The Director of Learning, Engagement, and Partnerships (LEAP) leads the development and implementation of dynamic programs, partnerships, and interpretation for all audiences and ensures that WAM is accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone. The Director of LEAP is responsible for all aspects of public programming, fostering existing and cultivating new partnerships, and developing interpretation for the collection and special exhibitions. This individual is a member of the Museum’s leadership team and supervises and mentors staff in the LEAP Department. Reporting to the Director/CEO, this position is critical to the Museum’s mission to “connect people, ideas, and art through remarkable experiences.”

• Plan and implement public programs related to the collection and special exhibitions for adults, including weekly Friday evening “WAM Nights” series, Senior Wednesdays, sponsored lectures, and revenue-generating studio classes
• Collaborate with local college professors and their students, utilizing their expertise and creativity to develop programs for their peers and the general public
• Establish new and foster existing partnerships that support the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible institution
• Seek opportunities to collaborate with other cultural and community organizations to advance the role of the arts in creating quality of life, expand and diversify the museum’s audience, and extend the museum’s reach
• Develop new initiatives and public programs to engage all guests in the museum experience, partnering with the rest of the leadership team and board of trustees to ensure access, inclusion, and diversity initiatives
• Manage PLAY—WAM’s interactive space for families—including designing rotating activities that foster creative and open-ended play for all ages and support cognitive, social-emotional, and motor skill development for young learners
• Manage and participate in outreach programming, including representing the museum at community festivals and other events to expand engagement with new and diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with curatorial team and digital media manager to develop interpretive methodologies, innovating how individuals and communities make meaningful connections with our collection and exhibitions through a range of experiences, both in-gallery and online
• Oversee the Regional Creatives Exhibition Series—a collaboration with local nonprofit arts organization Harvester Arts—including artist selection, installation, and programming
• With the Manager of School & Family Programs, oversee and expand programs for school, youth, and family audiences:
  • Programs for early learners, including preschool Art Start program and Storytime in the Galleries
  • K-12 school tour program and programs for teachers, including Evenings for Educators and in-services
  • Production of interdisciplinary curricula based on exhibitions and the collection for a variety of programming needs including early-childhood programs, school field trips, alternative educational settings, weekend classes, and summer camps
  • Paid youth art classes, including WAM Camp, studio workshops for teens, and Kids Night Out
  • Oversee the recruitment, training, and management of the docent program (volunteer museum guides), including the design of professional development to expand their knowledge and skill set for a variety of audiences including adults, families, youth, and K-12
• Manage the department collaboratively, empowering team members to be involved in decision-making activities and provide opportunities for professional development
• Supervise LEAP staff, including part-time museum teachers
• Successfully advise and direct evaluation of programs and identify outcomes, indicators, strategies, activities, data collection, and analysis for the department
• Create and track budgets (and other administrative duties) required to successfully manage the department
• Engage in professional development by attending and contributing to select conferences in the museum and related fields
• Work with the Director of Development to identify program-related funders. Collaborate with Director of Development on solicitations by providing information required for proposals including program narratives and budgets
• Provide reports and statistics as requested, provide information and support for grant applications and advancement initiatives and participate in institutional planning/initiatives

            Various other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

About Wichita Art Museum

The Wichita Art Museum opened in 1935 and is home to the Roland P. Murdock Collection, one of the premier collections of American art. With a nationally distinguished collection, an Edward Larrabee Barnes- designed facility, and a growing audience, the museum is a public/private partnership, owned by the City of Wichita and managed by Wichita Art Museum, Inc. The Wichita Art Museum connects people, ideas, and art through remarkable experiences. The Wichita Art Museum is a dynamic cultural hub located in the Museums on the River District near Downtown Wichita. Our mission is to connect people, ideas, and American art through remarkable experiences. With a permanent collection showcasing over 10,000 artworks, spanning historical to contemporary pieces, celebrating the essence of American artistic heritage. Notable artists featured include Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, and Louise Nevelson. WAM has diverse exhibitions, thought-provoking programs designed for adults, and family-friendly activities. Connect with Wichita’s cultural scene through unique art experiences. WAM provides a vibrant space for all ages to foster a deeper connection with the a...rts. VISION: To be an essential cultural leader in a thriving region, fostering creativity, joy, and belonging. VALUES: • Our welcome is real. All people have a place at WAM as we strive to be an organization of authentic kindness, joy, access, and inclusion. • Our community is our guide. Nothing happens without collaboration and true partnership with our community. • We aim high. We dare to deliver breathtaking art and experiences that spark creativity, conversation, and empathy. • We care for our people. We respect the talent that powers our organization and promote a positive, problem-solving work environment.

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Connections working at Wichita Art Museum