Description
The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the world's leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Through our exhibitions, education, public programs, and community outreach, we offer an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Since our founding in 1974, we have presented more than 700 exhibitions and offered thousands of classes, providing instruction at every level. Our integrated center on the Lower East Side brings together our museum and school in one space, serving as the cultural anchor of Essex Crossing.
Position Summary:
The Museum Educator plays a key role in delivering engaging, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences that connect visitors of all ages to ICP's exhibitions and mission. This position develops and facilitates gallery tours, hands-on educational programs, workshops, and other interpretive experiences for school groups, community organizations, higher education partners, and the general public.
Working closely with the Senior Manager of Youth Programs, School & Tour Programs Coordinator, Curatorial, Public Engagement, and other cross-functional teams, the Museum Educator helps bring each exhibition to life through inquiry-based teaching, thoughtful interpretation, and audience engagement. This role also contributes to the development of educational resources, accessibility initiatives, and programs that deepen visitors' understanding of photography and visual culture.
The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic educator and confident public speaker with experience teaching diverse audiences, a strong foundation in photography or visual culture, and a passion for creating welcoming and meaningful museum experiences
Requirements
Museum Education & Public Programs
- Develop and facilitate engaging gallery tours and educational experiences for K-12 students, higher education groups, community organizations, and public audiences.
- Lead public exhibition tours, private guided visits, and hands-on learning experiences that encourage dialogue, observation, and creative engagement.
- Adapt teaching approaches to meet the needs of diverse audiences, learning styles, ages, and accessibility needs.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Youth Programs, Curatorial team, and Public Engagement team to develop exhibition interpretation and educational content for each exhibition cycle.
- Support the development and facilitation of public programs, workshops, and other educational initiatives as assigned.
Program Development & Educational Resources
- Develop educational materials that support museum learning, including gallery activities, educator resources, lesson plans, and interpretive materials.
- Collaborate on accessibility initiatives, including audio guides and other visitor resources that increase access to exhibitions.
- Research current museum education practices and contribute ideas for new educational programming and visitor engagement strategies.
- Support ICP's Educator Open House and other outreach initiatives designed to strengthen relationships with schools and educators.
School & Community Partnerships
- Collaborate with the School & Tour Programs Coordinator to support K-12 school visits, pre-visit planning, and guided group experiences.
- Conduct pre-visit meetings with teachers and school partners as needed.
- Maintain positive relationships with educators, community organizations, artists, and institutional partners.
- Serve as an ambassador for ICP while delivering an exceptional visitor experience.
Program Operations & Collaboration
- Coordinate with Visitor Experience, Education, Curatorial, Operations, Marketing, and other departments to ensure successful program delivery.
- Support program setup, visitor arrival, facilitation, and breakdown.
- Assist with maintaining tour schedules, educational calendars, and ticketing information as needed.
- Review participant feedback and program evaluations to inform future program development.
- Maintain clear and timely communication with colleagues and external partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Art Education, Museum Studies, Art History, Photography, Visual Culture, Arts Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum two years of experience in museum education, arts education, teaching, public programming, or a related educational setting.
- Experience facilitating educational programs for youth and adult audiences.
- Strong knowledge of photography, photographic processes, and/or visual culture.
- Experience developing educational materials, lesson plans, gallery activities, or curriculum preferred.
- Experience teaching photography or visual arts preferred.
- Experience supporting accessibility initiatives or inclusive educational programming is a plus.
Competencies
- Outstanding public speaking and facilitation skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with students, educators, colleagues, artists, and visitors.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Creative, flexible, and learner-centered approach to teaching.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
- Language skills, particularly Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese, are a plus.
Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while facilitating programs or preparing materials.
Ability to move throughout museum galleries, classrooms, and public spaces for extended periods.
Ability to occasionally lift and move educational materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support museum programs and special events.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation Range: $31.00 - $36.00 per hour
ICP offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible part-time employees, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with employer contributions and HRA support, where eligible)
- Employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match of up to 5% after one year of eligible service
- Pre-tax commuter benefits and flexible spending accounts
- Paid sick leave and applicable paid holidays
- Free or discounted museum admission, staff discounts, and access to employee perks programs
- Professional development opportunities, including tuition-free ICP courses and discounted education programs for employees and eligible dependents
The International Center of Photography is committed to equal opportunity employment. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are values integral to offering an open forum for dialogue around photography and visual culture that is open to all. Through this lens, we strive to engage, educate, and inspire our visitors, students, employees, and community.
Salary Description
$31-$36/hour