Art Educator

About the Museum

We Love Picture Book Art! 

Founded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion of picture book art.

Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art of more than 20,000 works of art from more than 320 picture book artists, including Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art-making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. The Carle’s mission is to elevate picture book art and inspire a love of art and art creation. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world.

How you will contribute

The full-time art educator works, as part of a team of two art educators, to create and implement programming for The Carle’s Art Studio, including drop-in public programs, guided group tours, virtual programs, projects for museum events and exhibitions, and professional development workshops. As a team, the art educators manage the Studio’s materials and budget, and lead a team of approximately 30 Art Studio Assistants, volunteers, work-study students, and interns.

The art educator reports to the director of education and works closely with other staff members across departments.

Specifically, you will

• Research, write plans for, and implement in-person and virtual programming including classes for all age groups, workshops, guided tours, and special events.
• Respond to visitor questions and concerns.
• Ensure continuity of high-level customer service to all guests.
• Network and build relationships with art educators to maintain industry best practices.
• Research artists, art, and books for studio programming.
• Evaluate programming and provide reports on overall program performance.
• Provide content and materials for grant proposals, social media, and the website, the latter focusing on articles related to the Art Studio’s programs and practice.
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of Art Studio Assistants, seasonal/temporary support staff, volunteers, work study students and interns.
• Oversee Art Studio Assistants, seasonal/temporary support staff, volunteers, work study students and interns. Providing orientation, daily scheduling and ongoing supervision.
• Plan and implement bi-annual volunteer and team appreciation events.
• Support Human Resources with onboarding paperwork and maintain database of volunteer team members.
• Purchase materials and prepare space for programs.
• Maintain inventory of Art Studio materials. Allocate materials to projects, workshops and special events.
• Organize, clean and maintain a safe studio space for visitors of all ages.
• Maintain art studio storage space according to health and safety, and material retention guidelines.
• As needed, assume a “Manager on Duty” role, acting as a point of contact for staff should any guest concerns, emergencies, or unexpected problems arise.
• Assist social media and exhibitions staff as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include

The Carle acknowledges that competitive candidates may not meet all the experience requirements 100%. We encourage you to apply if many of these job requirements describe you. The position does not require a background in children’s literature or fine art.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in art education, fine art, or a related field and interest in artmaking.
• 1-3 years of experience in art education or a related field.
• 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience in nonprofit or arts environment preferred.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to be a calming influence.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability and comfort level to work with and present to people of all ages.
• Supervisory experience and the ability to lead a team effectively.
• Responds quickly and calmly to emergency situations.
• Knowledge of child development and educational theories and techniques.
• Knowledge of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and Reggio Emilia Approach.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn webinar platforms and facilitating virtual programs.
• Cultural competency to collaborate and coordinate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to safely lift up to 30 pounds unassisted.

Position and compensation details

• This position is full-time, non-exempt (hourly) with benefits, and averages 37.5 hours per week.
• The hourly salary range for this position is $25.57 to $29.23/hr.
• Benefits include: accrued paid time off (sick, vacation, personal, holiday), medical and dental insurance, long term disability, flexible spending account, contributions to a retirement account after one year of employment, discount to Museum shop and programs, plus free admission to many cultural institutions throughout New England.
• The work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday and occasional evenings.
• This position may qualify for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the Museum for up to one day a week. This role may have the potential to work remotely on Tuesdays. 

Application timeline and process

For priority consideration apply by May 1, 2026. Applications received after that are not guaranteed to be included for consideration of this position but may be reviewed until the position is filled. To apply, complete our Employment Application. If you need an access accommodation, have a question regarding available accommodations, or if you need this application in an alternative format to successfully submit your candidacy, please contact hr@carlemuseum.org.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.