Museum Educator - School Programs

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Museum Educator - School Programs
Department: Education
Reports to: Manager, Education & Engagement
Employee Status: Part-time (20 hours a week), Non-exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla and off site in schools and workshops
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday with some weekends and evenings
Pay Range: $21.91 - $23.06 / hour
Apply By: COB, August 7th, 2026

JOB SUMMARY: The Museum Educator plays a crucial role in connecting the Museum with its community. This position will be responsible for supporting the full-time Lead Museum Educator in the development and the conducting of programs and tours that connect the Museum’s permanent collection to all ages, families, K-12 school participants, life-long learners, older adults, and all visitors with a focus on school programs. The Museum Educator will be well-versed in art making processes, art history, Museum programming and exhibitions, and will provide educational information to program participants. Support the mission and vision of the Museum throughout the performance of duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Think creatively and use artistic practice to help support the ideation of programs, lessons, and workshops.
• Develop arts-integrated curriculum and design lessons for digital and in-person exhibitions.
• Lead or co-lead lessons, tours, and workshops that focus on schools, including our Extended School Partnership.
• Assist in the development of lessons and workshops for families, such as Play Days, MCAinSD, and Camp, as needed.
• Facilitate interactive in-person tours for schools, events, members, and all visitors, as assigned.
• Support offsite community workshops and onsite programming related to exhibitions and the permanent collection.
• Perform all aspects of friendly customer service while at special events.
• Support research endeavors by conducting surveys and observations.
• Research and prepare comprehensive outlines for special exhibitions and permanent collections.
• Participate in scheduled training sessions and become trained in all exhibitions and programming; provide information to visitors about the Museums’ institutional history, exhibitions, and public programs.
• Perform job while observing the Museum’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to work some weekends and/or evenings.
• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Strong artistic practice and contemporary art knowledge. Experience in the development of arts integrated education programs, art-making workshops, and curriculum. Familiarity with gallery-based discussions that combine visual arts and academic subjects focusing on contemporary art. Experience in utilizing visual thinking and inquiry-based learning strategies preferred. Experience facilitating engaging educational experiences for children and youth with a strong understanding of inquiry-based learning and inclusive teaching practices. Strong oral communication, interpersonal, and public communication skills to interact with all levels of visitors, staff, and trustees. Strong attention to detail and multi-tasking skills while working with on-going distractions and occasionally high-volume attendance. Good written communication skills. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy. Good technical skills with proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite. Bachelor’s degree and two years recent, relevant experience or any equivalent education and experience in art history, studio art, or classroom teaching. Applicants with a current art practice preferred. Bilingual in Spanish language preferred.

OUR WORK CULTURE: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment, while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. Beautifully located on the coast, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.

BACKGROUND CHECKS: Education check, professional references, and criminal background check. TB testing to work with youth may be required. Ability to learn and be certified in CPR-First Aid. Successful completion of museum-provided mandated reporter training.

EOE STATEMENT: MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.