Studio Programs Assistant - On Call

Department: Education

Reports to: Studio and Community Programs Assistant Manager

Classification:  Non-exempt/hourly, part-time

Pay rate:  $21.00 per hour

Schedule: This is an on-call position. Most available shifts are for Saturdays 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Free Thursday Nights open studios, 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates preferred. No agencies, please.

Important: Only applications that include a cover letter, resume, and a demonstration of past program experience will be considered for this position.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values

Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it’s a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum’s core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella’s promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.

Position Summary

The Studio Programs Assistant supports and facilitates drop-in art-making opportunities that inspire multigenerational audiences to explore creative experimentation, to spark generative looking and thinking about art, education, landscape and music, and to help visitors make their own connections to art found in the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions. 

This position includes helping manage communication with and meet with visiting artists, welcoming and helping visiting artists and overseeing general maintenance of the Studio, set ups, and inventory, and supporting an inclusive visitor experience.

The Studio Programs Assistant collaborates with local teaching artists and members of the programs team on planning and implementing a range of dynamic, drop-in art-making activities for Saturday Open Studios and other programs. The Studio Programs Assistant will work with visiting artists and/or Education Department staff  on an already established project that aligns their projects with the institutional strategic plan, audience development goals, as well as the Education and Public Programs vision.

Please note that the Studio Programs Assistant might also assist with the Access Studio program. The Access Studio serves members of the disability community and will require candidates with sensitivity to varying levels of ability. 

This part-time position requires working Saturdays and select Thursday evenings.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities

• Supports and facilitates engaging hands-on art-making projects for visitors of all ages for Saturday Open Studios and select Free First Thursdays programming. 
• Works with a diverse range of local teaching artists with robust creative practices, who are invited to develop and lead hands-on art-making projects in the Museum’s Education Studio for visitors.
• Assists and communicates with Polly Thayer Starr Visiting Studio Artist.
• Along with other Education staff, helps maintain Studio space, keeping it organized and accessible. 
• Regularly communicates with the Studio and Community Programs Assistant Manager for supply requests.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required

• Graduate with an Associate’s degree, or a current candidate for an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.
• Must demonstrate an interest in Studio Art or Art Education, or related field or commensurate experience.
• At least one year’s experience creating hands-on studio art projects and leading art-making activities with diverse audiences, including adults and children.
• Have a general understanding of art-making materials and studio practice.
• Experience working with the public, guest artists, and community organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent computer skills including Google Workspace.
• Commitment to advancing the ISGM’s strategic initiatives.
• Ability to work required shifts on Saturdays and on the evenings of First Free Thursdays.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Satisfactory background check.

Desirable

• Past experience facilitating educational programs for a range of accessibility levels.
• Interest in connections between historic and contemporary art.
• Experience with inquiry-based pedagogies.
• Bilingual language skills desired; Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, or Portuguese a plus.
• Museum and/or non-profit experience.

Competencies

• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Creativity and innovation.
• Analytical and forward thinking.
• Initiative.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.

Request an Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who are unable to fully access ISGM's online application system may contact us at [email protected] for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.