Learning & Engagement Curator

The Douglas Hyde Gallery is seeking applicants for the role of Learning & Engagement Curator. 

Co-founded by the Arts Council and Trinity College Dublin in 1978, the Douglas Hyde Gallery is a space for challenging and ambitious contemporary art. We support artists who push at the boundaries of form and convention, and we aim to provoke ideas.  Located on the busy thoroughfare of the Nassau Street Gate of Trinity College, the Douglas Hyde Gallery holds a distinct position as a meeting point between the city of Dublin and the leading research university in Ireland. We produce and commission contemporary art, supporting international and Irish artists to make ambitious new work and present pivotal solo exhibitions by significant artists of the present and the future. Recent exhibitions include the first solo exhibitions in Ireland by Abbas Akhavan, Jumana Manna and Valérie Blass alongside solo exhibitions by Irish artists Isabel Nolan and Garrett Phelan. 

Our dedicated Learning & Engagement programme, developed in close collaboration with artists, expands and enhances our exhibition programme by offering multiple engagement points. This is in tandem with our Student Forum initiative and frequent collaborations. We champion the value of contemporary art through fostering, sustaining, and diversifying audiences; through creating partnerships with key organisations and institutions; and through developed and extended connections with the staff and student community of Trinity College Dublin. 

The Learning & Engagement Curator develops and delivers a fully integrated and innovative learning and engagement programme, including; talks, screenings, performances, events and concerts, collaborations and new initiatives; as well as other related duties. Working closely with the Director and artists, and collaborating with strategic partners, they will develop an inclusive approach to engagement and audience development, including students, artists and creative professionals, schools, local community groups, and the wider TCD community.

The main responsibilities of this role are:

To Develop and Deliver the DHG’s Learning & Engagement Programme 

• To work closely with artists, and the Director, to develop a programme of events related to the exhibition programme 
• To research and develop ideas for programmes of lectures, film screenings, talks and other events
• To initiate learning and engagement strategies with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of the Gallery programme 
• To play a hands-on role in the delivery of DHG’s Learning and Engagement programme, overseeing all aspects of the production and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget
• To liaise with colleagues to coordinate presentations by guest speakers and content such as the loan of film or other materials.
• To coordinate travel itineraries and bookings for invited guests. 
• To work with the DHG team to ensure the highest standards of presentation and documentation for events
• To oversee the production of gallery publications
• To deliver audience research and biannual Audience Surveys
• To initiate and develop strategic partnerships
• To deliver the DHG’s Student Forum initiative 
• To work with colleagues to secure funding and sponsorship and set budgets for approval, preparing estimates and to monitor expenditure in accordance with the DHG’s financial procedures.

To Expand Audience Engagement 

• Communicating effectively with the Gallery’s audience regarding the exhibitions and events; developing and growing this audience
• To recognize and understand the importance of using a range of vocabularies 
• To prepare interpretative materials and exhibition handouts
• To develop a Read/Listen/Watch section of the website and generate content by interviewing artists 
• To nurture relationships between other institutions, both locally and internationally, identifying opportunities for co-commissioning and other collaborations and partnerships

To Develop & Grow Funding 

• Researching new funding possibilities and sustaining relationships with existing funders (arts councils, private foundations, embassies, cultural organisations, individuals etc.) 
• Delivering, and communicating with, the Gallery’s Patron and Friends programme
• Researching sponsorship opportunities and maintaining relationships with current sponsors

To Be Part of the DHG Team 

• Representing the gallery at openings, networking events and meetings 
• Observing equal opportunities policies and organisational procedures
• Maintain a high standard of work performance, attendance, appearance and punctuality at all times.
• To assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and safe work practice. 
• To ensure a safe environment for himself/herself, colleagues and visitors.

The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to them from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. This job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances. It is not intended to be exhaustive but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which individuals work.

The successful candidate should possess: 

• An advanced degree or equivalent experience in arts education, curatorial studies, art history, fine arts, or visual culture
• A minimum of 1 year of experience of working at an art gallery or other cultural institution
• Experience of working with artists and delivering learning & engagement programmes 
• A commitment to working with broad audiences and making contemporary art accessible
• Exemplary knowledge of contemporary art practices and a broad knowledge of culture 
• The ability to manage a varied workload and remain calm under pressure
• Experience as a hands-on, skilled project manager
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• High self-motivation and ability to take initiative, and enthusiasm in working in the field of contemporary art
• Excellent organizational and management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including excellent command of the English language
• Experience of working with budgets
• Exemplary attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and availability to work evenings and weekends 
• Full work permit if applying from abroad
• High proficiency in Mac OSX, Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat), Squarespace and social media tools an asset

Job Title: Learning & Engagement Curator 
Employer: The Douglas Hyde Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2

Reports to: The Director, Hours of work: Full time (40 hours p/week) 

Salary: 32,000 euros per annum, with a Professional Development Allowance
Contract type: Fixed term 2 years, Probation period: 3 months, Annual leave: 25 days 

Closing Date: Friday 6 December 2019 at 10AM (GMT)

Interviews: Monday 16th December 2019