Sep 25, 2008

JOB OPENINGS: Tacoma Art Museum

Two open positions at Tacoma Art Museum: Education Assistant and Development Services Coordinator

Visit http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/jobs for complete job descriptions and information on how to apply.

About Tacoma Art Museum:
Tacoma Art Museum is a public-spirited institution with nationally recognized exhibitions and innovative educational programs that attract thousands of visitors annually to its galleries and events. By making connections for viewers that may not be instantly obvious, Tacoma Art Museum has developed a reputation for presenting art in a thought-provoking yet accessible manner. Tacoma Art Museum has also made a strong commitment to Northwest art through its acquisition and exhibition programs.


Education Assistant

This full-time, non-exempt position, which reports to the Director of Education and Public Programs, will provide administrative support to the Education Department. Primary areas of responsibility include management and marketing of all public programs, oversight of the Art Access Pass program, administrative support for the K-12 school tour program including registration and invoicing, and maintaining department records and archives.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Requires a high degree of computer proficiency and data base management, attention to detail and familiarity with professional office procedures and protocol.
  • Individual must possess strong interpersonal skills and be diplomatic in working with diverse constituencies.
  • Flexibility to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work well with staff, artists, schools, and the general public to promote the philosophy and goals of the Education Department and Tacoma Art Museum as a whole.
  • Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • WA State Driver’s License

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts degree, preferably in Art, Art History or Art Education
  • High level of written and oral communication skills
  • Strong computer skills (Access, Excel, Word and desktop publishing)
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Development Services Coordinator


The Development Services Coordinator is responsible for processing incoming major gifts donations to the museum, coordinating major gifts acknowledgment letters and benefits delivery, and coordinating the museum’s newly created prospect research program, among other vital duties supporting the overall development operation at Tacoma Art Museum. The Development Services Coordinator reports directly to the Manager of Development Services.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Database experience (Patrons’ Edge, Raiser’s Edge and/or the MIP system is most desirable). Experience with relational databases is a plus.
  • Detail-oriented, accurate, and focused.
  • The ability to memorize and correctly execute processes.
  • Accurate typing, mathematical reasoning, proofreading, and critical analytical skills.
  • A high level of computer fluency is desired, especially in Microsoft Office.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and a donor-centered approach to fundraising.
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Comfortable with writing projects and with seeking and sharing information with colleagues and work-study students/interns.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Past experience in fundraising.
  • An interest in the mission of Tacoma Art Museum is a must.
  • An understanding of internal museum administration is also helpful, but not required.
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Two years professional experience.

Sep 23, 2008

Museum Day 2008 - Free Admission to Seattle Museums this Saturday only!

The Smithsonian magazine will be celebrating its 4th annual Museum Day this Saturday, September 27th. On Museum Day, museums and cultural institutions nationwide open their doors free of charge. You can go online and download the free admission card if you click here. Once you complete the quick online form, you will be instructed to print out the admission card and bring it with you on Saturday to your museum of choice. Enjoy your free visit to one of the following participating museums!

1. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
2. Bellevue Arts Museum
3. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
4. Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology
5. Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
6. Fort Walla Walla Museum
7. Frye Art Museum
8. Henry Art Gallery
9. Log House Museum
10. Maryhill Museum of Art
11. Museum of Glass
12. Museum of History & Industry
13. Naval Undersea Museum
14. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
15. Seattle Art Museum
16. Seattle Asian Art Museum
17. Skagit County Historical Museum
18. Tacoma Art Museum
19. Museum of Flight
20. Washington State History Museum
21. Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
22. Whatcom Museum
23. Wing Luke Asian Museum
24. World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame

Sep 19, 2008

AAM Webinars - Some Great Opportunities

AAM offers webinars on several different topics that are relevant to almost every career path within a museum. Participants of some of these webinars are eligible to apply for fellowships to reduce the cost of attendance. The great thing about webinars is that you don't have to travel anywhere to take them, and they're a wonderful opportunity to learn more about a specific subject and gather ideas from other AAM members from all parts of the country. Another plus is that you don't have to take off a lot of time from work (unless, you really need a vacation, then it's not such a good thing), it's something that can be done in the comfort of your own home or even your own office, and you don't have to try to cover the expense of flying or a hotel stay.

Some topics to be discussed in the next few months:
1. Education: The value of museums from an educational standpoint.
2. Technology: The idea of handhelds and iPhones in regards to audiotours.
3. Fundraising: Major Gifts and how to keep them.
4. Administrative: Preparing for Disaster
5. PR & Marketing: A specific focus on Museum PR & Marketing

Click here to learn more about each webinar and what fellowships may be available. Just as an FYI, the Education webinar is happening on November 6, 2008, and the application deadline for fellowships is October 3rd. I thought I would throw that in there, since the dates are coming up soon.


Sep 8, 2008

AAM Museum Accreditations in the Seattle Area - Your thoughts?

The American Association of Museums (AAM) Accreditation Committee met at the end of July 2008 and awarded subsequent accreditation to both the Seattle Art Museum and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. There are a total of 13 museums in the state of Washington which have been officially accredited by the AAM. The other 11 institutions are:

1. Frye Art Museum
2. Henry Art Gallery
3. Maryhill Museum of Art
4. Museum of Flight
5. Museum of History & Industry
6. Naval Undersea Museum U.S. Dept of the Navy
7. Tacoma Art Museum
8. The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
9. Washington State History Museum, Washington State Historical Society
10. Whatcom Museum of History and Art
11. Yakima Valley Museum

Seeing this article in the September edition of AAM's monthly magazine "Aviso," made me think about the process of accreditation and what museums get out of being officially accredited with AAM. After going to their website, I found a lot of information on accreditation. It's a long process that seems to be beneficial both for the museum and for the museum community. What do you think? Is it fair for non-profit institutions who are already struggling to balance staff and finances to also go through the rigorous and time consuming process of accreditation? Have you or someone you know gone through the accreditation process? If so, what did you think about the process and the results?

If you would like more information on how your institution can become an accredited museum, you can contact the Accreditation Program staff at (202) 289-9116 or via email at accreditation@aam-us.org. You can also click here to learn about the steps for accreditation and download application materials.