Curator of Academic Programs

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

The Curator of Academic Programs plays a central role in advancing Pitzer College Art Galleries as a vital teaching, learning, and public engagement resource by translating exhibitions into meaningful educational experiences for students, faculty, and broader audiences. Reporting to the Director, this position serves as the primary liaison between the galleries and the campus community, strengthening connections between exhibitions and curriculum through faculty partnerships, class visits, and exhibition-based teaching resources.

Grounded in Pitzer’s core values—interdisciplinary learning, intercultural understanding, social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and student engagement—the person in this position develops inclusive programs that activate the galleries as a site for dialogue, critical inquiry, and creative exploration. In collaboration with the Director and campus partners, the Curator of Academic Programs designs and produces exhibition-aligned programs and events, supports faculty development, and oversees student employment and internships. This position also assesses program impact, maintains records, contributes to grant narratives and reporting, and participates in strategic planning that advances teaching, learning, and student success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partner with faculty across disciplines to integrate exhibitions into coursework and class assignments.
• Lead and co-facilitate discussion-based gallery sessions and class visits, including hosting tours for classes and external visitors.
• Develop teaching resources, including discussion guides, writing prompts, and other assignment frameworks.
• Plan and oversee faculty development initiatives, including curriculum development workshops and exhibition-based pedagogical training.
• With the Director, conceptualize and design exhibition-aligned programs, including workshops, lectures, panels, and participatory events that connect art to contemporary issues.
• Oversee all program coordination and production including timelines, logistics, speakers, catering, accessibility, and day-of event execution.
• Coordinate co-sponsored programs with campus, 7C, and external partners.
• In coordination with other gallery staff, oversee student employment and internships including recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, and supervision. 
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities and support student-led initiatives.
• Build programming that integrates visits and/or partnerships with K–12 schools, regional colleges and universities, educators, and community organizations.
• Track participation and impact, maintain records of teaching activities, class visits, and program attendance using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Support the Director with grant writing, management, and reporting for galleries’ programming. Develop program narratives and impact documentation for stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning with team, particularly regarding initiatives related to teaching, learning, and student success.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Relationship-building and partnership development abilities across campus, 7C, and community contexts.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a commitment to a team-based work environment.
• Ability to problem-solve and develop creative, practical solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to take initiative to work proactively, meet deadlines, organize, and prioritize multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• Exhibit personal integrity and the ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Broad knowledge of art and material culture with a willingness to learn outside established areas of expertise.
• Understanding of college student learning needs and contemporary higher education pedagogy.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.  
   

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required in art history, museum studies, studio art, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience. 
• Demonstrated experience developing and facilitating exhibition-based teaching and learning experiences in a museum, gallery, or higher education setting.
• Experience planning and producing programs and events.
   

Supervisory Responsibility: Yes

• Student: Yes
   

Time Type:  Full Time

Work Schedule: This is a regular, non-exempt, staff position, working 12 months per year. The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary depending on the operational needs of the College or department, including evenings and weekends as required.

Work Model: Hybrid* (1 Day/Wk Remote) 

• *Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection.
• *Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at remote location, including desk or table and supporting, upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe and free from hazards and ergonomically appropriate.
   

Compensation: Budgeted Salary Range: $29.00-$30.00 per hour
Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation and more. 

Physical Requirements: This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time and operate a computer for prolonged periods of time. You must have the ability to drive locally for events and appointments.

Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:

• Cover Letter:  Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer’s core values best relates to your own. 
• Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.

• Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).