Docent Programs Manager

Description:

The BBDO, formed in 1961, today includes approximately 200 active docents and an 18-member board and meets regularly. Bayou Bend works extensively with the BBDO, and a great deal of daily interaction and a high volume of communication is required between the docents and key staff of BBCG. The Docent Program Manager works closely with the Head of Education, the Programs Manager, the Visitor Services Manager, the Education Department’s Program Coordinator, and department interns, as well as with the docents, especially docent leadership.

Responsibilities:

With Head of Education and docent leadership, insures quality and consistency of tours and programs, and helps plan new initiatives and projects to enhance the visitor experience for Bayou Bend’s various audiences. Helps develop, evaluate, and expand tour programs and ensures that current best practices are being observed in the docent and tour programs. There are three main areas of work:

Manages routine docent program activities:

• Docent program administration, including meeting and event coordination, tour schedule paperwork and coordination, docent communications including regular e-newsletters and website updates, and financial paperwork

• Serves as primary liaison and point of contact between staff and docents

Coordinates docent education:

• Works with Head of Education in recruiting for, managing, coordinating technology for and teaching interpretive skills section of the annual 20-week provisional docent class.

• With Head of Education, plans and implements docent continuing education series and teaches some sessions.

Works with the Head of Education to develop and implement projects involving docents, such as:

• Special tours and activities to complement public programming

• New tour offerings in collaboration with docents, such as virtual tours and new school tours

Supervisory Responsibilities

This is a role of influence and leadership. The Docent Program Manager will directly supervise, guide and lead staff, docents and associates at Bayou Bend and around the organization. As directed, may also participate in other supervisory responsibilities including performance management, interviewing and staff selection, training and development, scheduling, and evaluating performance.

Other duties as needed by Bayou Bend and the MFAH.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills will be key! Ability to work with a broad constiuency, resolve conflicts while motivating and supporting volunteer docents
• Exceptional organizational skills; attention to detail and ability to track and follow through with multi-dimensional, deadline-driven projects
• Ability to multi-task and to handle multiple requests in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable researching, using and assisting docents in troubleshooting computer and video technology solutions
• More than a passing sense of curiosity around history and art and excitement to learn new content and skills

Education and Experience:

• Work experience with volunteers and/or community partners required.
• Informal education teaching experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in related field (art history or humanities) preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• 2+ years in museum or volunteer-driven arts related organization preferred.