Interpretation and Outreach Associate (IOA)

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums•San Francisco, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Interpretation and Outreach Associates (IOAs) are college students, recent graduates, and curious adults interested in the museum field who are responsible for facilitating museum education and community engagement through an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and intersectional approach. Working within the Education Department, IOAs are responsible for facilitating thoughtful student-centered tours for school and family programs and playing a critical support role with art studio instruction. Additionally, IOAs provide support and collaborate on Family Programs, Public Programs, Community Partnerships, and other education and outreach initiatives. As key collaborators, IOAs will participate in a rigorous hands-on training and syllabus including readings, discussions, workshops, and seminars on museum education, programming, interpretation, and more. IOAs complete an 8-week hybrid paid training program that introduces museum education, in-gallery teaching, art making, and community engagement frameworks, discussions, and approaches. This is a one-year program.

Requirements

Minimum: High School Diploma/GED is required.
College students, recent graduates, and adults interested in museum work are encouraged to apply.
Experience in fields of childhood and adolescent education, museum education, ethnic studies, art history, or studio art is preferred.
Experience working with diverse and intergenerational audiences within an art setting is encouraged—no prior museum experience required.
Interest in art and museums, public programs, research, multimodal teaching, and community engagement.
Comfortable communicating with a diverse public, including museum staff, visitors, children, youth, community members, and peers.
Comfortable with public speaking (groups of 10+).
Must be comfortable and enthusiastic about engaging with children through museum programs and in-gallery teaching.
Experience with varied art materials and studio practice.
Must be reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic, open-minded, and collaborative.
Experience and willingness to engage in conversations surrounding identity and historical events.
Ability to commit to the training and program schedule outlined below.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in key San Francisco Bay Area languages, including but not limited to Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, including Mandarin and Cantonese, and Filipino, including Tagalog and Ilocano.

Responsibilities

Participate in professional development training and workshops, including readings, group dialogues, guest presentations, and self-reflection.
Research, design, and facilitate student-centered gallery tours utilizing the museum's permanent collections and exhibitions for school groups and families.
Support the Family Programs team and teaching artists in facilitating Family Art Making, Sketching in the Galleries, de Youngsters Day Out, and more, including hands-on art-making and in-gallery activities for diverse, multigenerational families of all ages and skill levels.
Assist the Public Programs team in implementing welcoming and mission-driven programs, including Free Saturdays, festivals and community days, exhibition openings, symposia, film, music series, as well as other initiatives.
Work with community partnership and engagement to facilitate off-site community outreach taking place at Equity School Partnership Program school-sites, local civic gatherings, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, and other locations.