Creative Learning Manager

Auburn University•Auburn, AL

About The Position

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is seeking a Manager of Creative Learning to develop innovative arts education approaches for both young people and adults. This role is a key part of the Education, Engagement, and Learning unit, aiming to position museum education as a dynamic academic resource and foster creativity, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections. The position will advance the museum’s mission through on-site, off-site, and online experiences, serving as a hub for interdisciplinary learning for educators, PreK–12 students, and other audiences via curriculum-based explorations, teacher workshops, and professional development. The Jule, accredited by the American Association of Museums and a member of the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, stewards over 3000 objects for Auburn University, promoting research, outreach, and instruction. It engages through exhibitions and hosts national artists and scholars, while also serving Alabama through traveling art programs. With its 25th anniversary approaching in 2028, the museum is focused on fundraising for endowments, scholarships, acquisitions, conservation, and teaching spaces to enhance its role in Auburn University's intellectual life.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in no specific discipline plus 3 years of experience in education and/or museum outreach, education, or initiatives.
Master's degree in no specific discipline plus 1 year of experience in education and/or museum outreach, education, or initiatives.

Responsibilities

Creates and facilitates dynamic professional development opportunities for PreK–12 educators, emphasizing cross-disciplinary and co-created learning projects.
Aligns museum programming with relevant Alabama State Standards across the curriculum and designs opportunities for professional development around integrating curricular instruction across standards.
Expands understanding of art’s impact on the public sphere and promotes innovative strategies for integrating museum resources into all disciplines.
Incorporates new models of cultural participation, artistic practice, and technology-driven engagement, fostering collaboration, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking in educational settings.
Expands and enriches relationships between the museum and communities throughout the state.
Moves the museum beyond the classroom through the Jule’s Museum in Motion initiative by working in partnership with arts, cultural, educational, non-profit, governmental, and civic organizations to conceive, co-develop and manage meaningful community-led museum programs for diverse intergenerational audiences in places such as but not limited to libraries, health care facilities, mental health support organizations, veterans support organizations, and governmental agencies.
Brings community voices and needs into museum engagement opportunities for the betterment of civic life in the region, exploring philosophical, cultural, and ethical ideas about how the museum can serve as a space for public practice and exploration.
Conceptualizes, develops, designs, implements, and presents innovative PreK–12 education, engagement, and learning experiences for students, families, and other stakeholders.
Responsible for coordinating tours and hands-on explorations, overseeing engagement calendars, and leading art making workshops, institutes, and customized engagements as necessary.
Ensures offerings are impactful, object-based, multi-sensory, and multi-disciplinary utilizing best practices in museum education, art education pedagogies, and visitor studies to appeal to different learning styles.
Incorporates multi-generational learning and participatory hands-on experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, and global competence.
Conceptualizes educational content and interpretive tools for the museum website in collaboration with web and digital media staff.
Develops innovative resources for other digital platforms and formats.
Uses technology to develop new audiences, expanding access and engagement.
Collaborates with peer institutions to share digital resources.
Participates in museum-wide projects, staff training, and professional development opportunities to maintain awareness of current practices.
Contributes to development and fundraising initiatives, including identifying grant opportunities, drafting proposals, and managing reporting for grants centered on innovative educational programming and community partnerships.