Interpretive Specialist

JOB TITLE: Interpretive Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Interpretive Engagement

REPORTS TO: Director, Interpretive Engagement

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial

GENERAL SUMMARY

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In collaboration with curators, develop, revise, and complete interpretive elements and assigned interpretive plans, 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, may develop hands-on interactives for permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions.
• In collaboration with curators and the Digital Division, may assist with the development of videos and digital interactives for permanent galleries and exhibitions that help visitors connect with art. Collaborate with curators and Editor, Exhibitions to develop and edit interpretive content for monthly label packages, and for small and medium-sized permanent gallery projects and exhibitions.
• Draw connections between art historical content, current issues, and our visitors’ everyday experiences.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.  
• Assist as requested with major exhibitions and large permanent gallery reinstallations.  
• Recommend new and innovative interpretive initiatives and strategies to engage new audiences. 
• Collaborate with Evaluation and Curatorial to develop visitor research. Interpret data to make recommendations and devise solutions to improve visitor experience.  
• Partner with Evaluation and Curatorial to organize and facilitate meetings with community members and content experts beyond art history to bring diverse voices and perspectives into interpretive planning for larger scale or culturally complex projects. 
• Support research and development of study guide materials for Docents, Gallery Teachers, and visitor experience staff and provide training with curators on assigned projects as requested. 
• Maintain and make recommendations for the improvement of hands-on interpretive activity areas. 
• Develop and manage interpretive planning schedules for assigned projects. Contribute to budget planning for these initiatives as requested. 
• Collaborate with Exhibitions and Development teams to create grant narratives and reports as requested. 
• Contribute to presentations about interpretive projects for DIA leadership, community groups, Learning and Audience Engagement team members, and the Board of Directors, as requested. 
• 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. 
• 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  

Bachelor’s degree in art history, education, museum studies, communication studies, humanities, or other related area required. Master’s degree preferred. Three (3) years of experience in a museum or related cultural organization developing interpretative and educational materials for non-expert audiences. Experience working with evaluation, visitor studies, learning theories, audience development, and/or visitor-centered exhibition development is preferred. Additional years of experience may be substituted for degree requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

• Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.   
• General knowledge of the practical application of critical issues in museum interpretation, visitor centered development, principles and practices of learning, and the application of learning theories for learners of all ages.  
• Experience developing imaginative and creative interpretive elements and media that stimulate interest and engage visitors of all ages. 
• Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects to meet deadlines and goals.  
• General knowledge of impacts on development and installation of interpretive materials from conservation, exhibitions, and collections management. 
• Ability to write in an engaging manner for various non-expert audiences.
• Ability to edit and revise texts for clarity, concision, and alignment with the interpretive plan. 
• Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution, and recommend appropriate course of action. 
• Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals. 
• Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.  
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong customer service. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with attention to detail and produce accurate results.  
• Demonstrated ability to speak publicly, including presenting or sharing information in a clear, effective, and engaging manner suited to the audience.
• Intellectual curiosity about art and its interdisciplinary connections. 
• Must possess a demonstrated understanding of ethical business conduct and professional practices including maintenance and protection of confidential and sensitive information.  
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat preferred. 
• Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours as needed. 
• Must be proficient in the latest version of Office 365. 
• Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Must be able 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.  Ability to move throughout the museum and transport items daily. 

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate. 

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Salary : $45,386 - $52,196