How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that directly relates to this position.
We are hiring for two different schedules: 4 days per week OR 2 days per week. Please indicate, in your cover letter, if you have a preference for a 4 days/week schedule, 2 days/week schedule, or are open to either.
Job Summary
With a team of gallery educators, you will develop and deliver interactive visitor-centered tours and lessons based on Museum objects. These will take place at the University of Michigan Museum of Art and in classrooms in Southeast Michigan. The audience will be primarily K-12 students and teachers, including Ann Arbor Public School classes and all third grade classes in Ypsilanti Community Schools. Some touring groups will be composed of non-student community members. You will welcome visitors, encourage collaborative conversations, and create a visitor-centered museum experience. This could look like greeting and providing materials to self-guided groups, crafting curriculum for a guided tour, or warmly welcoming individual guests in the UMMA lobby.
Required Qualifications*
This role requires staff who understand the value of art as a vehicle for justice; who center the wellbeing of children; who have some experience in a classroom or working with youth; who work well both independently and as part of a team; and who demonstrate fexibility, creativity, dependability, patience, and punctuality. A key characteristic is willingness to reflect on your practice and impact. Applicants must be able to travel independently to schools in the southeast Michigan region.
Desired Qualifications*
Applicants will thrive who describe themselves as curious and adventurous and who are comfortable with public speaking. Other beneficial characteristics include: quick thinking, responding carefully, and enjoying children. Experience with museums and art is beneficial but not required. We seek applicants who are oriented around and experienced with U-M values. Experience with museums and art is beneficial but not required. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a respectful, welcoming, and collaborative environment for individuals from all backgrounds and identities, in alignment with UMMA's core values of art, access, collaboration, change, and care. Because this position is based on a K-12 calendar, it is difficult to accommodate an undergraduate student schedule.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Training:
You will take part in intensive, on-your-feet training at UMMA immediately, which will include exploring the museum and its collection, shadowing experienced guides, practicing tours, and sharing your learning with the group. Training and touring will take place in person at UMMA (not virtually). UMMA staff will provide self-guided learning packets for independent study, which is part of your job. We emphasize skills such as: facilitating discussions, encouraging visual literacy, creating dynamic curriculum related to classroom learning, adapting to visitors' needs, and inquiry-based learning.
Calendar Expectations:
- In-person training sessions and tours will be held at UMMA during your regular four-hour shift, from 9:30am - 1:30pm. Attendance required. All onboarding and training sessions are compensated.
- Option to work 2 days per week (Tuesday + Thursday) / or 4 days per week (Tuesday - Friday).
- Fall Semester: 13 weeks from September 10 - December 12, 2025
- Winter Semester: 19-20 weeks from January 7 - May 22, 2026
- All national and religious holidays off
- This part-time position is for one academic year 2025-2026
Payment:
- $25-$27/hour, depending on experience. You will be a Temporary U-M employee and enter your hours biweekly online.
- A Letter of Agreement that outlines your scope of work will be provided.
- Payment occurs on an hourly-not salary-basis.
- Note that there payment does not occur over Thanksgiving Break (Nov), Spring Break (Mar) or the extended Winter Break (Dec-Jan) when you are not working.
Interviews:
- Will take place at UMMA on Wednesday, August 20 (1pm-6pm) and Thursday, August 21 (8am-12pm).
- More information will be shared about the job responsibilities, expectations, and schedule during the interview.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.