JOB TITLE: Interpretive Planner

DEPARTMENT: Interpretation

REPORTS TO: Director , Interpretive Engagement

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Director , Interpretive Engagement, the Interpretive Planner is responsible for creating and managing interpretive plans and interpretation that structure visitor - centered experiences in exhibitions and permanent collection galleries to support and fulfill the DIA’s mission of helping visitors find personal meaning in art .

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In collaboration with curators, develop , revise , and execute interpretive plan s and the concept and content for labels, analog interactives, response stations, and other learning tools for permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in keeping with best practices for museum interpretation.
• In collaboration with curators and the D igital Division , develop digital interactives for permanent galleries and exhibitions from start to finish, including conceptualization, content development, user-flows, and collaboration with designers to create the final product, including hands-on stations, digital tools, response stations, audio/multimedia tours, and other interpretive elements that help visitors connect with art.
• Draw connections between art historical content , current issues, and our visitors’ everyday experiences.
• Research new developments and current issues facing the museum field, including new visitor studies, teaching approaches, learning theories, and other museum specific topics to inform our visitor-centered work.
• Develop and recommend new and innovative interpretive initiatives and strategies to engage new audiences.
• Collaborate with Evaluation and Curatorial to conduct formative evaluatio n and to test content and interactives with visitors. Interpret data to make recommendations and devise solutions to improve visitor experience.
• Partner with Evaluation and Curatorial to o rganize and facilitate meetings with community members and content experts beyond art history to bring diverse voices and perspectives into exhibition storylines.
• Research and develop study guide materials for Docents, Gallery Teachers, and visitor experience staff and provide training with curators for special exhibitions and new projects.
• Maintain hands-on interpretive activity areas.
• Help develop and manage budgets and schedules for interpretive elements.
• Manage schedules and workflows for cross-departmental projects to develop museum experiences for specific audiences (visitors with disabilities, families, etc.) and contribute to budget planning for these initiatives.
• Collaborate with Exhibitions and Development teams to create grant narratives and reports for exhibitions and other projects.
• Develop presentations about exhibitions and projects for DIA leadership, community groups, Learning and Audience Engagement team members, and the Board of Directors .
• Support fundraising and development by participating in special events and leading private VIP tours of exhibitions , as requested .
• Participate in museum-wide task forces, interdivisional groups, and initiatives acting as a visitor advocate , as requested .
• Participate with leadership in interpretation and museum education through presenting, publishing, reviewing, and/or serving on conference and grant committees.
• Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Art History , Education, Museum Studies, Literature, Communication Studies, Humanities, or other related area required . Three ( 3 ) years of related experience in a museum or related cultural organization, including two (2) years developing interpretative/educational materials for non-expert audiences and two (2) years working with evaluation, visitor studies, learning theories, audience development, and/or visitor-centered exhibition development . Additional years of experience may be substituted for degree requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of museum education and interpretation, visitor-centered museum exhibition development processes , and principles and practices of learning theory for learners of all ages , and the ability to apply them.
• E xcellent interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external p artners and stakeholders to maximize visitor engagement.
• Excellent oral and written communication , as well as excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to write in an engaging manner for various audiences and to edit and revise texts for clarity, concision, and alignment with the interpretive plan.
• I ntellectual curiosity about art and its interdisciplinary connections.
• Ability to develop imaginative and creative interpretive strategies and media (including digital) that stimulate interest and engage learners of all ages .
• Ability to demonstrate understanding and practical application of critical issues in museum interpretation, visitor experience development, and the ways in which people of all ages learn.
• E xcellent research and critical and creative thinking skills .
• S trong organizational and multi-tasking skills , coupled with excellent attention to detail.
• A bility to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines; must have the ability to problem-solve and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Broad understanding of how art conservation and exhibitions and collections management affect the development and installation of interpretive materials.
• P ossess sound judgment, professional c ondu ct, understand ing of ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat.
• M ust have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events (If needed) .
• Proficiency in the latest version of Office 365.
• A bility to establish and maintain professional, productive , and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor .

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.