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Director of Education and Public Programs

Posted: March 12, 2008 — Open until filled

The di Rosa Preserve: Art and Nature

Napa, California

Type: Full Time, Experienced

THE POSITION:
The di Rosa Preserve: Art and Nature is looking for a committed, experienced professional to design, direct and carry out a range of innovative and diverse interpretive programs for the public. The Preserve's uniquely spectacular natural setting in the Napa Valley and large collection of contemporary art of Northern California offer rich source material and opportunities for engaging a wide audience of art lovers, local residents and visitors from throughout the world.

The Director of Education is responsible for the Preserve's tour and docent programs, school and youth programs, public programs, community outreach and other education activities that augment exhibitions. Duties include providing supervision to staff and volunteers and maintaining cooperative working relationships as a member of the senior management team and liaison with the Volunteer Council.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plan and direct programs that animate and interpret the collection and changing exhibitions of the art of Northern California to help adult and youth audiences enjoy and engage in understanding art and the creative process. Design and manage programs that expose audiences to the natural habitat and educate them about the native environment on site. Programs currently include tours, gallery talks, hikes, lectures and symposia, and may expand to include teacher workshops, multiple session courses, film, concerts and various special programs.

• Supervise staff and volunteers to ensure the effective management of public educational and interpretive activities. Oversee daily operations including scheduling and implementation of programs, compilation of tour and attendance statistics, and preparation and maintenance of budgets. Develop and supervise long-range planning activities for programs and operations.

• Work with Curatorial staff and others to ensure the appropriateness of educational materials and programs for audiences of various ages and backgrounds. Work in collaboration with Curator and Collections Manager to prepare educational materials related to collections and exhibitions (e.g. text, brochures, and interpretive materials for teachers and students).

• Oversee Guide and Docent training. Work in collaboration with the Volunteer Council on continuing education and stewardship of tour volunteers.

• Serve as liaison between the Preserve and primary and secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, and partner community institutions; represent the Preserve's educational mission to the community at large.

• Work in collaboration with other staff including the Executive Director, Curator, Administrative Director, Development Director, Collections, Volunteer, Facilities and Public Relations staff in the preparation and implementation of major programs, exhibitions, and the funding and promotion of the education activities.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Training: Educational degree in art or art history with an emphasis in contemporary art or art education preferred. Interest in and awareness of environmental issues is important.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Three years experience in a museum or other nonprofit arts institution at a managerial or supervisory level, with responsibility for designing and carrying out programs. Teaching experience and understanding of practices in museum education is important.

SKILLS:
Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated creativity and innovation in developing educational programs. Broad knowledge of modern and contemporary art; strong familiarity with the art and artists of Northern California. Must possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral, be an effective public speaker and trainer, able to motivate and excite others to learn. Must have the ability to manage a team and enjoy working with a diverse group in an informal, collaborative environment. We need someone who is resourceful and a self-starter, with the ability to maintain a sense of humor and meet deadlines gracefully under pressure.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands: Ability to participate in and lead walking tours on rugged terrain.
Special Environmental Factors: The Preserve is set amidst the agricultural zone of Napa's famed wine-growing region. Must be comfortable with and enjoy nature, including a large quantity of native waterfowl and domestic peacocks that roam freely amid the sculpture on the grounds.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit application, cover letter, resume, names and contact information for three references and two writing samples to:

Application Address:

Education Director Search
di Rosa Preserve: Art and Nature
5200 Carneros Highway 121
Napa, CA 94559