Opportunities for Experienced Professionals in Sharjah Museums
Sharjah is the third largest of the emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East. Sharjah Museums currently has three vacancies in its Department of Interpretation and Education. The Department is an audience-centred department which works with and serves a variety of audiences including families, schools, teachers, universities, adults, community and support groups, and those visitors or groups that may need additional assistance with accessing Sharjah's museums and collections. Staff work collaboratively in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment located in the centre of Sharjah and at some of the 17 museums.
The three posts that are currently available are; Adult Learning and Community Programmes Manager, Head of Interpretation and Education, and School and Family Programmes Manager. All positions are full-time with a two year contract, and comes with generous package and tax-free salary. SMD also offers 35 paid vacation days per year plus national holidays. Salary based on academic education and experience. Experience living and working in the Gulf is highly desirable, as is a background in Arabic, Emirati history, culture and heritage. Applications (CV and cover letter) should be emailed as attachments to education@sharjahmuseums.ae by 12 July 2009. Please write the name of the position being applied for in the Subject line.
Adult Learning and Community Programmes Officer Details:
Purpose: To oversee, plan and implement programmes with college and university students, staff and faculty, and general adult learning programmes, in conjunction with three staff and museum curators. In addition, to oversee ongoing community outreach activities and initiatives with an additional two staff. Current adult programmes include gallery talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and in-gallery workshops. One of three lead manager positions within the Education department.
Some of the selection criteria: Minimum Bachelor degree in museum studies, museum education, life-long learning or related field, with very extensive knowledge of education and interpretation. Masters degree in related field highly desirable. Experience in the creation of programming in a museum, cultural centre, library, or similar educational non-profit organization. Experience in working with universities, which may include teaching, course or training creation, faculty liaison. Demonstrated experience in management of staff. Highly developed and wide ranging written and verbal communications skills. Ability to drive.
Head of Interpretation and Education Details:
Purpose of position: To lead the Education Department across all programming and resource areas. Lead the department in fulfilling its Education Policy and working collaboratively with centralized departments and museum staff. Programme and resource areas include schools, teachers/educators, families and multi-generational groups, adults, universities and faculty, community groups, and those with additional needs. Administrative areas include budgeting and financial tracking, personnel and hiring, organization of staff professional development and training, extensive writing and editing, professional presentations and long-range planning. Actively manage and mentor 21 staff. Represent SMD nationally and internationally.
Some of the selection criteria: Minimum Masters degree in museum studies, museum education, or related field, with very extensive knowledge of education and interpretation. Minimum 8 years museum experience. Wide experience in the creation of programming in a museum, cultural centre, or archive. Very high level of professionalism; experience in working with a wide number of nationalities, and high level donors or similar. Experience in publicly presenting and discussing museum education and best practice. Experience in creating and leading staff professional development training. Experience in working collaboratively with international museums highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in management of staff. Highly developed and wide ranging written and verbal communications skills. Ability to drive and travel extensively.
School and Family Programmes Manager Details:
Purpose of position: To oversee, plan and review programmes for school groups, teachers, and families in conjunction with approximately 12 staff and museum curators. Current offerings include tours and workshops for schools (public and private curricula), weekend family workshops, pre- and post-visit materials for educators, Teachers' Packs, summer camps, and special programmes for visiting exhibitions and holidays. One of three lead manager positions within the Education Department.
Some of the selection criteria: Minimum Bachelor degree in museum studies, museum education, or related field, with very extensive knowledge of education and interpretation. Masters degree in related field highly desirable. Minimum five years museum experience. Experience in the creation of school programming in a museum, cultural centre, library, or similar educational non-profit organization. Experience in working with teachers, which may include teaching, course or training creation, faculty liaison. Demonstrated experience in management of staff. Highly developed and wide ranging written and verbal communications skills. Ability to drive.
