The Academy for American Democracy Manager at the New-York Historical Society is responsible for the successful execution of the Education Division’s newest major initiative.
The Academy for American Democracy is an innovative set of Education programs that seeks to make the required sixth grade study of the ancient world feel more relevant and engaging to students and teachers. Classical Athens serves as a jumping off point to trace the history of democracy from its ancient formation to its adaptation and implementation in early America, and tracking its evolution up through the present-day United States. Sixth grade classes participate in a four-day in-museum residency at New-York Historical during which they visit the galleries, study primary and secondary source documents and images from the classical world and the U.S., engage in theater- and visual arts-integrated activities, and create a poster-based exhibition on the evolution of democracy to bring back to their school. The teacher professional learning component engages educators from participating schools in in-depth historical study with museum educators, curators, and eminent scholars to unpack the myriad intersections and lessons to be drawn across and from ancient and American history.
The ideal candidate will be a purpose-driven education professional who has a passion for providing schools with high-quality, high-impact learning experiences. The Academy for American Democracy Manager is responsible for all program management and administration, including liaising with schools and districts; cultivating partner schools, teachers, and principals; booking programs and managing day-to-day logistics; training and managing educators; overseeing and revising the program curriculum and materials; facilitating teacher programs; and facilitating student residencies on an as-needed basis. The Manager will ensure the success of the program’s first full pilot year, create and execute a plan for long-term sustainability, and actively participate in the cultivation of partners and supporters.
Drawing on world-renowned collections and a staff of passionate professionals, New-York Historical’s Education Division engages learners of all ages in the study of our collective past to deepen content knowledge, develop 21st century skills, and foster an empowered and engaged citizenry. We believe in the power of authentic historical study to spark curiosity and creativity, to promote cultural understanding, and to strengthen our democracy. The Academy for American Democracy Manager will play a critical role in this work by expanding our suite of programs to serve new audiences, namely sixth grade students and teachers.
EDUCATION
Master’s degree in classics, ancient Mediterranean history, or a related field required.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects and staff through a period of extensive change and growth
- 3+ years’ experience managing a museum or non-traditional education program, including managing staff, administration, and logistics
- Deep knowledge of and passion for humanities education and museum education
- Deep understanding of best practices for working with middle school audiences, including administrators, teachers, and students
- Experience working within or in partnership with the New York City Department of Education a plus
- Knowledge of the NYC Social Studies Scope and Sequence, Passport to Social Studies, and NYS Next Generation Learning Standards
- Ability to think creatively and problem solve with a can-do attitude
- A self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Superior customer service skills
- Ability to set and meet deadlines
- Excellent computer skills, including database management, Office suite, Google suite
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Responsibilities for this position include but may not be limited to:
- Oversee and ensure successful execution of all aspects of the Academy for American Democracy
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Manage Academy schedule, including coordinating with other Education Department programs and institutional events:
- Create, schedule, and track student residencies and teacher PDs in booking system; manage all communications with schools and paperwork
- Assign educators to facilitate residencies
- Coordinate all program logistics
- Coordinate management of all program materials and supplies with Education Associate
- Closely track and report on attendance
- Troubleshoot/problem solve with school partners
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Manage Academy Educators:
- Plan and execute trainings
- Conduct formal observations
- Coordinate hiring process for new Educators, including conducting interviews
- Manage all paperwork and personnel admin
- Facilitate student residencies at program launch and then on an as-needed basis
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Evaluate and revise Academy residency lesson plans and teaching materials:
- Read all relevant program evaluations from teachers and Educators, using feedback to improve programs, marketing, and fundraising opportunities
- Incorporate up-to-date ancient and U.S. history scholarship at a level accessible to sixth-grade students
- Integrate gallery visits, arts-integration, and experiential learning across curriculum
- Organize and facilitate ongoing teacher professional learning workshops, planning meetings, and information sessions
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Actively participate in the marketing and outreach strategy for the Academy:
- Develop and execute creative plans to expand program’s reach and meet stated attendance goals
- Contribute to and oversee production of print and digital marketing collateral
- Present at education conferences/fairs, principals’ meetings, etc.
- Manage partnerships with external consultants and partners, including historians, educators, and evaluators
- With the Vice President for Education and the Development Department, generate grant proposals and reports; liaise with current and prospective funders on an as-needed basis
- Provide support for and participate in Division-wide special events
- Early morning, some evening, and occasional weekend work will be required
- Additional duties as requested
COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with experience. The New-York Historical Society offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position will require the employee to lift (up to 25 lbs.), bend, stoop, walk, speak and stand for up to 8 hours in a day. Sedentary computer work is also required.
TO APPLY:
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to resumes@nyhistory.org. Please reference the job title in the subject line.
The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer