Assistant Director of Learning & Engagement

Company: New York Foundation for the Arts
Location: Seattle
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

Assistant Director of Learning & Engagement$78,000 - $85,000 (Annual) Full Time Permanent Manager/SupervisorNon-Profit, Museums/Hist. Societies, Academic/EducationPosition: Assistant Director of Learning & EngagementReports to: Director and Curator of Learning & EngagementDirect Reports: 1 Teaching Artist Lead, 3 On-Call Teaching ArtistsDivision: Learning & EngagementFLSA Status: Full Time, Salaried, ExemptSalary Range: $78,000-85,000 annuallyWork Hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week at 90% FTEHybrid Option: 3 days per week on-site (including Tuesdays and Thursdays) with the option for 2 days per week remote. Occasional weekend and evening work at events is required.Position SummaryThe Frye Art Museum seeks an Assistant Director of Learning and Engagement ("Assistant Director") to lead the design and implementation of Inclusive Learning Programs that engage K-12 students, educators, families, and intergenerational groups while supporting the broader goals of the Learning & Engagement Division. Centering the museum's collection and exhibitions, the Assistant Director will oversee dynamic, inquiry- and object-based learning experiences that activate the museum's galleries and art studio.The Assistant Director will play a vital role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive visitor-centered experience by strengthening existing programs and developing new initiatives that expand the museum's impact. This includes enhancing and expanding legacy programs such as Field Trip to the Frye, Small Frye, and Educator Workshops while also increasing access for underserved schools, families, and intergenerational groups. Additionally, the Assistant Director will reimagine the Gallery Guide program and establish a museum-wide internship initiative in collaboration with the Director and Curator of Learning & Engagement.Proficient in both the strategic and operational aspects of learning programs, the Assistant Director will manage a team, oversee curriculum design, ensure thoughtful planning, and contribute to an environment that fosters inclusive (designed for a variety of levels of experience with art and artmaking), culturally-responsive (reflective of and relevant to diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives), and impactful (creating meaningful and lasting engagement) learning experiences.Building strong relationships with teaching artists, educators, schools, and community groups, the Assistant Director will lead the recruitment and training of teaching artists, contract educators, and gallery guides, ensuring high-quality program delivery and meaningful community engagement that reflects what the Frye is uniquely positioned to offer.Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the vision and strategy of the Learning & Engagement division.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy for learning programs, incorporating access-centered and revenue-generating components, in collaboration with the Director and Curator of Learning & Engagement ("Director").
• Lead the development of visitor-centered learning models and inclusive pedagogies that incorporate accessible teaching strategies and adaptable lesson plans, tailored to diverse ages, abilities, and levels of experience with art and artmaking.
• Oversee the development of a multi-year slate of inclusive and cross-disciplinary learning programs, including curriculum for K-12 students, families, intergenerational community groups, and educators, with support from the Teaching Artist Lead ("Lead").
• Manage the Teaching Artist Lead. With the Lead, hire, train, and oversee part-time teaching artists and contract educators.
• Reimagine the Gallery Guide program and establish a museum-wide internship initiative, in collaboration with the Director.
• Oversee the development of curricular and experience-enhancing resources that provide accessible entry points to the Frye collection and exhibitions.
• Oversee onsite educator workshops that highlight curricular connections between the museum's collections and exhibitions and the classroom.
• Build and maintain relationships with artists, educators, schools, districts, community partners, and cultural institutions.
• Assist in designing and delivering educational content and teaching strategies for adult programs.
• Evaluate and refine current outreach initiatives; engage with underserved communities.
• Ensure effective promotion of Learning and Engagement programs, in collaboration with the Communications team.
• Share information across the organization and collaborate to support initiatives and practices that foster a welcoming environment.
• Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives.Desired Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills
  • Commitment to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
  • Strong track record of designing creative programs, connecting with audiences, and assessing impact in cultural or museum settings.
  • Expertise interpreting modern and contemporary art collections.
  • Experience working directly with artists, educators, community partners, and stakeholders.
  • Strong management and administrative skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask across multiple projects.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and a strong work ethic.
  • Fluency in English; proficiency in ASL and/or additional languages is a plus.Required Education/Experience
    • 4+ years of experience coordinating, developing, and producing learning and engagement programs in museums, arts and cultural organizations, or similar settings.
    • 2+ years of experience managing and mentoring staff.
    • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, and database systems.How to ApplySubmit a resume that outlines relevant experience and a cover letter. Applications received by May 4, 2025, will be given priority consideration.In the cover letter, please address the following questions:
      • What draws you to the Frye Art Museum and the work of the Learning & Engagement division?
      • Tell us about your teaching experience - whether in a classroom, gallery, and/or studio setting.
      • How do you approach managing and mentoring others?We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those who bring diverse perspectives that will continue to contribute to the inclusive and equitable culture we are fostering at the Frye Art Museum.The position is open until filled. Please do not send emails or make phone calls. Due to the high volume of applications received, we can only contact candidates whose skills and backgrounds best fit the needs of the open positions.Work ConditionsWork areas are inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor event sites. Shift times may vary to meet the museum's requirement to staff the facilities and events. Work may require weekend and evening hours and extended periods of attendance at museum events.Physical Conditions Required to Perform Essential Functions
        • Ability to converse and exchange information for effective communication.
        • Remaining in a stationary location, standing or sitting, and occasionally moving through the museum.
        • Regular operation of computer systems and other office equipment.As much as possible, the Frye Art Museum will accommodate applicants with disabilities to perform essential functions and duties.COVID-19 ConsiderationsNote that all employees are asked to adhere to museum guidance and policy for COVID-19, which may change over time.EEOC StatementThe Frye is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, marital or veteran status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
          #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: New York Foundation for the Arts, Bellingham , Assistant Director of Learning & Engagement, Executive , Seattle, Washington