Assistant Director of Programs and Education

Department

ISAC: Museum

About the Department

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures was founded in 1919 by James Henry Breasted with the financial support of John D. Rockefeller Jr., and was originally envisaged as a research laboratory for the investigation of the early human career that would trace humankind’s progress from the most ancient days of West Asia and North Africa. The goal of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is to be the world’s leading center for the study of the ancient civilizations of West Asia and North Africa by combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum was opened to the public in 1931. The majority of ISAC's collections are from its expeditions in West Asia and North Africa during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. A major reinstallation of the Museum, including the construction of a climate-controlled wing for housing collections and archives, took place in the 1990s and early 2000s. A complete renovation of the Museum was completed in 2019 in celebration of ISAC's centennial. The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures is a unit within the University of Chicago and the name of the corporation is 'The University of Chicago.' The corporation was originally incorporated on September 10, 1890.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of the ISAC Museum, works collaboratively with a cross-section of ISAC staff to provide essential support to the overall ISAC educational mission.

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight to all proposed programming of ISAC.  This would include the Monthly lecture series, non-rental events of the Museum, Youth & Family Programs, and Continuing Education.

• Oversees a team of two staff focused on mission-oriented program development and delivery strategies for Continuing Education and Youth & Family Education.

• Oversees all ISAC volunteers and docents in coordination with the Youth and Family Programs manager and Continuing Education Manager.

• Identifies and institutes processes to uphold pre-, day-of-, and post-event standards of implementation and enhances the effectiveness of all ISAC programming.

• Plans and executes public events that highlight the research, publications, artifacts, and history of the ISAC to help strengthen public understanding and awareness.

• Manages and oversee all ISAC volunteers and docents in coordination with the Youth and Family Programs Manager and Continuing Education Manager.

• Evaluates and documents performance of programs, making or recommending improvements when appropriate.

• Assists with the development and implementation of education outreach programs. May collaborate with teachers on implementing curriculum in the classroom.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Managing educational programs for both children and adults.

• Designing and executing adult education programs.

• Planning and executing public events in an academic or museum setting.

• Volunteer management.

• Management experience in an institution of higher education or a museum.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication, organizational, and task-management skills.

• Strong verbal and writing skills, high attention to detail and follow-up.

• An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

• Ability to work in a busy and diverse setting and manage multiple activities and priorities. 

Working Conditions

• ISAC’s policy currently allows for up to 1 day of remote work per week and is subject to change.

• This position requires the ability to work during evenings and weekends.

Application Documents

• Cover Letter (required)

• Resume (required)

• Three professional references (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploa