Job Description

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Walker Art Center seeks an Accessibility Resources and Program Associate to advance the “Accessibility at the Center” initiative. The Associate supports projects focused on increasing accessibility for people with disabilities including developing and coordinating the production of accessible interpretive tools related to the permanent collection and special exhibitions, and facilitating programming designed for people with disabilities. The Accessibility Resources and Program Associate will also provide administrative and coordination support for the Accessibility at the Center initiative. They will demonstrate a welcoming and flexible approach to engaging a diverse range of constituents with the programming and content of the museum that shapes people’s understanding of art with a focus on learner-centered, inquiry-based methods rooted in the principles of universal design for learning.

The Walker Art Center was awarded a three-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to launch Accessibility at the Center, an initiative that increases accessibility for visitors with disabilities by developing new accessible interpretive tools and resources and updating and relaunching the Walker’s Accessibility Programs. The museum will engage D/deaf and disabled artists and community members as well as organizations that are rooted in and serve the disability community as key partners in this work. This role is a 24-month fixed-term position that will report to the Associate Director of Learning and Accessibility. This initiative will undergird the Walker’s ability to provide an accessible and inclusive visitor experience now and into the future.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO  

Interpretive Resource Development

• In partnership with the Associate Director of Learning and Accessibility and the Manager of Interpretation, develop and coordinate the production of accessible interpretive tools to provide equitable access to the permanent collection and exhibitions including but not limited to:
  1. Captions and descriptive transcripts for artworks that feature audio for visitors who are D/deaf, DeafBlind, or hard-of-hearing
  2. Verbal descriptions of artworks and/or exhibitions for visitors who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision
  3. Exhibition labels produced as large print, braille, .brf file, and audio files
  4. Social narratives and sensory maps
  5. Tactile tools for learning
• In partnership with the Design Department, coordinate production details for accessible interpretive tools such as translation, transcription, design, printing, etc.
• Conduct research on potential materials, formats, platforms, and vendors to inform structure of interpretive tools.
• Contribute to research, writing, and editing of accessible interpretive materials.
• Support evaluation of accessible interpretive tools through surveying and other accessible evaluation methods.

Program Delivery

• Deliver facilitated explorations of art in the Walker galleries, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and offsite or via video conference for D/deaf and disabled visitors of all ages with a focus on increasing accessibility of the Walker’s exhibitions and programs using the principles of universal design for learning.
• Prepare accessible resources and materials to teach and deliver program activities, as well as pack up, clean, organize, and store resources and materials.
• Design and deliver art-making sessions, workshops, and other activities in the Walker’s Art Lab or at partner organizations’ locations for audiences of all ages with disabilities.
• Conduct program and event evaluation through surveying and other accessible evaluation methods.
• Welcome and greet visitors to the museum and provide information and assistance where required.

Coordination

• Assist with coordination and project support for other projects associated with the Accessibility at the Center project as needed including coordinating travel for Grant Evaluator; Accessibility Advisory Group meetings to inform interpretive materials and programs; staff trainings; etc.
• Collect, track, and share project data, including attendance, survey responses, and program observations. Produce reports as needed.
• Draft contracts, maintain a variety of databases and tracking documents including project timelines, accounting records, and contact lists.

Training and Continuing Education

• Attend exhibition trainings, Educator onboarding training, trainings for frontline staff, and other training sessions as required.
• Research and become familiar with the exhibitions on view at the Walker.
• Assist in developing and coordinating training related to accessibility for other members of Walker staff.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

• 3+ years of experience working with people with disabilities including physical and/or cognitive disabilities in personal and/or professional settings.
• Experience applying universal design for learning and culturally-competent teaching techniques to the development and facilitation of learning experiences and art-making workshops for people of all ages with disabilities.
• Experience producing and/or planning accessibility accommodations.
• Familiarity with assistive technology, adaptive tools, etc.
• Proactive and able to work independently as well as within a team; ability to problem- solve and anticipate needs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of constituents and people across a variety of cultures, generations, and abilities.
• Flexibility to work a range of days and hours including occasional evenings and weekends as determined by programming.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and/or InDesign.

Preferred Skills

• Deep knowledge and intimate cultural contextualization within disability communities.
• Fluency in language in addition to English with preference for American Sign Language (ASL).
• Familiarity with art materials and art-making techniques.
• Education in disability studies, education, fine arts, design or architecture, art history, or art education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to traverse the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

The position is a 24-month fixed-term grant-funded position that is anticipated to be filled September 2025-August 2027.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to apply or participate in the interview process, please contact us at: [email protected]

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $50,000-$55,000 Annually.

The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: 

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. 

Walker’s DEI commitment  The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline  All positions are open until filled.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Fixed term contract, Work at office, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,

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