Senior Educator, Youth and Families

Introduction
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. Guided by our mission – and informed by our values and commitment to equity and justice – the Art Institute of Chicago inspires an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Position Summary
The Learning and Public Engagement (LPE) department develops culturally responsive content, designs anti-racist pedagogy, collaborates with artists and community members, and facilitates experiences involving the museum’s collections and exhibitions in order to:
Champion the role of art and culture in people’s lives
Promote access and equitable participation in art and the museum
Foster critical and creative thinking
Strengthen the fabric of communities and the life of our city
As a result, museum visitors and participants of varied ages, backgrounds, and abilities engage with each other and with works of art from across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, making the museum a place for learning, insight, inspiration, and community. They leave museum experiences feeling more connected and with greater confidence in their capacity to imagine, create, and make sense of art and their world. The Learning and Public Engagement department is organized into three areas: Innovation & Creativity, Students & Educators, and Youth & Families. Committed to advancing systemic change, LPE is building a vision and framework for anti-racist work across the department.
As part of the division of Youth and Families, the Senior Educator brings content knowledge and anti-racist pedagogical expertise in family and early learning to the design, development, and implementation of art-based experiences for multigenerational audiences across a wide range of platforms and learning contexts, through an accessible, inclusive, multi-sensory, and multimodal approach.

What you will do:
As a lead educator and program designer, the Senior Educator:
Develops, facilitates, and evaluates culturally responsive creative experiences and resources for multigenerational families and children (and teens as appropriate and needed) within accessible, anti-racist, multi-sensory, and multimodal frameworks for virtual and in-person programs.

Collaborates in the design, activation, and management of Ryan Learning Center public spaces, with particular attention to learning spaces for multigenerational families and children

Cultivates relationships with civic and community organizations that enable the museum to be in connection with relevant audience constituencies

Participates the cross-divisional LPE working group that leads accessibility-focused efforts within the department; develops resources that create accessible inroads to the museum and its content

Employ experience, talents, and tools to cultivate a culture of collaboration and open communication within and beyond LPE.

Requirements

What you will bring:
Insight, equity-focus, and commitment to cultivating culturally responsive, human-centered experiences that benefit the diverse abilities and backgrounds of participants and audiences.

2 years of experience working directly with people who identify as ALAANA*, LGBTQIA+**, first-generation immigrants, and people with diverse abilities, with the ability to work closely with people from various artistic, cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds.

Strong understanding of virtual pedagogy and e-learning frameworks; working knowledge of anti-racist, culturally responsive, inclusive, accessible, multimodal curriculum design; an in-depth understanding of current education trends, assessment, documentation, evaluation, and methods for differentiated learning and instruction.

Prior experience working with families and/or with early learners or early learning educators, using arts as a focal point for creative development and connection-making

Previous experience teaching with works of art and general knowledge of the history of art and various making techniques; Previous experience designing and facilitating anti-racist, culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible programs for access audiences; Strong interest in trauma/healing-informed pedagogy and practices.

Demonstrates a commitment to continue to grow their critical analysis of anti-racist frameworks and practices.

Demonstrates a commitment to fostering and sustaining an anti-oppressive work environment and a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and accountability; Maintains the ability to navigate tense or challenging interpersonal dynamics in a manner that is centered on trust, respect, and shared vision.

Strong organization and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, respond to shifting priorities, and support multiple aspects of program development and operational sustainability.

Strong verbal communication and writing skills with the ability to adjust communication styles to accommodate audiences of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Strong interest in trauma/healing-informed pedagogy and practices. Commitment to innovation and life-long learning.

Bachelor’s degree preferred

The Learning and Public Engagement department is committed to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team. ALAANA* and LGBTQQIA** individuals, first-generation immigrants, bi/multilingual candidates, and individuals with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

• ALAANA - African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American ** LGBTQQIA+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual

This position holds a variable 9:00–5:00 work week (Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday as needed) with occasional evening hours required.