Head of Education Services

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Posted on Monday, May 14, 2012

Texas State History Museum (TSHM) is a dynamic non-collecting educational institution that engages its visitors in the exciting Story of Texas through a variety of programs and exhibit experiences. The TSHM is a part of the State Preservation Board (SPB), a prestigious state agency that operates the State History Museum (TSHM) as well as preserving, restoring and maintaining the State Capitol, the Texas Governor's Mansion, and other Texas landmarks for the benefit of all Texans. The Head of Education supervises a staff of four and reports to the Museum's Director of Public Programming and is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing an exciting range of educational and interpretive programs to make history relevant and meaningful to the Museum's diverse audiences of adults, families, k-12 students, and teachers. This position provides leadership and coordination for all aspects of the Museum's educational activities. Collaborates with regional schools, universities, museums and cultural institutions and encourages the development of innovative approaches to the interpretation of history both in and outside the Museum building. Works collaboratively with all TSHM divisions and utilizes traditional and emerging technologies to develop new interpretive strategies for both the permanent galleries and changing exhibitions. Works under minimal supervision, demonstrating a high level of initiative, creativity and resourcefulness. Develops and coordinates a full range of special events, concerts, lectures, films, school tours and teacher programs and interdisciplinary performances. Works to build effective partnerships with currently under-served audiences so that the Museum becomes a greater resource for the entire community. Work hours are based on the Museum's 360 day-per-year schedule and may include weekends, evenings and/or holidays, including on short notice.

Essential Job Duties:

  • Plans, implements and evaluates all Museum education programs, materials, and curricula.
  • Manages educational initiatives, including distance learning, community outreach, teacher professional development, school programs, adult continuing education programming and summer youth programs
  • Works collaboratively with the Director of Operations and Visitor Service staff to fully coordinate and support school tour programming.
  • Supervises Education staff and oversees hiring, performance management, mentoring, and all related duties necessary to achieve and sustain employee productivity, high levels of customer service and morale.
  • Develops and facilitates volunteer training and development.
  • Actively leads in planning educational related content for exhibits, and the museum's website including working with the Head of Exhibits and Exhibits staff, and the Head of New Media and Interactive Technology.
  • Regularly provides programmatic input to the Director of Marketing and Marketing personnel to assist in marketing education and volunteer programs. Works closely with the Membership Department on member programs.
  • Prepares the Education Department budget and effectively administers department income, expenses, budgets and grants.
  • Demonstrates sustained understanding of current trends in museum education, education theory and informal learning; and effectively applies acquired knowledge to help the Museum achieve its goals.
  • Works collaboratively by demonstrating leadership and collaboration across all Museum departments.
  • Displays effective interpersonal and verbal communication skills when communicating with teachers, students, parents, Museum staff and the general public.
  • Assists the Director of Programming with other programs as assigned.
  • Responds effectively and promptly to customer inquiries and requests for assistance. Effects timely resolution of issues and keeps the Director of Programming informed of significant issues and/or trends.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job duty in this position.
  • Performs all duties in a manner that promotes public confidence in the SPB, TSHM and its staff.
  • Performs all duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The successful candidate for this position will be a graduate from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in museum studies, museum education, education, history, American studies, or related field plus three years experience in museum education.
  • Strong understanding of museum education concepts, outreach programs and knowledge of current audience evaluation and educational research are essential.
  • Proven track record in developing innovative educational programs and successful grant proposals.
  • Ability to write and speak well, including in public.
  • Dedication to creativity, innovation, and team processes.
  • Computer abilities to include word processing, spreadsheet and communication applications.
  • Good organizational skills; self motivated; and, ability to supervise others.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships; Demonstrated ability to manage staff and multiple projects and meet deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Seven to ten years experience in a position of management for an active education department and programming in a high-visibility, high-traffic museum. Knowledge of American, western American, or Texas history and familiarity with interpretation of history in a public forum. Bilingual and/or experience in programming with active bilingual components a plus.

Application Instructions:
If you meet the qualifications, submit a State of Texas application to the State Preservation Board, 201 E. 14th Street, Suite 950 (P.O. Box 13286) Austin, Texas, 78711. All resumes must be accompanied by a fully completed state application. Incomplete applications may be disqualified at the agency's discretion. All applicants are invited to visit our agency's website at: www.tspb.state.tx.us. For additional information call (512) 463-5495. FAX (512) 475-3366.

EEO Statement: The State Preservation Board welcomes all qualified applicants without regard to national origin, sexual orientation, sex, Veteran status, disability, religion, race, color or age. If you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency's Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator at (512) 463-5630 and our representative will be happy to assist you.