Posted: Jan 24, 2026
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Engagement Fellow

Smart Museum of Art - The University of Chicago - Chicago, IL
Full-time
Salary: $22.00 - $25.00 Hourly
Application Deadline: N/A
Museum
Department

AI Museum Educators


About the Department

As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart Museum plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities — locally, nationally, and internationally.


Job Summary

The Engagement Fellow will be closely integrated into the Smart’s collaborative culture by participating in key team meetings and goal-settings, working together with others on establishing thoughtful partnerships and meaningful programs, contributing to the shared institutional initiative to ally academic and community engagements, and gaining from the routine mentorship of museum colleagues and community partners. This is a full-time, gift-funded position, with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026.

 
Responsibilities
  • Coordinates and implements arts programming, including public art learning tours and activities, family day programs, artist talks, and other events.
  • Organizes administrative tasks related to K-12 and family programs including coordination, calendaring, paperwork, databases, and communications.
  • Prepares and proofreads related content for social media, the website, and other communications materials.
  • Regularly attends meetings, learning and engagement programs, and community events with the Smart Museum.
  • Participates in conducting assessments and developing reports on related learning and engagement initiatives.
  • Provides support for the development and deployment of productions and programs.
  • Assists with public programming and other educational programs or projects regarding the museum.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:
-
 
Preferred Qualifications
 
Experience:
  • Developing effective, collaborative partnerships and creating programs that empower communities.
 
Preferred Competencies
  • Strong interest in a career in arts and cultural organizations, nonprofits and/or community organizations, or educational institutions.
  • Working knowledge of strategies and techniques for developing and implementing community engagement programs.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and to fostering a workplace of belonging.
  • Strong written/oral communication, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting and across departments.
 
Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Museum & Arts


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Hourly



FLSA Status

Non-Exempt



Pay Range

$22.00 - $25.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the
 
Benefits Guidebook
.

Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the
University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via
Applicant Inquiry Form.
 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.