About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Studio Museum in Harlem is looking for a highly motivated, energetic museum education professional to be responsible for the coordination of the Museum’s teen programs, including the signature Expanding the Walls program. 

Teen Programs at the Studio Museum provide a safe environment for teens to express themselves creatively. Programs offer students the opportunity to meet and converse with prominent visual artists, express their ideas in discussions, participate in tours and hands-on workshops, and develop important communication and critical thinking skills.  

The Teen Programs Coordinator facilitates all aspects of the Studio Museum’s teen programs, including Expanding the Walls: Making Connections Between Photography, History and Community (ETW), a multifaceted, intergenerational program that activates the James VanDerZee Collection and Archive as the point of entry for people of all ages to share experiences and perspectives on community, identity, American history and culture. At the core of ETW is a group of high school-age students selected for an eight-month photography-based experience. Participants engage in a regimen of discussion groups, art workshops, and field excursions while learning the basics of digital photography in order to investigate connections between history, community and identity through the lens of a camera.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Under the direction of the Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, coordinate and implement all aspects of the Studio Museum’s teen programs, including Expanding the Walls, Teen Studio, and related initiatives that engage youth through diverse creative practices. 

• Implement the Expanding the Walls (ETW) curriculum, facilitating learning across key components: the Museum; photography and image-making; arts careers and pathways; exhibition planning; and community engagement.

• Guide participants through all aspects of the ETW exhibition, including image selection, artist statements, and didactics.

• Collaborate with Museum staff across departments and external partners to support the planning and delivery of ETW program activities.

• Manage outreach and recruitment for Expanding the Walls, including the annual application and selection process. Coordinate with Communications and Marketing teams for teen program outreach. 

• Plan and coordinate monthly Teen Studio programs, including guest artists, materials, and participant outreach.

• Develop partnerships with community organizations and schools to expand access to Museum teen programs.

• Perform administrative duties for Teen Programs, including tracking participation, documentation, supply ordering, program evaluation, and year-end reporting.

• Organize gatherings, excursions, and engagement opportunities for Teen Programs alumni.

• Supervise and mentor participating youth by providing guidance, feedback, and skill development, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

• Teach and/or contribute to youth-focused Learning and Engagement programs as needed, including Community Days, select Studio Sundays and other institutional events by creating programs and educational opportunities for teen visitors.

• Participate in the selection and supervision of Learning and Engagement interns, as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications  

• Experience with developing multi-layered, robust program curricula; experience teaching photography to youth preferred. 

• Passion for working with a teen audience, and familiarity with youth development best practices.  

• Knowledge and experience with museum education and inquiry-based teaching practice.  

• Passion for the dual programmatic mission of achieving artistic and educational excellence and community-building. 

• Ability to organize and administer all aspects of an intergenerational program. 

• Experience in community outreach and developing relationships with cultural, social, and educational organizations. 

• Ability to assess and manage multiple competing priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem solving, and analytical skills.  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work with close attention to detail, and to maintain confidentiality. 

• Excellent computer skills, MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience with Adobe Photoshop and related applications a plus.  

• Demonstrated ability to work professionally and tactfully, represent the Museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism, adhere to Museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner. 

Education and Experience 

• Candidates must have a BA/BFA or MA/MFA in art, art history, education, African American Studies, or related fields. 

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in youth/adult/community programming with responsibilities in planning, development, and implementation of educational programs. 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with high school-age youth in a structured learning environment. 

Physical Demands 

• Position work schedule includes evening and weekend hours, to lead and participate in Museum programs, and to meet job goals and deadlines.

• Position requires primarily local travel, in and around Harlem, and the 5 boroughs of New York City. 

• ETW program sessions take place in indoor and outdoor spaces, requiring walking and travel by mass transit.

• Position involves regular review of participant photographs, requiring close visual attention and color differentiation, with reasonable accommodations provided to ensure access.

• Regular packing, lifting and carrying program supplies up to 15 pounds. 

Work Environment 

• This position is a non-exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.

• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.

• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation

$33 - $37 per hour

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.