Learning and Engagement Specialist

The Learning and Engagement Specialist supports the department through operations, administrative, and teaching tasks for the Learning and Engagement Department. The department offers a robust menu of programs including guided tours for students and adults, a 1‑hour studio component of K‑12 field trips, weekday and weekend drop‑in activities for families, vacation and summer programming, adult and children’s art classes, gallery talks, community programming, and lectures. This role serves as the logistical point‑person for lectures, gallery talks, and adult art studio programs, managing details for presenters and registrants, and provides weekend support for programming, including assisting and teaching studio sessions, activating gallery and hands‑on spaces, leading tours, and supporting community events.

Responsibilities

• Develop personal knowledge of the permanent collection and American art to enhance public educational programming.
• Develop knowledge of special exhibitions as they are presented at the Museum.
• Understand the variety and diversity of visitors and their life experiences.
• Commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for all.
• Build relationships with Museum staff and volunteers, especially Visitor Services, Docents, studio volunteers, and interns.
• Collaborate with the Learning and Engagement team on organization‑wide initiatives.
• Develop a deep understanding of Tessitura (or a similar system) for program booking and data collection.
• Oversee Tessitura functions: build programs, track registrations, attend trainings and regular meetings.
• Manage contracts and payments for contracted teachers, performers, lecturers, etc.
• Collaborate with Marketing and other departments on promotional content and activities.
• Meet content and editing deadlines; maintain programming documentation.
• Report on public educational programs, including numbers, participant feedback, and observational notes on curriculum and program structures.
• Implement program evaluations and assessments; oversee surveys and ensure consistent data collection and reporting.
• Participate in research as directed by the Director of Learning and Engagement.
• Schedule, write descriptions for, maintain registrations, provide set‑up instructions for, and supervise adult lectures, gallery talks, art classes, and workshops.
• Communicate with program registrants, teaching artists, lecturers, and other outside contractors.
• Assist with classes and programs as needed.
• Lead field‑trip art studio classes for K‑12 audiences under the direction of the Manager of Art Studio Programs.
• Lead student and adult tours as needed under the direction of the Manager of Museum Visits and Outreach.
• Assist the Manager of Art Studio Programs with coordination, installation, and programming of annual student art exhibitions (e.g., New Britain Public Schools, Berlin Public Schools).
• Support monthly “Access for All” Community Days as needed.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Director of Learning and Engagement.

Qualifications

• Professional experience working in education, art education, community‑based organizations, or museums (required).
• B.A. in Art, Art Education, Art History, Education, or a related humanities field (required).
• Experience and comfort working with K‑12 audiences and in a public‑facing role.
• Knowledge and familiarity with basic art‑making processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with visitors and colleagues of diverse ages, interests, and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of current museum and informal educational practices.
• Research, writing, editing, and information‑management skills.
• Proven project planning, coordination, and evaluation skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines on multiple, varied projects simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while contributing to a positive, collaborative, and healthy work environment.

Skills

• Competency with databases and Customer Relationship Management systems for scheduling and reporting.
• Competency using presentation platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) to deliver virtual programs.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Research, writing, editing, and information‑management abilities.
• Project planning, coordination, and evaluation expertise.

Schedule

Tuesday‑Saturday with flexibility for evening programs and occasional Sunday programming.