As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities-locally, nationally, and internationally. The Smart will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Job Summary
The position of Campus and Community Engagement Associate plays a key role in creating and co-creating programs at the intersection of campus and community. These may include talks and conversations, symposia, performances, screenings, workshops, fieldtrips, tours, pop-ups, publications, and more. Reporting to the Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Head of Education, the position will also manage the Smart's internship program, which variously includes teen, undergraduate, and graduate student interns. The Campus and Community Engagement Associate will be responsible for supporting fiscally-sound departmental operations with sustainable initiatives, effective workflows, and a vibrant workplace culture. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position.
Responsibilities
Works closely with the Director of the Feitler Center and Head of Education in the successful development and delivery of innovative, inclusive, culturally-responsive, and ambitious programs, which may range between in-person, hybrid, and remote modalities.
Researches, designs, and implements new crossover models for campus and community engagements.
Takes an active role in shaping special projects and initiatives that aim to build communities and produce shared knowledges between the museum, higher education, and civic partners.
Proactively builds and expands engagement strategies, positive relationships, and effective collaborations at the University of Chicago and across Chicagoland, as well as with colleagues nationally and internationally. Creates, co-creates, and supports in co-sponsoring programs with university colleagues and community partners.
Collaborates with other Smart colleagues in learning and engagement to integrate campus and community thinking, insights, and feedback into programs and departmental initiatives. Participates in laying the groundwork for consistent, sustained, and diverse audience growth for learning and engagement at the Smart.
Coordinates internal meetings, documents, and other means of transparent communications to support programs from inception to project closure.
Representing the Smart Museum, participates in peer committees, public presentations, special events, and other opportunities for community building at the university and in Chicago.
Fosters an inclusive, dynamic environment supporting positive experiential learning experiences for students engaged with the museum's internship program.
Manages and works to continually refine equitable application, hiring, onboarding, and payment processes for internships and other student opportunities at the Smart Museum.
Coordinates and administers orientation sessions, cohort gatherings, intern e-list and communications, intern committee meetings, intern presentations, and select events for students - such as behind-the-scenes tours, career or informational sessions, visits to arts organizations, and other professional development opportunities.
Consults and meets with Museum staff who participate as mentors within the internship program and are developing student projects and/or programs. Periodically organizes educational workshops or trainings to support staff in being successful mentors and in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of student needs.
Builds and maintains relationships with internship program partners on campus, locally, and nationally, and seeks out additional and sustained support for the program.
Collaborates in cultivating a strong Smart intern alumni network to strengthen lifelong ties with the museum.
Collaborates in the creation, maintenance, and refinement of a team-wide project management database and long-term planning projects.
Assists in maintaining instruments for assessments and reports on programming initiatives and the student internship program.
Supports in preparing and tracking relevant budgets, paperwork, and project documentation and communications.
In collaboration with other Smart staff, writes and edits content for the promotion of campus and community programming, together with student engagement initiatives at the Smart.
Researches and participates in the writing of grants, cases for support, and other fundraising materials to fund learning and engagement programs.
Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. --- Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. ---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Advanced graduate degree in a related field.
Experience:
Background in higher education and/or museum setting, non-profit arts sector, public relations, arts administration, or similar professional work experience.
Working with university students and/or university faculty and instructors.
Fundraising experience.
Preferred Competencies
Demonstrable background in developing effective, collaborative partnerships and creating programs that empower communities.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Deep knowledge of event/program coordination and design, including in-person, hybrid, and remote experiences. Familiarity with best practices and new strategies in arts-oriented program design a plus.
Versed in introducing and integrating the arts across disciplinary interests, extra-curricular activities, and community-driven goals and projects.
Proven ability to work effectively independently, in a team environment, and collaborating across organizational structures; dedicated to fostering a workplace of belonging.
Outstanding written/oral communication, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Strong project management, creative problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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