The Learning and Community Engagement (LCE) division is instrumental in making the MFA a center of cultural activity, understanding, and connections. We have a deep respect for our audiences and intend for that to be reflected in the ways we welcome, inspire and engage, fuel curiosity and support creativity. Across the departments of LCE (Learning, Interpretation, Public Programs and Inclusion) we facilitate visitors’ connections and dialogue—with works of art and with one another—across communities, time, and place. Through programs, events, interpretive resources, and community partnerships we create experiences designed to foster informed dialogue, to illustrate varied perspectives, and honor the voices of our visitors, artists, staff, and volunteers—both long-standing and new—and to promote diversity within our ideas, identities, and experiences. LCE strives to serve as a model for the museum field in the presentation and interpretation of art through civic engagement with public, community, and learning opportunities.

Essential Functions:

• Reporting to the Senior Manager of Internships, the Academic Programs Associate is responsible for providing administrative support for programs, events, and communications in support of all academic programs at the MFA, including the internship program.
• Supports the internship program through all internal functions including but not limited to recruitment efforts such as information sessions and tracking contact information, supervisor and mentor trainings, intern orientations, program evaluation distribution, onboarding processes, intern final presentations, and staff and alumni convenings.
• Liaises with MFA Human Resources and other departments to ensure internship program aligns consistently with institutional policies and procedures. Works with HRIS Analyst on the posting and removal of job vacancies.
• Serves as a liaison with others throughout the Museum who serve student audiences.
• With the Senior Manager of Internship Programs, plans and helps support activities such as intern professional development curriculum, program advisory board, and other related tasks.
• Manages communications via the MFA’s academic engagement email systems and keeps contacts updated. Working with the Director of Academic Engagement and other colleagues, produces a regular newsletter for academic audiences.
• Through academic year, keeps faculty and students in area colleges and universities informed about MFA exhibitions, programs and events.
• Supports and facilitates events for college and university students at the MFA including academic programs, social events, and group visits. Identifies student groups of interest and works with MFA colleagues to develop events.
• Provides administrative and logistical support for MFA events for academic audiences, as well as hosting external organizations, such as the annual B.U. Graduate Symposium and the Visual Culture Consortium Student Symposium. Such support includes handling, RSVP lists, contract processes, making room reservations, submitting work orders for room set up, arranging for refreshments, AV needs, admission tickets, and other event support.
• As needed, helps collect and analyze information generated at events for the academic community. Enters events in Drupal and Tessitura, the MFA’s ticketing system, and runs reports as needed.
• Works with the Museum’s Web team to digitally promote academic programming on various social platforms
• Performs other duties as requested or necessary.

Requirements:

• BA or BS, preferably in Art History, Art Education, Museum Studies, or other comparable degree
• Three to five years’ experience, preferably in a complex arts organization/museum or other related environment
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office programs and experience with Google docs and other related programs a plus
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail with excellent follow-through
• An ability to handle multiple tasks fluidly without compromising high standards
• Detail-oriented, with strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends and holidays to the extent required
• Must be extremely discreet in dealing with confidential information and matters related to the academic programs
• Stays abreast of field-wide best practices for internship and academic programs

Characteristics:

• A collaborative working style
• Highly creative; ability to generate new ideas for engaging students with the MFA
• Must be personable and energetic with ability to work with both individuals both across the Museum and in the local academic community. Must be a supportive ally in support of the Museum’s efforts and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). Must be able to interact with a diverse audiences, in terms of age, economic status, and cultural background
• Self-motivated and proactive with good problem solving abilities
• An interest for working with young adults a plus
• An affinity for and/or interest in museums or non-profits