Are you interested in shaping the future of museum practice and fostering connections between young adults and the arts? Do you have experience in teaching, developing programming, and creating engaging educational experiences? If you're eager to mentor and guide students, serve as an ambassador on the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities campus, and lead a visionary team of undergraduate students, this might be the perfect opportunity for you.

As part of the Public Engagement and Learning team, the Student Engagement and Learning Specialist will play a crucial role in designing and implementing innovative strategies to engage the 18-25-year-old campus demographic with the Weisman Art Museum. Responsibilities include creating and facilitating in-gallery arts experiences and managing programs that encourage active participation and connection with our collections and exhibitions. You will work closely with colleagues to anticipate and respond to emerging trends in arts and culture, ensuring our programming remains relevant and impactful. This is a full-time position with all the attendant University of Minnesota employee benefits.

This is a 100%, continuing Civil Service position (classification 8412IE, Mus Pro 2-Interpret & Engagement).

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Programming and Engagement (60%):

• Develops strategies that engage the 18-25 age demographic on campus; facilitates dialogue and implements pedagogical approaches for art museum learning;
• Manages all aspects of co-curricular WAM Collective campus life program including hiring and performance management of 6+ undergraduate students; develops and implements year-long syllabus and UMN campus focused programming calendar; Manages student assistant responsible for Student Service Fee applications and budget monitoring.
• Supports Department Director in the research and development of Public Programs and community-focused initiatives; Collaborates on the delivery of the Open Studio program and in-gallery learning initiatives;
• Implements strategies for accessibility;
• Develops, staffs, and manages a year-long tabling strategy for on-campus promotion and engagement; Amplifies WAM resources including the art rental collection, internships, art study, Open Studio, and student tours through tabling and community outreach;
• Co-creates training modules and delivers training for internal student staff;
• Maintains relationships with campus units; schedules meetings and e-invitations targeted at faculty and units on campus.
• Develops strategies for community input into museum planning and programming; supports facilitation of focus groups;
• Tracks program performance metrics and audience demographics; Participates in debriefing, preparing and delivering reports; manages data for COVES and Qualtrics evaluations, grant reporting.

Administrative Support (35%):

• Works with the PEL department to work through multi-year plans under the strategic plan for the museum and University.
• Provides administrative support for PEL department including preparing and collecting content for copy, maintaining calendars, scheduling, and communicating cross-departmentally;
• Prepares contracts and supporting documentation for speakers, presenters, and artists.
• Makes travel arrangements and prepares itineraries for contracted partners;
• Assists in the creation of interpretive materials and artist engagement opportunities with PEL colleagues; supports programmatic elements of Open Studio including ordering supplies, maintaining Open Studio gallery space, and developing digital and print materials;
• Other duties as assigned;

Professional Development (5%):

• The Student Engagement and Learning Specialist is expected to be actively participating in the museum field, developing and maintaining relationships with other museum professionals, and participating in professional activities,
• Attends and presents at national conferences and/or other professional development opportunities to stay abreast of trends in the field;

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:

This is a full-time, hybrid position with a flexible schedule as required for implementation of responsibilities and related museum activities. Working hours may include some evenings and weekends. General mobility throughout museum properties required.

Salary range: $56,000 - $59,000, depending on qualifications

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Knowledge of object-based teaching and learning.
• Demonstrated interest in museology, the arts; nonprofit management, art history, programming, production, object-based teaching, visual literacy, or related fields;
• Strong research, writing, speaking, finance, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to student leadership development, community engagement, and intercultural competency;
• Strong communication and presentation skills;
• Ability to multitask and work on a range of projects and see them through to completion;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies (student, staff, faculty) in a diverse community;
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and record-keeping skills;
• Ability to collaborate with others and complete independent remote work;
• Familiarity with Mac computers, Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Canvas, and Canva platforms; basic knowledge of digital design.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends, including monthly Wednesday night student-focused programs.
• Multilingual skills a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree
• Three years of work experience in a museum setting, at least one of which is in an educational role.
• One year of teaching experience in a classroom or museum setting.
• Record of college or adult-level teaching.

About the Department

Since its origin in 1934, Weisman Art Museum has been a campus museum for the University of Minnesota. Today, our mission as a university art museum is to create and advance inclusive arts experiences to broaden understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our world. The Weisman is located at 333 East River Road, Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Gallery admission is always free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.wam.umn.edu.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).