Colby College
Teaching Artist – Colby College
Join the Museum of Art at Colby College as a Teaching Artist. Reporting to the Linde Family Foundation Senior Coordinator of School and Teacher Programs, you will design and deliver age‑appropriate, curriculum‑based studio art activities to visiting schoolchildren and families.
Your role supports roughly 3,000 Maine school students each academic year and includes opportunities to lead campus and community partnership programs at the Mirken Education Center and other locations. You will collaborate closely with museum staff and volunteers to create a welcoming, enriching experience for all visitors.
Essential Functions
Teach hands‑on art lessons and lead art‑making activities in the museum’s Mirken Education Center, engaging participants with the gallery experience.
Develop studio lesson plans that meet curricular goals, incorporate inclusive teaching practices, and advance the museum’s mission.
Create art‑making activities for community partnership programs, both onsite and offsite, suitable for a variety of ages.
Assist other departments as needed and assigned.
Track progress, achievements, and challenges, and share with museum staff.
Work cooperatively with fellow education staff and other museum colleagues to foster a respectful and energetic environment.
Prepare and organize materials, including making studio art material lists in collaboration with museum staff.
Maintain clean equipment and tidy studio space, reporting any issues to the education and engagement department.
Attend regular training sessions.
Position Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent required; professional coursework or post‑secondary education is a plus.
Strong artistic background with the ability to translate that into engaging lessons for diverse age groups.
Proficiency with a variety of art media and techniques appropriate for K‑12 students or a demonstrated willingness to learn.
Knowledge of and curiosity about artistic traditions and art history.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for interacting with visitors, staff, and trustees.
Highly motivated, flexible, and comfortable with all audiences.
Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills with the ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team, exercise judgment, establish priorities, and complete projects with minimal supervision.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and familiarity with Airtable, Adobe Creative Suite, EventBrite, SurveyMonkey, and other Colby College systems.
Physical/Mental Demands
Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy regarding employee data and documents.
Meet highly inflexible deadlines and handle urgent task completion.
Interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals who may express strong emotions.
Move around the office space, hallways, and meeting rooms frequently.
Use computer for extended periods.
Lift up to 10 pounds routinely and up to 35 pounds occasionally.
Adjust focus and maintain visual acuity as required.
Shift focus quickly due to interruptions; track multiple projects simultaneously.
To Apply
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.
Employment Details
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Part‑time
Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
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