Education Director, AIGA Philadelphia


This is a volunteer position
Start/End Date: July 2021 – June 2023

OUR ORGANIZATION:

Founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA is now known simply as “AIGA, the professional association for design.” In 1981, a group of Philadelphia designers formed AIGA Philadelphia, the first local chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. AIGA Philadelphia’s purpose is both integral and complementary to the national organization: to provide the highest standards within the profession and the business community and to stimulate interest and understanding of graphic design and visual communication through lectures, exhibitions, and other activities. We recognize diversity through professional backgrounds, years of practice, areas of professional experience, economic level, cultural background, age, ethnicity, place of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and cognitive and physical abilities. 

AIGA is the profession’s oldest and largest professional membership organization for design—with more than 70 chapters and more than 18,000 members—we advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force.

For more information about AIGA Philadelphia, please visit us at https://philadelphia.aiga.org/.

THE ROLE:
The Education Director is a connector who unites our students, student groups, educators and our community through a variety of resources and programming. You will create programming and initiatives targeted at students and educators in the fields of design and visual communications.

WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH:

  • In coordination with the programming director and other board members, plan for the annual season of events, targeted at both students and educators. Past events for students have included studio tours, exhibitions, printing workshops and tours. Past events for Educators have included salon-style talks, meet-up lunches, and thought leadership lectures.
  • The education committee, led by the education director,  is expected to produce student studio tours (typically in the fall) and Feedback, a portfolio review event for graduating seniors, typically at the beginning of May. Other events are at the discretion of the director.
  • Develop and grow a diverse committee of volunteers dedicated to supporting student and educator content and programming
  • You will be the lead person for local education chapters (student chapters run independently of the board of directors)
  • All new board members will be expected to attend group anti-racism training within the first 90 days on the board.

MEETINGS:

  • The director is required to attend 8 – 10 board meetings per year and to submit a brief report before each meeting. A director may send a substitute if unavailable, or submit a detailed report prior to the meeting. Board meetings are generally held in the evenings during the week, in person or over video conference.
  • The director is required to attend 1 – 2 board retreats during the year, or to schedule a catch-up session with the president. Board meetings are typically conducted in person and will take a full weekend day.

WHO YOU ARE:

  • You enjoy building relationships and making people feel welcome
  • You are interested in design education and engaging with students and educators (being an educator is a plus, but not required)
  • You are eager to contribute to the local creative community
  • Board members are required to become AIGA members to enjoy official standing with AIGA National; if access to membership is a barrier to entry, we will support you in securing membership

HOW TO APPLY:

We are very excited to review your application. Please follow the steps below and you should hear from our team within 72 hours. All documents and questions should be submitted to Stef Sutton at ssutton@philadelphia.aiga.org.

  1. Letter of Intent: please submit a one-page letter of intent explaining why you are interested in the role and what makes you particularly qualified for the position. 
  2. Current Resume and Contact Information
  3. Two professional reference statements: may be current or former supervisors or colleagues. This is a short statement (250-500 words)  that speaks to the skills required for the role, and why the candidate is a fit. 

Note: This role may be performed by one person, but is typically split in Co-Directors. Please indicate in your application if you have a preference. We will discuss this point with the candidates that move forward for consideration.