JOB TITLE: Interpretive Planner

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 Planner is responsible for creating and managing interpretive plans and interpretation that structure visitor - centered experiences in exhibitions and permanent collection galleries to support and fulfill the DIA’s mission of helping visitors find personal meaning in art .

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In collaboration with curators, develop , revise , and execute interpretive plan s and 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 and the D igital Division , develop digital interactives for permanent galleries and exhibitions from start to finish, including conceptualization, content development, user-flows, and collaboration with designers to create the final product, including hands-on stations, digital tools, response stations, audio/multimedia tours, and other interpretive elements that help visitors connect with art.

• Draw connections between art historical content , current issues, and our visitors’ everyday experiences.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.

• Develop and recommend new and innovative interpretive initiatives and strategies to engage new audiences.

• Collaborate with Evaluation and Curatorial to conduct formative evaluatio n and to test content and interactives with visitors. Interpret data to make recommendations and devise solutions to improve visitor experience.

• Partner with Evaluation and Curatorial to o rganize and facilitate meetings with community members and content experts beyond art history to bring diverse voices and perspectives into exhibition storylines.

• Research and develop study guide materials for Docents, Gallery Teachers, and visitor experience staff and provide training with curators for special exhibitions and new projects.

• Maintain hands-on interpretive activity areas.

• Help develop and manage budgets and schedules for interpretive elements.

• Manage schedules and workflows for cross-departmental projects to develop museum experiences for specific audiences (visitors with disabilities, families, etc.) and contribute to budget planning for these initiatives.

• Collaborate with Exhibitions and Development teams to create grant narratives and reports for exhibitions and other projects.

• Develop presentations about exhibitions and projects for DIA leadership, community groups, Learning and Audience Engagement team members, and the Board of Directors .

• 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 .

• Participate with leadership in interpretation and museum education through presenting, publishing, reviewing, and/or serving on conference and grant committees.

• 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

  Master’s degree in a rt h istory, e ducation, m useum s tudies, l iterature, c ommunication s tudies, h umanities, or related field required . Six ( 6 ) years of related experience in a museum or related cultural organization, including two (2) years developing interpretative/educational materials for non-expert audiences and two (2) years working with evaluation, visitor studies, learning theories, audience development, and/or visitor-centered exhibition development . 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 .

• Must possess the understanding and practical application of critical issues in museum interpretation, visitor experience development, and principles, practices, and application of learning theories for learners of all ages.

• Experience developing imaginative and creative interpretive strategies 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.

• Working 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 audiences .

• Experience of museum education and interpretation, visitor-centered museum exhibition development experience preferred.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events .

• 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.

  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 .