Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Head of Learning & Academic Programmes

Museum of Islamic Art – Doha

RECRUITMENT 2013

Head of Learning & Academic Programmes

The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha – Qatar, opened to great acclaim in December 2008. The spectacular building by I. M. Pei houses a world class collection of Islamic art, ranging from Spain to Central Asia and India, dating from the 7^th to the 19^th centuries, and encompassing arts of all kinds. Particularly important are the collections of early Qurans and other manuscripts, inlaid metalwork, carpets and textiles.

The Museum’s Education Division, launched in 2009, performs a fundamental role at MIA, developing and delivering active and ambitious educational programmes for the Museum’s audiences.

MIA is seeking a Head of Learning & Academic Programmes within the Education Division to help further establish the Museum and its activities at the forefront of international practice.  The Head of Learning & Academic Programmes and their team drive learning at MIA.

The post is full-time, based in Doha, and attracts a competitive salary and benefits package.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the overarching MIA vision and strategy in all areas of the described role.
• Work with Deputy Director Education to develop clear learning strategy for existing and new audiences of all age-groups, with short, medium and long term goals, to enhance public learning about MIA’s world-class collection.
• Lead team to develop and promote a full suite of learning activities across age-groups and audiences, to include:
  • Range of learning activities, programmes and materials for schools
  • Family activities and programmes
  • Adult learning opportunities at MIA
  • University student learning opportunities and collaborative partnerships
  • MIA Visiting Scholars programme and activities.
• Drive the development of appropriate learning materials, interpretative devices and publications for temporary exhibitions and permanent galleries.
• Oversee museum guide training schedule and content to enhance gallery tour experiences for all visitors.
• Continually assess spaces at MIA for learning interaction and activities.
• Ensure regular evaluation of programmes and activities to assure consistent and high quality delivery; develop focus group research and evaluation relationships with key stakeholders.
• Work with Deputy Director Education, Curatorial and Communications teams to identify and develop appropriate interpretive content and themes (using archival / database development where appropriate).
• Act as a focal point for research of learning styles, audiences, formal and informal learning in Qatar; ensure relevant and timely information is provided to Museum staff in development of wider exhibition, events, interpretive and communication activities.
• Negotiate departmental staffing and individual development plans; complete annual staff appraisals and ensure regular follow-up on allocated tasks within the Section; make all staff aware of their roles and responsibilities and ensure effective communications.
• Develop annual budgets for Section and prioritise activities according to the overarching goals of the Education Division and MIA.
• Follow MIA policies and procedures; develop policy for Section in line with internationally recognized best practice.
• Ensure regular communication with Deputy Director Education about activities within Section.
• Support the work of all staff and encourage an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual trust within the team.
• Other tasks as requested by the Deputy Director Education.

Job Requirements

• Bachelors / Masters degree in education, museum studies or other relevant subject area
• Minimum of three years professional experience in relevant educational or museum role
• Experience of developing learning materials and activities across age-groups
• Fluency in both Arabic and English is an advantage
• Knowledge of educational / development theory and museum best practice
• Interest in informal learning in a gallery environment
• Supervisory and team management skills
• Demonstrable interest in Islamic art history; experience of teaching / educational systems in Qatar is advantageous
• Strong organizational and analysis skills and ability to implement appropriate solutions
• Proactive self-starter, willing to take initiative and possess a problem-solving attitude to accomplish work goals and tasks
• Strong communications skills and polite manner, with enthusiasm for working as part of a wider team
• Ability to work independently and with flexibility in dealing with new projects and roles; must be accurate and demonstrate attention to detail