Educator | Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a thirty-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an exquisite collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Approximately 1,000 works from the permanent collection of 12,000 objects are on view in the Norton Simon Museum’s galleries and sculpture garden throughout the year. The Museum is located in beautiful Pasadena, California, just steps from the bustling Old Pasadena district known for its shops and restaurants, and adjacent to the vibrant neighborhoods of northeast Los Angeles, Glendale and South Pasadena. Easily accessible by public transportation, the Museum also offers its employees free parking, as well as free admission to the Museum anytime, and discounts in the store and café. Summary: The Norton Simon Museum is seeking to fill a position as Educator to join its Department of Education and Public Programs. Centered on the Museum’s outstanding art collection, the Museum’s educational programs are designed to foster the imagination; build a deep understanding of human creativity and expression; and serve children and their families, students and teachers, lifelong learners, and people with different abilities. The Educator organizes and leads an array of programs for these audiences, including guided tours, salons, art-making programs, and school tours.   

This position reports to the Director of Education and Public Programs and is part of the Museum’s Education Department. If you are passionate about art education and committed to fostering inclusive, engaging learning experiences, we encourage you to apply! 

Responsibilities 

• In conjunction with the Education and Public Programs staff, lead guided tours of the permanent collection and special exhibitions for adult audiences 
• In conjunction with the Education and Public Programs staff, lead guided tours for the Museum’s school program for grades 5-12 
• In conjunction with the Education and Public Programs staff, facilitate art making programs for children ages 4-18 
• Attend training sessions to stay abreast of changes in the Museum’s galleries and special exhibitions, as well as museum education professional practices and initiatives, including issues relating to accessibility and inclusion 

Qualifications 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with audiences in informal or formal education environments, including museums, school classrooms, or other cultural institutional settings.  
• Experience teaching with works of art using student-centered, inclusive strategies 
• Demonstrated ability to work with audiences from across the region’s diverse communities 
• A B.A. or M.A. in art history, art education, museum studies or a related field is preferred, along with strong art historical knowledge. 
• Foreign language skills (especially Spanish, French, and Mandarin) are highly desirable  

Physical Requirements 

This position requires moderate lifting, stretching, reaching, bending, and occasional long periods of standing and walking (approximately 60-90 minutes per tour). Ability to lift up to 10 pounds. Schedule Availability for daytime and evening programming on Thursday through Monday. Educators are expected to commit to an average of two (2) program assignments per week during the academic year, depending on institutional needs and scheduling availability.   

How To Apply Interested applicants should submit cover letter, resume, and the names of at least two references to: Norton Simon Museum  Attn: Educator Position 411 West Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105 or Educator_resume@nortonsimon.org with ‘Educator’ in the subject line. No phone calls please. Due to volume of resumes received, we will not be able to acknowledge receipt of resumes. Employment is contingent upon proof of legal status to work in the United States.

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