Project Coordinator, Creative Spaces @ Art Institute of Chicago

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

OUR VALUES

All staff members are expected to embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution and to adhere to the museum’s shared values.

● Our museum reflects and deepens our collective humanity; the arts are integral to an inspired and just society.

● We respect and acknowledge each of our colleagues’ contributions and expertise across all roles within our organization.

● We share in the responsibility to create an antiracist culture built on equity, inclusion, and justice for all, acknowledging that these efforts are intersectional and ongoing.

● We encourage and advance a culture of hospitality, empathy, and gratitude for each visitor, supporter, and member of our staff.

● We embrace innovation and foster change with a progressive understanding of—and obligation to reconsider—our past.

● We sustain an open and dynamic civic platform, inviting and advancing the diverse perspectives of our city, staff, visitors, and supporters.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Learning Center is a platform for culturally responsive experiences that bring young people and the adults around them into dynamic and inspiring encounters with art and creativity. The Ryan Learning Center team:

● champions the role of art and culture in people’s lives,

● promotes access and equitable participation in art and the museum,

● fosters critical and creative thinking.

As a result, youth, teens, families, students, and educators from various backgrounds and abilities engage with each other and with works of art from across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, activating the museum as a place for learning, insight, inspiration, and community. These museum experiences enable young people and the adults around them to feel more connected and confident in their capacity to imagine, create, and make sense of art and their world.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Coordinator works within the Creative Spaces team to ensure that the Ryan Learning Center spaces are organized and inviting environments for multigenerational learning. The coordinator provides ongoing organization and upkeep for the inventory of materials and interactive resources within the public engagement areas, as well as the support spaces in which staff store and prepare artmaking supplies. The coordinator keeps the drop-in artmaking areas of the Center stocked and ready for use, and prepares materials for programming as needed. They are responsible for Ryan Learning Center technology, including the fleet of devices used in programming and installed technology like JourneyMaker. The coordinator contributes to the development and production of programs and events that enliven the Center, including multigenerational family and teen events across the year.

The Project Coordinator brings experience in informal learning environments and with artmaking materials and practices to ensure that the Ryan Learning Center serves valuable space for connection, learning, and meaning-making.

This position holds a standard 9:00–5:00 [Sunday through Thursday] work week with occasional evening hours required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Material Management

Manage the inventory and organization of all materials related to artmaking within the public areas and in supply preparation spaces; develop and implement the departmental system for acquiring and sharing artmaking supplies; order and prepare supplies for programs across the department; perform regular checks of stocked tools to ensure their safety and usability; maintain documentation of supply ingredients and ensure that all materials used with the public are non-toxic and safe for use within the Ryan Learning Center and galleries.

Spacemaking

Perform daily upkeep to interactive areas of the Art Exchange, refreshing resources and artmaking materials as needed; perform regular checks of furniture and touchable objects and submit work requests for repairs as needed; assist in the installation and ongoing upkeep of Artist’s Studio activities; organize books and other interactive materials in the Early Learning and Lounge areas and acquire new resources connected to the collection and upcoming exhibitions as needed; contribute to the development, installation, and deinstallation of Ryan Learning Center displays; document installations and work created by visitors.

Technology Maintenance

Manage the inventory of devices used in programming including tracking usage, managing peripheral assets, and reporting loss and damage; collaborate with Experience Design in updating systems and apps; support the updating and maintenance of JourneyMaker.

Program Coordination and Support

Contribute to the development of programs and events for multigenerational and teen audiences; provide production and logistical support to programs across the department; host groups in the Ryan Learning Center; work in the Art Exchange during public hours on select days

QUALIFICATIONS

⋅ Minimum 2 years experience managing spaces, projects, or events in a retail, museum or institutional setting.

⋅ Strong familiarity and experience with artmaking materials and practices.

⋅ Proficiency in MSOffice, Google suite, using database systems, and managing data across multiple platforms.

⋅ Energy and enthusiasm for the mission of the museum and demonstrated commitment to advancing the museum’s values.

⋅ Strong organization and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, respond to shifting priorities, and support multiple aspects of program development.

⋅ Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with audiences of different backgrounds, levels of knowledge, and types of ability. Ability to function effectively as part of a team.

⋅ Utilizes an asset-based framework that supports developing the shared leadership and vision of the department.

⋅ Spanish language fluency is an asset in this position.

⋅ Commitment to innovation and life-long learning.

HOW TO APPLY

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

Visit www.artic.edu/careers/employment-2

> Click full list of open positions here

> Search Job #: 12010 and apply online