Lead Educator

John Michael Kohler Arts Center•Sheboygan, WI

6d•$51,000 - $64,000

About The Position

The Lead Educator provides leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programming and interpretive resources aligned with John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s mission to generate a creative exchange between artists and the public. Working with Programming, Exhibitions, Collections, and the Manager of Education Initiatives, the Lead Educator creates engaging and accessible learning experiences connecting diverse audiences with artists, exhibitions, and collections. The role develops K–12 curricula, gallery and online resources, interpretive guides, and standards-aligned learning materials, and cultivates partnerships with regional educators, school districts, and academic institutions. The Lead Educator also oversees K–12 field trip experiences at the Arts Center and Art Preserve, contributes to programming for other age groups and communities, and leads the biennial Youth Art Month exhibition. The position supervises and mentors the Senior Educator and Learning and Access Coordinator, supporting collaboration, professional growth, and excellence in educational practice. It works closely with the Manager of Education Initiatives and reports to the Deputy Director of Programming. The role is primarily based in an office, art gallery, and outdoor grounds environment. Work generally takes place during daytime hours Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work and travel between work locations as schedules require.

Requirements

K–12 teaching experience; classroom or art teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Experience coordinating educational programs and managing program logistics, preferably in a museum, arts education, youth program, or related setting.
Experience supervising, training, mentoring, or providing feedback to staff, educators, volunteers, or other program participants.
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills, including the ability to engage effectively with audiences of varying ages and backgrounds.
Knowledge of effective teaching practices, curriculum development, and age-appropriate learning strategies.
Familiarity with accessible and inclusive learning practices, including adapting educational experiences and interpretive approaches for diverse abilities, learning styles, and access needs.
Ability to develop engaging learning experiences connecting audiences with artists, exhibitions, and collections.
Ability to train, mentor, supervise, and provide constructive feedback to staff and docents.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with educators, school administrators, colleagues, and community partners.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment; respond effectively to inquiries; and receive and apply feedback.
Ability and interest to learn about artist-built environments, folk art, contemporary art, and JMKAC’s collections and programs.
Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine correspondence, communicate effectively, follow detailed written or oral instructions, and address problems involving a limited number of concrete variables in standard situations.

Nice To Haves

Classroom or art teaching experience.
Experience coordinating educational programs in a museum setting, arts education, youth program, or related field.
Formal supervisory experience.
A degree in education, art education, arts management, museum studies, or studio art.
Familiarity with museum touring strategies and gallery interpretation.

Responsibilities

Oversee development, coordination, and evaluation of K–12 field trip experiences at the Arts Center and Art Preserve.
Coordinate with the Museum Educator on scheduling, staffing, resources, itineraries, and age-appropriate tours and workshops.
Train, mentor, and observe Museum Educators and docents; provide constructive feedback; and lead tours or workshops as needed.
Assess participant and educator feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and identify improvements.
Collaborate with Programming, Exhibitions, Collections, and the Education team to develop exhibition- and collection-inspired workshops, gallery interpretation, curricula, and educational resources.
Cultivate and sustain partnerships with regional K–12 educators, school administrators, charter schools, and school districts.
Develop professional learning opportunities, maker experiences, and other initiatives that strengthen educational partnerships and support JMKAC’s role as a resource for art education.
Lead the planning, curation, promotion, installation, and deinstallation of the biennial Youth Art Month exhibition, including coordinating opening celebrations and related opportunities.
Supervise, mentor, and support the professional development of the Senior Educator and Learning and Access Coordinator; establish expectations and foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
Coordinate educational opportunities for homeschool, scout, camp, church, and other multi-age groups.
Support public programs and community events, maintain knowledge of Arts Center exhibitions and Art Preserve collections, and participate in weekly Public Programming meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.