Interpretation Specialist en Dallas Museum of Art

Description

Reports to: Senior Manager of Interpretation

Level: Individual Contributor

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Benefits: Full Museum benefits

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (35 hours/week)

Salary: $55,000-$60,000 annual salary

Mission:  The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of the Position:

The Interpretation Specialist develops interpretive materials that advance the Museum’s goals of being diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive. Working closely with members of the Collections, Exhibitions, & Interpretation department, and specifically in tandem with design and editorial staff, this person collaborates across departments to create in-gallery resources that reach a broad range of visitors. A successful Interpretation Specialist expands the quantity, quality, and variety of resources available for the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.

As a key member of exhibition planning teams and a crucial advocate for visitor experience, the Interpretation Specialist helps identify each project’s central idea and visitor takeaways. They create content outlines, interpretive plans, analog prototypes, and other preparatory materials to ensure interpretive elements achieve the intended goals while adhering to approved budgets and timelines. The Interpretation Specialist leverages internal and external visitor research to continuously improve DMA’s interpretive strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develops and/or reviews written, audio, video, and other materials delivered in DMA galleries.
• Edits and proofs gallery and exhibition texts, graphics, and other interpretive material and content.
• Applies human-centered approaches to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity are prioritized throughout the galleries.
• Collaborates with colleagues to create clear, consistent signage promoting visitor and object safety.
• Supports the adoption of Label Design Standards and Label Text Guidelines.
• Maintains in-gallery activity stations and printed materials.
• Troubleshoots and proposes solutions for unexpected obstacles related to gallery texts and resources.
• Ensures accurate files are available prior to project openings and properly archived when projects conclude.
• Supervises the McDermott Intern for Interpretation August–May each year.

Requirements

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Bachelor of Arts degree required
• Coursework in art history, museum education, social sciences, or related field preferred
• 2-3 years’ experience in museum interpretation or related field preferred
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish a plus
• Experience with TMS, Piction, or other museum databases a plus
• Experience editing audio or video content a plus
• Experience with Adobe, graphic design software, or audio editing software a plus

Key Qualifications:

• Deadline driven with an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication, diplomacy, and collaboration skills.
• Compelling writer with experience translating complex subject matter into a cohesive narrative for a general audience.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with attention toward working efficiently and producing long-term resources.
• Self-motivated and able to identify creative solutions that balance competing interests.
• Knowledge of contemporary trends, research, and issues in museum interpretation.

Our Core Values 

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical. 
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong. 
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives. 
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven. 
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals. 
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge. 
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning. 

Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.