Director of Education - Society for Photographic Education : Job Details

Location: Berkeley, CAPosted: July 30, 2025Application Deadline: August 30, 2025

JOB DESCRIPTIONWorking Assumptions seeks an experienced colleague to lead the development and implementation of our innovative education programs around photography of family, work, and care. Reporting to Working Assumptions' President, the Director of Education leads a team of nine Teaching Artists and a full-time Education Manager in delivering educational opportunities to high school students, college students, and lifelong learners—ensuring that the programs meet the needs of partners and participants across the country. The Director of Education is encouraged to champion experimental thinking and fresh approaches to art education.The Director of Education builds and maintains relationships with other cultural, educational, and/or research organizations, expanding Working Assumptions' reach through strategic partnerships. The position works closely with colleagues at Working Assumptions in creating cross-functional collaborations that integrate digital content, grant opportunities, exhibitions, and educational experiences.The flagship of Working Assumptions' current educational offerings is wrkxfmly [work times family], a high school and college program in which students develop their own perspectives on the intersection of work and family through photography. Launched in 2012, wrkxfmly includes a fully-fledged digital curriculum, a dedicated web app for the submission and tracking of student photographs, and an online collection of student photographs that have received awards of excellence. The Director of Education works closely with our UX/UI and engineering teams on the continued development of the wrkxfmly web application. It is important to note that the new hire in this role will be deeply involved in shaping the next generation of the wrkxfmly exercise, as it is currently undergoing a full-scale revision.Finally, the Director of Education develops and/or leads other initiatives, such as a new creative aging program that invites older adults to explore care and family through photography; workshops around the country in which teaching artists, photographers, and community partners facilitate art-making experiences centered on healing and connection; and the design and commissioning of new curricula and resources delivered to educators and audiences via online and in-person platforms.ABOUT YOUYou have a proven track record and multiple years of experience working as an educator and/or developing curricula with teachers. You demonstrate a passion for photography as both a creative practice and visual archive. You bring emotional intelligence and a sense of openness to discussions around complex family dynamics and emotions. You are committed to creating a culture of belonging that embraces and welcomes all.You are comfortable hiring, training, and supervising staff and/or volunteers to execute our education programs. You artfully communicate your own ideas and the ideas of others, and respectfully challenge both. You ably balance the creative and intellectual process of curriculum development with the administrative, financial, and practical management duties under your purview. You are energized by the idea of bringing to our work new voices and ideas that honor the mission.KEY DUTIES- Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that Working Assumptions' education programs align with our mission and enhance the lives of participants.- Develop curricula and educational experiences, either individually in collaboration with others, that are consistent with national academic standards.- Connect with prospective schools, teaching artists, and teachers who may be interested in Working Assumptions' curricula- Seek opportunities to collaborate with other cultural and educational organizations, in order to broaden and deepen the organization's audiences and advance the mission.- Supervise the work of the Education Manager, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the wrkxfmly program and participates in the development of new curricula- Guide and manage the onboarding of teachers and teaching artists; when appropriate, plan and implement zoom and in-person gatherings to exchange ideas and information.- Develop the procedures and policies necessary for sensitive, safe, and effective operation of our education programs.- Develop and maintain a multi-year plan and budget for the education programs, tracking against identifiable milestones.- Guide and manage the onboarding of teachers and teaching artists; when appropriate, plan and implement zoom and in-person gatherings to exchange ideas and information.- Establish program evaluation systems with identifiable metrics of success that balance the depth and breadth of student and teacher experiences.- In response to evaluation findings, make necessary changes to systems, processes, curricula, and/or printed materials.- Partner with communications and content specialists on the production of digital storytelling, publicity, and educational resources (printed and/or online).- Partner with the UX/UI and engineering team of the wrkxfmly web application, ensuring that program and business needs are appropriately prioritized in tandem with user needs.YOUR BACKGROUND AND ATTRIBUTES- No less than 7-10 years of visual arts education experience, with direct classroom experience preferred.- Interest in, and understanding of, pedagogy and photography.- Proven ability to create and manage programs that meet national education standards.- Minimum bachelor's degree in fine arts (especially photography), education or a related field; master's preferred.- Commitment to working in an entrepreneurial environment with the ability to roll up one's sleeves to accomplish initiatives and achieve goals.- Experience using digital educational platforms, with experience designing digital education platforms or tools a plus.- Experience mentoring and supervising.- Outstanding writing and proofreading skills.- Ability to multitask and work on deadline with good humor and minimum drama.- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.- Commitment to being a positive contributor to a tight-knit team that values trust, independence, and mutual respect.- Critical thinker and problem solver.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDue to the sensitive and sometimes difficult nature of our subject matter, our core team is passionate about building trust and mutual understanding through in-person attendance at the office. Consequently, this role is required to be onsite in Berkeley Tuesday through Thursday of each week. Monday and Friday are generally work-from-home days, unless noted otherwise. Reasonable flexibility in hours is possible, with supervisor approval.Working Assumptions offers a competitive benefits package, including 403(b) with employer match, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation, sick leave, and more.While performing this job, the employee will be required to do close work with a computer monitor and keyboard, and occasionally be asked to lift up to 30 lbs. Employee must be able to communicate verbally and in writing.Working Assumptions is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.COMPENSATION$115,000 - $135,000LOCATIONBerkeley, CAAPPLY NOWSend a cover letter and résumé to [email protected] with the subject line Director of Education Application.

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