Ames Coordinator of Education for Student Engagement and Public Programs

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ames Coordinator of Education for Student Engagement and Public Programs connects Cornell students and the public with the Johnson Museum of Art through creative educational programming. The role shapes and implements a balanced calendar of programs for adult audiences, including artist talks, lectures, performances, film screenings, poetry readings, hands-on workshops, and artist-led experiences. The coordinator collaborates with curators, faculty, student organizations, community partners, Education Department colleagues, and Visitor Services to build meaningful connections with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions, campus community, local audiences, and alumni. The role also supports programming with scholars, artists, and activists working in underrepresented areas or with marginalized identities. The coordinator develops programs that make the Museum a platform for Cornell students’ cultural and artistic work, including a new series of student performances in the galleries and opportunities for students to gather and connect through the arts. The position also develops an art and wellness initiative for students and the local community, with the possibility of growing into an Art Rx program with campus and community collaborators. The coordinator recruits, trains, and manages three to five Public Engagement student interns each year. Interns lead gallery and exhibition tours and support public programs for visitors, alumni, campus groups, and community audiences. The coordinator also supports the Director of Education in strengthening undergraduate intern training, developing audience-building strategies, and promoting programs and events. The position reports to the Director of Education and is part of an eight-person team. Core hours are Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with mutually agreed flexibility in start and end times. Flexibility to cover evening and weekend events is required, with schedule adjustments arranged in advance with the supervisor. The possibility of performing some work remotely may be arranged by mutual agreement once team and department needs are met; the listed remote option availability is onsite.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in art history, museum studies, art, or a related field.
At least 2–4 years of experience working closely with college students and student groups and developing programs in a museum context.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
Facility with technology and social media.
Ability to manage multiple projects independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Flexibility to cover evening and weekend events.
A cover letter and resume outlining interest and the alignment of experience and goals with the role are required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Prior work experience in an academic art museum.

Responsibilities

Shape and implement a balanced calendar of public programs for adult audiences, including talks, lectures, performances, screenings, readings, workshops, and artist-led experiences.
Collaborate with curators, faculty, student organizations, community partners, Education Department colleagues, and Visitor Services to deliver programming and build connections with Museum collections and exhibitions.
Help expand programming with scholars, artists, and activists working in underrepresented areas or with marginalized identities.
Develop a program series bringing Cornell student performances into the galleries and create student-friendly opportunities to gather and connect through the arts.
Develop an art and wellness initiative for students and the local community, potentially expanding into an Art Rx program with campus and community collaborators.
Recruit, train, and manage three to five Public Engagement student interns annually.
Guide student interns as they lead gallery and exhibition tours and support public programs for visitors, alumni, campus groups, and community audiences.
Support the Director of Education in strengthening undergraduate intern training, shaping audience-building strategies, and promoting programs and events.