Spring 2026 Educator

Job Summary
Alphawood Exhibitions LLC seeks enthusiastic individuals for part-time gallery staff positions at Wrightwood 659 for two dynamic exhibitions opening this Spring: Martin Wong Chinatown USA, and Dispossessions in the Americas.

Martin Wong: Chinatown USA is the first US monographic museum exhibition since 2017 of Chinese American artist Martin Wong (1946–1999). The exhibition traces the development of the work of the queer painter and poet, highlighting Wong’s connection with the art and culture of Asia through his explorations of the Chinatowns of San Francisco and, later, New York.

Dispossessions in the Americas: The Extraction of Bodies, Land, and Heritage from La Conquista to the Present consists of 40+ works by 36 contemporary artists from across Latin America, who seek to critique and unsettle the long-standing American politics of dispossession.

The exhibitions will run from April 17, 2026, through July 18, 2026. Public operating hours will generally be Fridays from 12 PM - 7 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM - 5 PM. Wednesday and Thursday operating hours may be added for group visits with varying shift times available.

Commitment
Part-time Educators should be available to work a consistent schedule. An online training component will begin February 25 and include: research materials, study guides, an interpretive writing workshop, and virtual check-ins in the weeks leading up to the in-person training date. Applicants should be available in-person from April 15 for our on-site training session, press preview, and VIP opening.

Desired Attributes
Successful candidates will be outgoing and possess a passion for art, architecture, and social movements. They must be comfortable in a progressive environment and enthusiastic about working with diverse audiences. Educators are expected to be intuitive, reliable, intellectually curious, and inclusive team members capable of maintaining a peaceful yet engaging gallery atmosphere. Educators must possess outstanding communication skills and a willingness to actively engage with guests in the gallery. Educators must be enthusiastic about collaborating with the team to interpret artwork and develop educational resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and digest the provided educational materials relating to the exhibition.

• Attend virtual training sessions.

• Complete online training modules prior to in-person training.

• Demonstrate knowledge of educational materials, building policies, and safety guidelines.

• Greet and welcome guests to the space, communicate and ensure gallery policies are followed.

• Facilitate conversations with guests and create points of access to exhibitions and artwork.

• Direct guests through gallery spaces and assist with queueing and access control as needed.

• Communicate gallery observations & feedback in-person or via online project management portal.

• Work in tandem with the security staff to ensure a safe and positive guest and exhibition experience.

• Assist with gallery upkeep and opening/closing procedures.

• Produce an “Object Chat” or “Educator Insight” with the support and guidance of Wrightwood 659 Staff.

• Assist with setup for gallery events and public programs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Comfortable speaking to groups of people.

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and lift light furniture.

• Occasional late evenings may be required due to special events and exhibition programming.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of contemporary art, social movements, and/or architecture.

• One year of guest service experience, preferably in a museum, academic, or cultural venue, including internships.

• Attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with digital devices and personal technologies.

• Experience or interest in museum education.

• The ability to create a welcoming and engaging environment.

• Excellent communication skills and sensitivity to a variety of guest needs.

• Organized, composed, and focused in a dynamic environment.

• Keen observational skills and a propensity for spatial order.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or simultaneous enrollment in a professional degree program.

• Employment is conditional based on review of references and appropriate security checks.

• Proficiency in Spanish is encouraged.

About Wrightwood 659
Wrightwood 659 presents exhibitions on socially engaged art and architecture, on issues facing LGBTQ+ communities, and on Asian art and architecture. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood in a building transformed by Pritzker Prize winner Tadao Ando, Wrightwood 659 encourages visitors to engage with pressing issues of our time in an intimate and beautiful space. For additional information, please visit wrightwood659.org.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of our guests and staff is our priority. In efforts to reduce the risk of spreading COVID- 19, we have adopted the following measures: All staff are highly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including the latest vaccine). Masks covering the mouth and nose are suggested but optional while inside the building.

Application Details
Interested candidates should email educatorjobs@wrightwood659.org with a resume and cover letter. Cover letters must address the candidate’s specific interest in one or more of our Spring 2026 exhibitions and in Wrightwood 659. Please use “Educator Application” in the email subject line. Submission deadline is January 23, 2026 with interviews beginning January 26.

Alphawood Exhibitions is an equal employment opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team. ALAANA and LGBTQIA+ individuals, first-generation immigrants, bi/multilingual candidates, and individuals with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Alphawood Exhibitions is an affiliate of Alphawood Foundation, a Chicago-based, grant-making private foundation working for an equitable, just, and humane society, and presents socially engaged art and architecture exhibitions at Wrightwood 659.

More information about Martin Wong Chinatown USA, Dispossessions in the Americas, and other exhibitions at Wrightwood 659 is available at https://wrightwood659.org/exhibitions/.

Hourly Rate: $28.00