Director of Learning & Engagement

THE FRYE 

The Frye Art Museum is a living legacy of visionary patronage and civic responsibility, committed to artistic inquiry and a rich visitor experience. A catalyst for our engagement with contemporary art and artists is the Founding Collection of Charles and Emma Frye, access to which shall always be free. Reflecting Seattle's evolving identity through exhibitions, programs, and outreach, Frye showcases local and global artists who explore the issues of our time as well as contemporary scholarship on historical subject matter. By taking calculated risks, we uncover new voices, facilitate conversation, and engage our community in relevant social dialogues. 

THE POSITION 

TITLE: Director of Learning & Engagement 
DEPARTMENT: Learning & Engagement  
REPORTS TO: Executive Director 
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 
SALARY: $110k–$130k 
SUPERVISES: Manager, School & Family Engagement; Manager, Creative Aging Programs; Manager, Public Engagement; Department Coordinator; and Visitor Services Representatives (3) 

The Frye seeks a visionary and collaborative Director of Learning & Engagement to lead all programmatic activity—both inside and outside the museum's walls—to engage diverse audiences, increase public involvement, and expand the museum's role in the community. The position's charge is grounded in serving diverse communities, learners of all ages, and a network of artists, creatives, and educators. A deep understanding of and commitment to visual art-making practices, intergenerational exchange, and social, racial, and environmental justice are also key to the role. 

The Director of Learning & Engagement is a member of the museum’s senior-level management team reporting to the Executive Director. This senior staff member will be responsible for developing and implementing a compelling new vision for the department in alignment with the Frye’s mission, values, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility goals. The Director is responsible for strategic oversight and management of all aspects of the Learning & Engagement Department, including K-12 school programs, Creative Aging programs, and the general public. They work within creative and community-driven spheres to build community and forge mutually beneficial relationships that expand access to the Frye.  

OVERSIGHT & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

Leadership & Department Management 

• Develop an innovative vision and oversee a refreshed program for the Learning & Engagement Department 
• Collaborate with senior management colleagues on overall short- and long-range museum planning. 
• Develop and oversee departmental budget.  
• Evaluate effectiveness of all programs, internally and with external partners  
• Oversee all day-to-day operations and programming by directing appropriate staff members and developing strategies, procedures, and goals to grow and refine program areas. 
• Manage and mentor staff and identify opportunities for professional development and contributions to the field. 
• With Senior Director of Development, assist in identifying and cultivating prospective funders and partners, securing funds for programs and engagement initiatives from current funders, providing information for grants and sponsorships, and highlighting community impact. 
• Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect and a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives. 

Public Programs & Learning Initiatives  
In collaboration with Managers of School & Family Engagement, Creative Aging Programs, and Public Engagement: 

• Oversee a balanced annual roster of strategic mission-based programs and opportunities for learning and exchange by adults and K-12 audiences. 
• Oversee a program that directly engages exhibition themes, engaging contemporary issues and relevant communities. 
• Oversee a multi-disciplinary program with a wide range of participants, including artists, speakers, chefs, DJs, performers, and film distributors.   
• With the Communications department, oversee program marketing and outreach and collect, analyze, and integrate data into program planning with the goal of increased public and community engagement.  
• Oversee and evaluate internship and artist-cohort programs. 

Community Engagement  
In collaboration with Learning & Engagement staff and other museum departments: 

• Oversee a systematic and focused engagement strategy that identifies, prioritizes, and sustains the museum's relationships with various communities, groups, and neighborhoods, especially those which are underserved. 
• Oversee proactive outreach to relevant constituencies to build audiences and relationships for the program.  
• Represent the Frye in the Seattle community, participating in civic and collaborative initiatives.  

Visitor Experience 

• Envision and oversee a visitor experience that sets the standard for the museum. 
• Lead diversity and inclusion best practices to ensure that all visitors feel seen, respected, warmly welcomed, and comfortable in the museum. 
• Along with staff, represent the visitor as a key stakeholder across all museum areas and bring that voice to the table, with a direct line of sight on visitor needs and feedback. 
• Build and support visitor engagement strategies with data that aligns how each department defines the visitor experience. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS  

• Minimum five years in a related position with increasing responsibility, including management of annual plan, budget, and supervision of department staff and volunteers. 
• Deep knowledge of current trends, issues, and best practices in museum education and engagement, including experience with visitor services and community building 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to represent the museum with professionalism and enthusiasm. 
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills for building effective working relationships at all levels within the museum and beyond and the ability to foster a collaborative team environment. 
• Experience with diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives to make the Frye and its virtual, on-site, and off-site programs more inclusive and accessible to a wide range of audiences. 
• Demonstrated experience building organizational partnerships and engaging new audiences through community outreach. 
• Flexibility, energy, creativity, and adaptability to handle competing needs in dynamic museum and community environments. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE 

Master's Degree in Museum Education, Museum Studies, Studio Art or Art History and/or equivalent professional experience required 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Work areas are inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor event sites. Shift times may vary to meet the museum's requirement to staff the facilities at all hours. Work may require weekend hours and extended periods of attendance at museum events. 

BENEFITS 

• Full health benefits: Dental, Vision, Medical (100% employer paid)   
• Transportation benefits 
• Commuter benefits 
• 403b savings plan with 1.5% employer match   
• Employee assistance program   
• 20% Museum store discount   
• 35-hour work week   
• Reciprocal Museum Membership 

REMOTE WORKING CONDITIONS 

Temporary telework arrangements may be in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, although staff must be on-site each week and work with their manager or supervisor regarding scheduling. Some tasks may be performed off-site and through remote work. Equipment may be owned and maintained by the employee or the museum. Communications may be by email, mobile phone, internet video, electronic messaging, or other means as technology allows. 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Approximately 85% of time is spent working at a computer. Balance of time is spent moving around the work area and museum, which is wheelchair accessible. Must be able to remain on-site for extended periods when at museum programs and events. 
• Sharing information and ideas so others will understand is an essential function. Must write and communicate clearly with the public and colleagues. 

As much as possible, the Frye Art Museum will accommodate applicants with disabilities to perform essential functions/duties. Please contact the Human Resources Department (jobs@fryemuseum.org) for additional information. 

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS 

The Frye Art Museum mandates that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Note that all employees are asked to adhere to museum guidance and policy for COVID-19, which may change over time. 

HOW TO APPLY 

We recognize that a successful candidate will meet many of the requirements in this job description but may only meet some of the qualifications. We encourage applicants to apply if much of this job description describes them. As part of our commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we invest in building teams with various backgrounds, identities, and experiences. 

The Frye is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, marital or veteran status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. 

Candidates should send a cover letter and resume with "Director of Learning & Engagement" in the subject line to jobs@fryemuseum.org. The position is open until filled. No emails or phone calls please. 

Due to the high volume of applications received, we can only contact candidates whose skills and backgrounds best fit the needs of the open positions. We will contact you by email or phone if we wish to arrange a personal interview.