Assistant Educator Adult Programs

Newfields; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Newfields in Indianapolis, IN seeks an Assistant Educator for Adult Programs to develop and deliver programs that extend exhibitions, collections, and campus experiences. You will translate research into accessible formats to engage adult audiences and collaborate across departments for successful events.

Qualifications include a Master’s in Museum Education or Art History (or equivalent), 3–5 years’ experience in museum adult learning, and strong communication and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Museum Education, Art History, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience developing learning experiences for adults in a museum setting.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and best practices.
• Experience with performance, film, or artist-centered programming preferred.

Responsibilities

• With the Director of Public Programs, develop, coordinate, and implement adult programs that extend Newfields’ exhibitions, collections, and campus experiences.
• Translate curatorial research, exhibition themes, and institutional priorities into accessible program formats that strengthen adult engagement.
• Manage program timelines, production needs, and cross-departmental coordination with AV, Operations, Garden and Park, Facilities, Curatorial, and other Newfields teams.
• Support artists, performers, curators, and guest speakers while helping ensure smooth program execution.
• Prepare program materials, interpretive resources, marketing copy, and related communications that support audience understanding and engagement.
• Track attendance, audience feedback, and engagement data for evaluation, reporting, and program improvement.
• Contribute to Learning Innovation initiatives, including interpretive resource development, collaborative programs, and audience research.
• Draft contracts, travel requests, and purchasing requisitions in alignment with Newfields policies and procedures.
• Assist with budget tracking, documentation, and program records.

Skills

Public program practices

Adult learning

Art history

Program lifecycle management

Communication

Accessibility and inclusion

Organization and recordkeeping

Canva

Education

Master’s degree in Museum Education, Art History, or related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

Canva

Job description

Opportunity Title: Assistant Educator, Adult Programs

Reports To: Director of Public Programs

Salary Range: $50,000–$52,000

RESPONSIBILITIES

• With the Director of Public Programs, develop, coordinate, and implement adult programs that extend Newfields’ exhibitions, collections, and campus experiences.
• Translate curatorial research, exhibition themes, and institutional priorities into accessible program formats that strengthen adult engagement.
• Manage program timelines, production needs, and cross-departmental coordination with AV, Operations, Garden and Park, Facilities, Curatorial, and other Newfields teams.
• Support artists, performers, curators, and guest speakers while helping ensure smooth program execution.
• Prepare program materials, interpretive resources, marketing copy, and related communications that support audience understanding and engagement.
• Track attendance, audience feedback, and engagement data for evaluation, reporting, and program improvement.
• Contribute to Learning Innovation initiatives, including interpretive resource development, collaborative programs, and audience research.
• Draft contracts, travel requests, and purchasing requisitions in alignment with Newfields policies and procedures.
• Assist with budget tracking, documentation, and program records.

Key Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of public program practices, adult learning, and art history.
• Demonstrated ability to support programs through their full life cycle, from concepting through completion.
• Exceptional judgment, time management, and discretion.
• Ability to navigate both museum and garden/park environments.
• Clear, effective communication with artists, curators, colleagues, and adult audiences.
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and equitable museum practices.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

Education and/or Experience:

• Master’s degree in Museum Education, Art History, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience developing learning experiences for adults in a museum setting.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and best practices.
• Experience with performance, film, or artist-centered programming preferred.

Physical Demands of Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of that that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 25 pounds and navigate uneven terrain.

Work environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Frequent evenings, weekends, and some holiday duties will be required. Adjustment to schedules may be required based on events and schedule.