Academic Programs Coordinator/Senior Coordinator
The Farnsworth Art Museum, located in the scenic coastal community of Rockland, Maine, is recognized nationally as one of the finest repositories of American art. With over 15,000 works, our collection underscores Maine as the inspiration for many of the artists represented in our holdings. We currently have an opening for an Academic Programs Coordinator/Senior Coordinator in our Learning and Engagement Department.
The Coordinator/Senior Coordinator of Academic Programs plays a central role in the day-to-day implementation of Arts@theIntersection, the Farnsworth Art Museum's year-long arts integration program serving middle and high school students across Maine partner schools. This position works closely with and reports to the Senior Manager of Academic Programs. This position sits within the Academic Programs unit of Learning and Engagement. While Arts@theIntersection is the primary and defining focus of this role, the Coordinator/Senior Coordinator also contributes to the broader work of Academic Programs which includes educator professional development as well as curricular-aligned programming and resources for K-12 audiences. This role is a part of the larger Learning and Engagement team and may provide support for select departmental programs and events as needed.
This position is well suited to an educator and/or arts administrator who brings experience working with youth in structured learning environments, a background in arts integration or interdisciplinary instruction, familiarity with youth development best practices, and the organizational capacity to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously. The individual in this position will contribute ideas and creative input to museum education program development while working within the pedagogical framework established by the Senior Manager of Academic Programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with the Senior Manager, implement and facilitate programming for Arts@theIntersection workshops, studio sessions, and gallery engagements with partner classrooms
- Develop familiarity with the program's pedagogical approach, including inquiry-based learning, student voice and choice, experiential learning, and slow looking practices, for example, through ongoing observation, co-facilitation, and reflection with the Senior Manager
- Contribute to the ongoing development programming, working closely with the Senior Manager to design new workshop formats, activities, and engagement approaches
- Support the recruiting, development, and onboarding of teacher and classroom partners for Arts@theIntersection workshops
- Cultivate relationships with community organizations, youth-serving groups, artists, and educators to support academic programs' broader partnerships and outreach
- Manage the coordination and logistics of school, studio, and expedition workshops across the program year in coordination with the Senior Manager while maintaining program calendars and partner pre- and post-engagement communications
- Assess material and logistical needs for workshops based on session plans and engagement requirements; proactively order, organize, and prepare supplies in advance to ensure seamless workshop delivery
- Lead cross-departmental planning and execution of the annual Arts@theIntersection community celebration and opening student exhibition event including venue logistics, vendor coordination, documentation/reporting, and event-day management
- Develop program newsletter, social media content, and program-related website content, communicating program to target audiences and documenting program activities in collaboration with Senior Manager and the Communications/Creative teams
- Maintain accurate program documentation across the academic year, including participant feedback, teacher surveys, consent forms, and student records; compile this data to support annual reporting, grant requirements, and impact communications
- Manage external inquiries about Academic Programs and Arts@theIntersection
- Maintain program budget actuals by tracking spending, reimbursements, and invoices
- Support K-12 tours and workshop engagements, as needed, as part of the museum’s broader youth and family learning initiatives
- Contribute to the development of interpretive materials for Learning & Engagement exhibitions, including label copy, gallery guides, or visitor-facing content
- Participate in regional and national professional communities and organizations in order to maintain knowledge of state/federal education standards, arts integration, and museum education practices
- Maintain working knowledge of relevant digital tools and platforms to support the development of online or hybrid learning resources for youth audiences, as needed
Qualifications:
- B.A. or M.A. in Education, Art, Museum Studies or a related field required with at least 3 years of experience in educational programming, museum education, or arts integration programming including direct work with middle or high school-aged youth in a structured learning environment
- Understanding of interdisciplinary curricular approaches and youth development; familiarity with inquiry-based or facilitated discussion approaches to teaching and learning, and experience developing relationships with cultural, social, and educational organizations
- A commitment to supporting the values of belonging, diversity, equity, and access
- Genuine enthusiasm for working with young people and a commitment to youth voice and student-centered learning
- Knowledge and experience in project management including strong organizational and logistical skills with the ability to problem solve while managing multiple concurrent responsibilities and deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing for public or community audiences
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team environment
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Proficiency with office, calendar, and project management tools and software
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required, to support regular travel to partner school sites
- Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends in support of program and museum events