Campus and Community Engagement Associate - JR26347-3800

at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• Works closely with the Director of the Feitler Center and Head of Education in the successful development and delivery of innovative, inclusive, culturally-responsive, and ambitious programs, which may range between in-person, hybrid, and remote modalities.
• Researches, designs, and implements new crossover models for campus and community engagements.
• Takes an active role in shaping special projects and initiatives that aim to build communities and produce shared knowledges between the museum, higher education, and civic partners.
• Proactively builds and expands engagement strategies, positive relationships, and effective collaborations at the University of Chicago and across Chicagoland, as well as with colleagues nationally and internationally. Creates, co-creates, and supports in co-sponsoring programs with university colleagues and community partners.
• Collaborates with other Smart colleagues in learning and engagement to integrate campus and community thinking, insights, and feedback into programs and departmental initiatives. Participates in laying the groundwork for consistent, sustained, and diverse audience growth for learning and engagement at the Smart.
• Coordinates internal meetings, documents, and other means of transparent communications to support programs from inception to project closure.
• Representing the Smart Museum, participates in peer committees, public presentations, special events, and other opportunities for community building at the university and in Chicago.
• Fosters an inclusive, dynamic environment supporting positive experiential learning experiences for students engaged with the museum's internship program.
• Manages and works to continually refine equitable application, hiring, onboarding, and payment processes for internships and other student opportunities at the Smart Museum.
• Coordinates and administers orientation sessions, cohort gatherings, intern e-list and communications, intern committee meetings, intern presentations, and select events for students - such as behind-the-scenes tours, career or informational sessions, visits to arts organizations, and other professional development opportunities.
• Consults and meets with Museum staff who participate as mentors within the internship program and are developing student projects and/or programs. Periodically organizes educational workshops or trainings to support staff in being successful mentors and in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of student needs.
• Builds and maintains relationships with internship program partners on campus, locally, and nationally, and seeks out additional and sustained support for the program.
• Collaborates in cultivating a strong Smart intern alumni network to strengthen lifelong ties with the museum.
• Collaborates in the creation, maintenance, and refinement of a team-wide project management database and long-term planning projects.
• Assists in maintaining instruments for assessments and reports on programming initiatives and the student internship program.
• Supports in preparing and tracking relevant budgets, paperwork, and project documentation and communications.
• In collaboration with other Smart staff, writes and edits content for the promotion of campus and community programming, together with student engagement initiatives at the Smart.
• Researches and participates in the writing of grants, cases for support, and other fundraising materials to fund learning and engagement programs.
• Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Sets and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assesses operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Advanced graduate degree in a related field.

• Background in higher education and/or museum setting, non-profit arts sector, public relations, arts administration, or similar professional work experience.
• Working with university students and/or university faculty and instructors.
• Fundraising experience.

• Demonstrable background in developing effective, collaborative partnerships and creating programs that empower communities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Deep knowledge of event/program coordination and design, including in-person, hybrid, and remote experiences. Familiarity with best practices and new strategies in arts-oriented program design a plus.
• Versed in introducing and integrating the arts across disciplinary interests, extra-curricular activities, and community-driven goals and projects.
• Proven ability to work effectively independently, in a team environment, and collaborating across organizational structures; dedicated to fostering a workplace of belonging.
• Outstanding written/oral communication, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management, creative problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)