Mellon Academic Coordinator (Intern)
Position Overview
Interns will participate in a full range of professional staff activities. All interns will assist with a variety of departmental duties in order to gain broad understanding of museum operations, including attending various staff meetings and assisting with museum-wide responsibilities, for example serving at the Welcome Desk or a Study Center.
The Academic Coordinator serves as an interface between the Spencer Museum of Art and the University of Kansas, connecting students and faculty with the museum and its collection. A highly collaborative position, primary responsibilities include the development and implementation of curriculum-structured gallery experiences, opportunities for object-based teaching and learning, dynamic programming for University students and faculty, and co-curricular initiatives with the Museum. The academic coordinator also works on special projects based on current needs.
Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).
The Academic Coordinator serves as an interface between the Spencer Museum of Art and the University of Kansas, connecting students and faculty with the museum and its collection. A highly collaborative position, primary responsibilities include the development and implementation of curriculum-structured gallery experiences, opportunities for object-based teaching and learning, dynamic programming for University students and faculty, and co-curricular initiatives with the Museum. The academic coordinator also works on special projects based on current needs.
Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).
Job Description
Academic Engagement (85%)
- Develop and conduct class sessions that support specific curricular objectives across a wide range of disciplines, in consultation with faculty and SMA colleagues.
- Expand participation among faculty and students, including departments and organizations, that have not traditionally used the museum’s resources, as well as among those who have. This includes co-developing activities for participating in university-wide outreach events, as well as tabling.
- Assist Deputy Director with training programs for faculty and lead workshops for graduate students in object-based teaching, and with development of new museum-based courses and other projects.
- Participate in and organize departmental programming, which includes working with both KU students and the local community, as well as museum partners.
- Work with curatorial and research colleagues to develop collaborative initiatives that support the museum’s essential role in the academic agenda of KU and campus life.
- Participate in the development of tools for evaluation and assessment of SMA academic initiatives.
- Collaborate with SMA and KU faculty, students and staff to create and implement interpretive materials and public programs that support and advance the diversity, equity, inclusion and access priorities of the Museum and KU.
- Support the development and promotion of online teaching resources for faculty and students.
- Maintain and update the online curricular resource database, including related assessment duties.
- Conduct research related to academic programs, including other campus museums.
- Maintain familiarity with current exhibitions/events/objects on display.
- Attend related lectures and other events on campus and in the community.
- As appropriate, participate in related project-based meetings, departmental meetings, as well as SMA staff meetings.
- Participate in intern meetings and activities, including collaborative intern project.
- In coordination with deputy director, supervise and delegate projects for a student assistant when applicable.
- Perform other duties and special projects as specified.
Required Qualifications
- Must be a University of Kansas graduate student seeking a master's or Ph.D. degree.
- Strong spoken and written communication as evidenced by application materials and interview.
- Demonstrated computer competency (Office, Outlook, databases, web skills).
- Enrolled in six credit hours of graduate coursework or at least one hour of thesis/dissertation (approval form from graduate program required).
- During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments)
Preferred Qualifications
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Interest in object-based teaching and learning.
- Teaching experience at the post-secondary level.
- Background developing/supporting programming for students.
- Familiarity with academic departments at the University of Kansas.
- Specialized skills in design, desktop publishing, and/or social media.
- Experience with digital initiatives and/or humanities projects.
- Flexibility, creativity, and initiative and dedication to social justice.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with museum staff, university faculty, students, and artists.
- Interest in a museum career is taken into consideration.
- Flexible schedule and be available to work weekends and after hours if needed.
- Acceptance of Federal Work Study (for eligibility please fill out a FAFSA form through the KU Financial Aid Office).
Additional Candidate Instructions
- This internship is an hourly, approximately 20 hours/week, position for 24, 2-week pay periods.
- This position is an 11 month (24 pay periods) appointment beginning August 11, 2025 and ending July 10, 2026.
- This position is also eligible to participate in the university health insurance program. Visit http://policy.ku.edu/graduate-studies/benefits-for-GRAs-GTAs-GAs for more information.
- Students may apply for one or more positions.
- Students who previously have held an SMA internship are also eligible to apply again for the same internships or different internship.
- Interns are also eligible for a $1,000 travel stipend contingent upon available funding.
- SMA interns receive a tuition waiver for up to 9 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters.
Contact Information to Applicants
Applicants may contact the internship supervisor, Celka Straughn, straughn@ku.edu, or Jennifer Talbott, jtalbott@ku.edu, with questions. Please complete all areas of the application, including all application questions. Applications will not be accepted without all questions answered.
Advertised Salary Range
$19.31/hr
Work Schedule
20 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date
Monday August 11, 2025