Manager of Gallery Learning

United States·SeattleFull-Timemid

OtherManager

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

lead the annual touring assignment process, design year-long docent schedules for training, lead seasonal training sessions with support from department colleagues and external contractors,

Technical Tools

OtherManager

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Manager of Gallery Learning will manage the docent program, including recruitment, training, protocols, and evaluation. In consultation with the School & Educator team, design school tour study guides, gallery materials, and other resources for students and educators. Serve as a museum-wide resource for best practices in object-based learning and in-gallery facilitation, and support other Education initiatives as needed.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage SAM’s school and adult-touring docents, including recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation, ensuring welcoming and engaging in-gallery facilitation on all tours. Regularly assess docent needs for audience-specific guidance and provide individualized coaching to support pedagogical development
Research, design, maintain, and evaluate equity-centered materials for K-12 school tours, adult public tours, and other in-gallery learning experiences and resources, including study guides, visual aids, teaching objects, and self-guided materials; update these resources in accordance with exhibition changes and audience needs
Manage the administration of the docent program: lead the annual touring assignment process, design year-long docent schedules for training, lead seasonal training sessions with support from department colleagues and external contractors, support the Docent Executive Committee, and work with the Volunteer Programs Manager to align with museum-wide policies and procedures
With the School & Educators team, develop and implement best practices for docent procedures, operations, and communication with key school tour stakeholders, including teaching artists, educators, and frontline staff
Serve as a resource for staff and volunteers across the museum in object-based learning and in-gallery facilitation
Oversee publication of gallery learning resources, institutional calendars, and protocols for docents and other collaborators across email, web, in-person, and other communication channels
Be available to support school tour and art workshop facilitation as needed
Reflect on K-12 programs and adult tours using visitor surveys, interviews, or other evaluation methods
Support department efforts as needed for other audiences including families, teens and general audiences
Ensure institutional protocols and procedures are followed in reserving dates and spaces, requesting tech and A/V support, and other cross-departmental functions
Track docent program expenditures and revenue and process payments with finance as needed. Manage docent budget and advise on annual department budgeting cycle
Create regular reports (both qualitative and quantitative) to support grants and department information sharing
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education, curriculum & instruction, art education, art history, related field, or equivalent experience
Four years of experience in the museum or related field
Knowledge of informal learning strategies and museum education and experience with intergenerational learning, K-12 Education, and informal education
Commitment to access, equity, and inclusion in approach to content creation and audience engagement
Knowledge of volunteer management and working with or managing intergenerational volunteers
Ability to build positive working relationships within as well as outside of organization with strong orientation to teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
Successfully assess priorities and work well within deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, internet based research, experience with Slack and Asana a plus, OR willingness to learn Asana and Slack quickly
Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Requirements

~2 min read

Experience with docent and volunteer programs
Experience with accessibility and/or multilingual learning opportunities
Experience leading trainings for adult learners

FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Associate Director of Education

Work Location: Seattle Art Museum - Downtown Location

BENEFITS

Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.

Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.

Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!