Associate Curator of Education: Indigenous Studies

Title: Associate Curator of Education: Indigenous Studies

The High Desert Museum is a non-profit organization focused on the biotic and cultural elements of the High Desert region of the Western United States. Located near Bend, Oregon, on the edge of the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, the Museum melds the natural history of diverse habitat types with human history of the environment into a unique blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, living history and both living and historical collections.

The Associate Curator of Education: Indigenous Studies is responsible for the design, implementation and assessment of a variety of in person and virtual educational programs focusing on an exploration of the High Desert’s Indigenous history since time immemorial. Well-qualified candidates must be energetic, innovative, reflective, flexible, resourceful, enthusiastic, and with an entrepreneurial attitude to create and present exciting programs for broad audiences with an emphasis on PreK-12 students and teachers.

·      A bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate for the position, e.g. education, Indigenous/Native American studies, environmental sciences, anthropology, history, etc.

·      Have a passion for and commitment to teaching and learning about the High Desert’s Indigenous history since time immemorial

·      A minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching students in grades PreK-12 in formal or informal settings

·      Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in teaching and classroom management of children of all ages

·      Working knowledge of developing and implementing informal education programs

·      Experience developing interdisciplinary, inquiry-based curriculum using a culturally relevant pedagogical approach

·      Knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards, Oregon’s K-12 social sciences standards and Oregon’s Senate Bill 13 Tribal History/Shared History curriculum

·      Ability to communicate and work collaboratively with a diverse range of groups and institutions, including schools, museums, non-profits, and tribal nations to develop and implement educational programs

·      Understanding of, and commitment to, justice, equity, inclusion, accessibility and diversity practices

·      Experience teaching using a digital platform

·      Valid teaching license

The position requires some evenings and weekends, working inside and outside, and handling live animals.

2.    Work with the Education Department to develop, implement and evaluate innovative programs, including camps, workshops and special events, aimed at engaging audiences of all ages.

3.    Work with the Exhibitions Department and community advisors to develop and implement engaging programs for all audiences in connection with the Museum’s exhibitions and permanent collections with focus on those related to the Indigenous people of the Columbia Plateau.

4.    Develop on-line supplementary educational resources, curricula and activities to support museum-based programs.

5.    In collaboration with Program’s Department, develop and implement new strategic community engagement and education programs to extend our reach and deepen our impact throughout Central Oregon and beyond.

13. In coordination with the Communications Team, represent the Museum as needed in a variety of mediums, including social media, print, photography and video, in materials produced by both the Museum and by journalists sharing the story of the Museum’s work.