JOB TITLE: Docent Coordinator
INSTITUTION: Buffalo AKG Art Museum
JOB LOCATION: Buffalo, New York
INSTITUTION WEBSITE: https://buffaloakg.org/
About the Institution:
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is the sixth oldest public art museum in the United States, and one of the oldest anywhere dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. Incorporated in December 1862, the Buffalo AKG is an artist-centric organization, and home to a world-renowned collection of modern and contemporary art. As the only global art museum in Western New York, the Buffalo AKG is an anchor for civic, cultural, and creative energies and activities, and a destination for tourists from around the nation and the world.
Following three and a half years of construction supported by a $230 million capital campaign, the Buffalo AKG’s long-awaited new campus opened to the public in June 2023. Over the past decade, the museum has experienced extraordinary growth, more than doubling its operating budget, operating endowment funds, and the size of its full-time staff
The Buffalo AKG is Western New York’s cultural beacon and a role model for museums across the United States. The museum’s new campus is a physical manifestation of its dedication to empowering people—staff, volunteers, and visitors—through the transformative power of art. The new campus’ design philosophy emerges from a deep and broad community-oriented commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. The Buffalo AKG’s Board of Directors, Senior Leadership, and Staff have together made a long-standing commitment to creating an art museum that not only welcomes people from all walks of life but also engenders a sense of belonging in all who work at and visit the museum.
In the years ahead, Buffalo AKG aspires to expand its reputation as a leader in the field of modern and contemporary art museums. Dedicated to developing its collection and presenting an original suite of exhibitions and engaging and accessible programs, the museum also seeks to catalyze new partnerships with artists, patrons, and peer institutions nationally and internationally. Internally, the Buffalo AKG seeks to create a welcoming, equitable workplace where leaders, managers, and operators thrive. Good governance, pay equity, and diversity of staff across all departments will continue to be a priority for the museum in the years ahead.
Job Description:
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Docent Coordinator ensures high-public tours by overseeing daily operations of the volunteer docent corps, including their tour scheduling and continuing education. The coordinator models best practices in tour facilitation and develops a strong working relationship with the docent team. Recruits, trains, develops, and supervises docents, and evaluates and works to improve public tours. Reports to the Manager of School & Teacher Programs. Part-time; schedule is Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversees the docent corps and acts as their first point of contact.
- Collaborates with colleagues to develop and deliver training and continuing education for new and current docent classes.
- Manages docent schedule, tracking docent availability, and monitors the calendar.
- Develops and shares all docent communication, including emails, monthly updates, and the docent website to keep docents up to date.
- Works with existing docents to create opportunities for social and community gatherings.
- Leads recruitment efforts, conducts interviews, and identifies qualified docents to serve walk-in visitors.
- Maintains docent lounge, providing up to date information and study materials about the collection, exhibitions, programs, and services.
- Works with the Events team to host annual receptions for docents.
- Works with the Docent Day Trip Committee, assisting them in organizing optional educational outings for docents.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION:
- Analyzes and evaluates the impact and success of docent tours and applies learning to new and existing strategies.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides high-quality school tours when required.
- Stays abreast of the best practices in docent management and training, and visitor engagement.
- Assists in the organization of public program spaces.
- Additional duties as assigned by the Manager of Education.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Bachelor’s degree in art history, education, museum studies, social science, or related field, or related experience.
- Management experience is a plus.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES (ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS):
- Familiarity with modern and contemporary art.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to modulate style and tone for different audiences.
- Able to work independently and collaborate with diverse groups of people.
- Must be flexible and comfortable working in a team environment.
- Ability to effectively lead and manage people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
- Competent with Microsoft Office 360 Program Suite
This Position is: In-Person
Position Type: Part-Time
Salary range: $21.88/hour
Benefits: Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid time off
How to Apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=62a3d3a8-5c0c-4247-8ade-f863a274d7e3&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=508649&lang=en_US&source=CC2
Job Closing Date: 9/25/2024
