Director of Public Humanities and Engagement

Bard Graduate CenterDirector of Public Humanities and EngagementEmployer Website: [https://www.bgc.bard.edu/](https://www.bgc.bard.edu/)
Bard Graduate Center, a division of Bard College located on West 86th Street in New York City, is seeks a dynamic, collaborative Director of Public Humanities and Engagement who is passionate about translating deeply researched study into absorbing questions accessible to the general public through a range of events and programs..
Bard Graduate Center offers MA and PhD degrees in the study of the cultural history of the material world and is committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. Since its founding in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has trained a generation of academics and curators, producing exhibitions which have travelled the world and publishing books which have redefined research in this area. For more information see www.bgc.bard.edu.

*General Description:*
Bard Graduate Center develops programming for the public consistent with its identity as an academic institution devoted to understanding the world through the medium of things. This programming is directed to a research and academic public but also to an educated, interested non-professional audience. The Director for Public Humanities and Engagement is responsible for translating and interpreting the BGC's intellectual mission for an audience spectrum that stretches from visitors to its exhibition gallery to those who want to grapple with complex ideas presented in panel discussions or commissioned arts events. The Director also runs the Lab for Teen Thinkers, BGC's long-term investment in a more diverse and intellectually plural community of object-studying scholars. The Director reports to the Dean, who also has oversight over the research and academic programming. The Director for Public Humanities and Engagement manages the development and implementation of distinctive, rigorous, and creative gallery, lecture hall, teen, and off-site collaborative programs that are aligned with and strengthen institutional mission, values, and priorities, and build on existing institutional strengths. This is a job for someone who views administration as a creative opportunity. The position contributes to the broadening, diversification, and cultivation of public support and interest in Bard Graduate Center and its activities, and generates revenue through programs and events where possible and appropriate. The Director is expected to expand public engagement through strategic collaborations with local, national, and international partners. The position is full time, requiring periodic evening and weekend duties.

*Broad Goals:*
Continue to build the distinctive identity of Bard Graduate Center programming-intellectually serious but informalRelate programming needs to neighborhood cultural opportunities Attract a new and broader audience to programsRaise new revenue through programs*Primary Responsibilities and Duties:*
Curate a vibrant and relevant series of public events that are rigorously researched and align with and strengthen institutional goalsOversee the management, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of a broad array of programming for the public Develop content in collaboration with the DeanSupervise, manage, and support a department staff of program manager, educator, and work-study studentsManage department administrative logistics, budgets, and program schedule of activitiesBroaden and cultivate audience support through marketing of programs, activities, and initiativesExpand engagement through strategic partnershipsElevate participation and engagement with local institutions and audiences, strengthening Bard Graduate Center's role as a cultural leader and community partnerCollaborate with marketing and development departments to ensure strong and effective communication to all stakeholdersWrite and edit program notes, marketing copy, and website/blog entries that relate the programming to Bard Graduate Center's cultural vision*Requirements and Qualifications:*

a) Track Record (Skills):
Record of producing and managing cultural programming for the publicA strong knowledge of and commitment to audience development and retention Familiarity with dynamics of arts scheduling and marketing in particularDemonstrated ability to set strategic goals for program areas and events, to prioritize tasks for their successful completion, implementation, and for their evaluationRecord of staff leadership, management, and supervision Ability to work well with professors as well as with administrative staffHas the capacity to mentor staff Ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed to meet audience building goalsb) Education and Experience:
Undergraduate education in a humanities field such as Art History, History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Literature or Archaeology Master's degree necessary, PhD preferableFive years of management in performing arts or cultural programming and audience building is essential, preferably in the New York City area.Insider's knowledge of the New York arts sceneFamiliarity with Microsoft Office Suite 2007/2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Docs, familiarity with Apple OS and related software a plusExperience with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tools such as Raiser's Edge or Mail Chimp a plusc) Personal qualities:
* Quick learner
* High energy
* Flexible thinker
* Good listener
* Collaborative
*To Apply:*
Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to [dpeve@bgc.bard.edu](mailto:dpeve@bgc.bard.edu). No telephone calls please.

Bard College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and follow the guidelines and protocols established to address campus safety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

AA/EOE