Learning & Engagement Fellow Position Announcement
Date posted: August 26, 2022
Position: Learning and Engagement Fellow
Reports to: Collections Curator
Status: Full-time, two-year appointment with prospect of permanent position
Salary: $35,000 plus a generous benefits package
Start Date: Desired start date Fall 2022, no later than January 2023
About Roger Tory Peterson
Roger Tory Peterson’s signature contribution to the arc of the American Conservation Movement was the modern field guide. Trained as an artist, Peterson understood the power of art to inform,
inspire, and illuminate people about the natural world. His illustrated field guides allowed for easy, accurate identification in the field. The experience of using the field guide has helped millions of people across the globe really see the natural world. To be inspired by it. To fall in love with it. Throughout his multifaceted career, Peterson helped us to see the challenges, too – the devastating impacts of pesticides, habitat loss, and other environmental ills. He also demonstrated that each and every one of us can make a difference in protecting the earth’s diversity of plants and animals.
About the Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Home to the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s work, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a leader for the study, exhibition, and nurturing of art that matters to the planet. Through world
class exhibitions and programs, RTPI illuminates the beauty of nature; challenges us to confront environmental issues of regional, national and global concern; and inspires us to preserve the
earth’s biodiversity – with a particular emphasis on the natural area wonders of Western New York. For more information please visit our website: https://rtpi.org/.
About the Learning and Engagement Fellow Position
RTPI seeks an experienced individual to develop, implement, and manage a dynamic suite of learning and engagement programs at the nexus of art + nature.
The Fellow works with museum staff, program participants, community members, and colleagues at other institutions to enhance current programs and create new ones that deepen engagement among key target audiences, including artists, art students, and the birding community. With an institutional commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access, the Fellow should be equally creative and dynamic in seeking ways to expand RTPI’s audience.
The ideal candidate must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team. They must be exceptionally detail oriented, excel at time and project management, and embody a collaborative spirit.
PLEASE NOTE: this is not a conventional nature education or art education position. A demonstrated passion for dynamically integrating art and nature is a must.
The Fellow is a full-time, exempt salaried position reporting to the Collections Curator. A typical workweek is Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, although regular weekend and periodic evening work are required as well.
Core Responsibilities
• Develop, plan, implement, and manage a range of multidisciplinary art-and nature-based programs, including exhibition-related programs, youth and family programs, fee-based nature art workshops, Art After 5 programming, gallery talks and workshops, and programs related to special events. Programs are conducted both in-person and via Zoom.
• Collaborate on the development of support materials for exhibitions and programs.
• Identify audience needs and interests in relation to RTPI programs.
• Develop strategies to retain current audiences and attract new audiences.
• Act as point-of-contact and manage logistics for educational programming requests.
• Develop program-related expense and revenue projections for annual budget.
Additional Responsibilities
• Manage programs in accordance with the strategic plan and approved budgets.
• Participate in staff meetings, program team meetings, and board meetings.
• Work collaboratively with staff in the execution of special events and fundraising.
• Serve as an ambassador for RTPI.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree, preferred Master’s Degree in art education, nature education or related discipline.
• Minimum three years of professional experience developing and implementing successful learning and engagement programs.
Core Competencies
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Exceptional people skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage simultaneous priorities and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.
Physical Demands
• Work at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Stand for prolonged periods in an art lab; walking, bending, climbing, reaching. lifting/moving objects up to 15 pounds.
• Hike nature trails, rated easy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Compensation:
The starting salary is $35,000 plus a generous benefits package, including health, vision and dental insurance, and an employer-funded 403(b) retirement plan.
Equal Opportunity
RTPI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at RTPI are based on organization needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. RTPI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
How to Apply
Please email resume and cover letter to: Newhire@rtpi.org and include “Learning and Engagement Fellow” in the subject line.
Only those applicants we feel are strong potential fits will be contacted. Due to the high volume of anticipated applications, we will not be able to respond to phone calls or emails.