Creative Learning Manager

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is excited to begin the search for a Manager of Creative Learning! The Manager of Creative Learning develops innovative approaches to arts education that engage both young people and adults with the museum. This role participates as an active and collaborative member of the Education, Engagement, and Learning unit, positioning museum education as a dynamic academic resource, and championing new ways of thinking about museums, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections. Through experiences on-site, off-site, and online, this role advances the museum’s mission to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary learning and engagement for educators, PreK–12 students, and other audiences through curriculum-based explorations, teacher workshops, and professional development opportunities.

Accredited by the American Association of Museums and a member of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, The Jule stewards a renowned art collection of more than 3000 objects on behalf of Auburn University. Advancing research, outreach and instruction through its collections and programs in active and welcoming learning environments, the museum engages through exhibitions and hosting artists and scholars from across the nation to provide positive impacts for students and faculty. Serving beyond the gallery walls, it also serves the state of Alabama through traveling art programming. The Jule will turn 25 in 2028! With that upcoming milestone, the museum is focused on raising funds to endow positions and programs, establish scholarships, acquire and conserve art, and provide adequate teaching space, all to further center its role within the intellectual life of Auburn University.

• Creates and facilitates dynamic professional development opportunities for PreK–12 educators, emphasizing cross-disciplinary and co-created learning projects. Aligns museum programing with relevant Alabama State Standards across the curriculum and designs opportunities for professional development around integrating curricular instruction across standards. Expands understanding of art’s impact on the public sphere and promotes innovative strategies for integrating museum resources into all disciplines. Incorporates new models of cultural participation, artistic practice, and technology-driven engagement, fostering collaboration, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking in educational settings.
• Expands and enriches relationships between the museum and communities throughout the state. Moves the museum beyond the classroom through the Jule’s Museum in Motion initiative by working in partnership with arts, cultural, educational, non-profit, governmental, and civic organizations to conceive, co-develop and manage meaningful community-led museum programs for diverse intergenerational audiences in places such as but not limited to libraries, health care facilities, mental health support organizations, veterans support organizations, and governmental agencies. Brings community voices and needs into museum engagement opportunities for the betterment of civic life in the region, exploring philosophical, cultural, and ethical ideas about how the museum can serve as a space for public practice and exploration.
• Conceptualizes, develops, designs, implements, and presents innovative PreK–12 education, engagement, and learning experiences for students, families, and other stakeholders. Responsible for coordinating tours and hands-on explorations, overseeing engagement calendars, and leading art making workshops, institutes, and customized engagements as necessary. Ensures offerings are impactful, object-based, multi-sensory, and multi-disciplinary utilizing best practices in museum education, art education pedagogies, and visitor studies to appeal to different learning styles. Incorporates multi-generational learning and participatory hands-on experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, and global competence.
• Conceptualizes educational content and interpretive tools for the museum website in collaboration with web and digital media staff. Develops innovative resources for other digital platforms and formats. Uses technology to develop new audiences, expanding access and engagement. Collaborates with peer institutions to share digital resources.
• Participates in museum-wide projects, staff training, and professional development opportunities to maintain awareness of current practices. Contributes to development and fundraising initiatives, including identifying grant opportunities, drafting proposals, and managing reporting for grants centered on innovative educational programming and community partnerships.

• Bachelor's degree in no specific discipline plus 3 years of experience in education and/or museum outreach, education, or initiatives. 

OR

• Master's degree in no specific discipline plus 1 year of experience in education and/or museum outreach, education, or initiatives.

• Broad understanding of the field of visual arts, including a range of historical periods, cultures, and artistic trends, and a willingness to learn about subjects and material outside of established areas of expertise.
• Deep knowledge of and demonstrable commitment to arts education, especially for PreK-12 and families connected with museums.
• Familiarity with pedagogical and engagement trends in the areas of children and family learning, technology integration, stakeholder management, and State of Alabama education standards.
• Ability to work well and collaborate effectively with and/or supervise a wide range of audiences including staff, volunteers, funders, sponsors, volunteers, the general public, and other constituencies.
• Exceptional team and collaborative leadership skills, especially liaising with colleagues; comfortable leading large, small, and diverse groups to provide direction and mentorship through inspiration, consistency, and example.
• Ability to successfully plan, organize, and implement work to meet deadlines, unexpected business needs, and/or multiple changing priorities; keep up with high work volume often under pressure; multitask.
• Administrative with attention to detail, while incorporating the broader goals of the organization. Able to strategize, set and meet goals, and be proactive; and who pays meticulous attention to detail in the completion of tasks. High-level computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!