for OMCA’s learning and programming initiatives based on community listening and an analysis of the current educational and cultural landscape.Work in close partnership with the Director of Content Development and in collaboration with other staff partners to fuse the Museum’s onsite and online content and programming into a cohesive experience for OMCA audiences.Lead the Learning, Experience, and Programming Department that includes program, experience, and learning managers, developers and educators. In collaboration with staff, develop departmental work plans and lead recruiting, hiring, training and review of department staff.Work as a manager, coach and catalyst to set department priorities and goals; support staff in achieving goals throughout the year.Play a visible and active role in institutional fundraising. With development and advancement staff, build relationships with funders and assist in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities.Build and deepen partnerships with external institutions, educational organizations, and community groups.Represents the organization to partner agencies, organizations, and the general public.Recruit, supervise, and evaluate staff, interns, and volunteersProgram Development and ImplementationCreate a vision for innovative, 21st century best practices for K-12 informal museum education, centered on OMCA’s educational philosophy and institution-wide social impact framework.In partnership with Program Managers, oversees strategic direction of learning programs such as docent-led tours, hands-on workshops, curriculum, museum/school partnerships, educator professional development, and online resources.Create and lead a vision for public programming that leverages and utilizes OMCA’s core galleries and collections, temporary exhibitions, and campus and garden spaces to foster learning, community engagement, and social cohesion.In partnership with Program Managers, develop a schedule of time-based, in-gallery and campus-wide programming that engages and develops new audiences, supports and deepens learning for adults and families, and builds relationships with strategic partners and collaborators.Ensure all OMCA gallery and exhibition projects incorporate substantial and meaningful community input and voice; act as part of content teams in establishing community engagement strategies and tactics.In partnership with Program Managers and Developers oversee new models of participatory, visitor-centered gallery experiences and exhibitions based on research and evaluation of visitors’ diverse learning styles and motivations, including interpretation and labels, visitor interactives, and other platforms for gallery and exhibition activation.Establish rigorous standards and practice for comprehensive interpretive plans across gallery and exhibitions projects.Oversee label and interpretive writing at institutional standards.EXPERIENCEAbility to display the competencies of strategic thinking, development of self and others and ability to deploy and align organizational strategies and objectives10+ years of related experience5 years of supervisory/lead experienceB.A. degree in related field preferredEnglish language proficiency in both spoken and written form.Familiarity with multidisciplinary arts, history, natural sciences, education, community engagement and civic and audience development.Understanding of the current educational landscape, including formal and informal institutional structures of learning.Versed in learning theory, and its practical application with a particular understanding of inquiry-based learning.Experience creating and/or directing the creation of implementation of effective learning programs, curricula and activities.Understanding of fundraising techniques, grant application procedures, and funding sources.Demonstrated cultural competence and a history of building equitable and inclusive programming.Proficiency in employee management.Works well in a deeply collaborative, highly fluid culture.Knowledge of partnership and contract negotiations and management.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The environment may include:Museum environment involves both indoor and outdoor working conditionsAbility to travel between OMCA locations, and other travel as required by position responsibilitiesEngage with diverse visitor populations for extended periods of time in the galleries or throughout the campusAbility to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekendsEEO STATEMENTThe Oakland Museum of California is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and equity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ability/disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We highly encourage our diverse community to apply for available employment, internship, fellowship and volunteer positions at the Museum, as we aim to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our visitors and the surrounding community. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, OMCA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Keywords: Oakland Museum of CA, Oakland , Director of Learning, Experience and Programming, Other , Oakland, California