Learning Manager

Learning Manager, Hayy Jameel

Responsible for developing and producing Art Jameel’s learning endeavours in Saudi Arabia at Hayy Jameel. The role includes devising and managing children, teen and life-long learners’ programmes; overseeing the operations of learning spaces and programmes at Hayy Jameel. This includes original Art Jameel learning programmes: Hayy Explorers, Recess, Creative Careers Days, JYL Award amongst others. The Manager works closely alongside the Library and Research Manager and Head of Learning and Research (Global) for learning projects’ collaborations.

Job Description

Learning is one of Art Jameel’s key pillars and is at the heart of Hayy Jameel’s mission. The creative sector, globally, and in KSA, is going through a decade of profound transformation. Art Jameel is seeking an experienced and passionate Learning Manager, who would, together with Art Jameel’s senior team, design and deliver the next phase of Art Jameel’s Learning projects in KSA.

Hayy Jameel

is developed and managed by Art Jameel as Saudi Arabia’s dedicated arts complex and creative hub. Hayy Jameel joins Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai – which opened in 2018 – in its efforts to build culture-oriented, connected communities. Designed by waiwai, Hayy references the Arabic word for neighbourhood, denoting the convivial and collaborative nature of the complex and its intent on bringing together a wide range of creative disciplines in one destination.

Hayy Jameel includes:

• Hayy Arts, museum-grade gallery spaces
• Hayy Cinema, an independent audiovisual centre
• Hayy Explorers, a dedicated children’s makerspace
• Hayy Makers, a dedicated creatives makerspace
• Hayy Studios, artist studios
• Jameel Library, specialized arts and culture research library

It also includes multipurpose venues such as Fenaa Hayy, Salaat Hayy, Community Cinema & Project Space which are used by Art Jameel and the wider community for performances, workshops and talks. These open onto Saha, a central community courtyard underpinned by philosophies of sustainability and adaptability.

The Art Jameel-run spaces are joined by Hayy Residents – a set of pioneering, homegrown creative enterprises that range from contemporary art and performance to design and publishing, culinary institutes, new cafes and eateries.

Accountability and department structure:

• Reports to Art Jameel’s Deputy Director and Head of Learning and Research (Global)
• Reporting into this role: Learning Coordinator, Learning Assistant, Learning and Visitor Experience Assistant, part-time tutors and freelancers where applicable

Responsibilities and duties:

• Strategic planning and Management:

Develop with the Art Jameel senior and learning teams a bespoke life-long learning strategy in KSA delivering and further developing the following projects:

1. Hayy Explorers: a comprehensive programme of walk-ins, workshops and art installations that transforms the children making platform into a space responding to showcased exhibitions
2. Recess: Learning programme with a comprehensive curriculum aimed towards teens ages 14-18. Recess runs for one semester (6 months) with weekly sessions every Saturday morning offering students the ability to develop their artistic skills and voice while offering studio time, mentorship, creative collaboration, interventions by Art Jameel team and local creatives and field trips
3. JYL Award: Following Art Jameel’s commitment to supporting ‘arts-for-all’, JYL Award offers an opportunity for young artists to showcase their work and exchange with fellow artists from across different regions of Saudi Arabia. Young practitioners will be selected through an open call with 3 possible pathways to choose from: Drawing & Painting, Sculptures & Mixed Media, and Photography & Audio-Visual (Launching in 2025-2026)
4. Creative Careers Days (KSA): Art Jameel flagship programme catering to school students aged 15 and above, university students, as well as alumni and job seekers. The programme offers a unique chance for attendees to connect, meet and discover how to be part of the creative landscape that shapes the country (Launching in 2025-2026)

• Initiate and sustain community partnerships to further Art Jameel’s learning mission

• Effectively manage the learning department and oversee its budget; actively seek ways to ensure the financial sustainability of learning initiatives

• Learning programmes for artists, creatives and practitioners:

1. Develop future programmes in accordance with the set strategy; manage the end-to-end delivery of those programmes within budget and within set timelines
2. Nurture and grow Art Jameel’s current network of tutors and mentors, including local and international artists, curators, educators, researchers, filmmakers, producers and other practitioners
3. Represent Art Jameel in sector-wide discussions and forums related to education, pedagogy and research

• Learning programmes and interpretation tools for children, youth and the public:

1. Devise learning tools and programmes that respond to Hayy Arts, Hayy Makers/Studios and Hayy Cinema’s programmes
2. Work with artists and practitioners in the field on delivering projects for children youth and adults.
3. Lead on all guided, on-site learning programming including school field trips, learning resources, third-party kids and youth events, summer camps, among other programmes.

Qualifications and past experience

• An undergraduate or graduate degree in education, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies (preferred)
• +5 years experience working in an education and/or management setting at or with an arts institution
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
• Written and spoken fluency in English is necessary (fluent Arabic proficiency is also prioritised)
• Demonstrable experience devising and producing workshops, didactic materials, or public programmes, such as talks, panel discussions
• A broad knowledge of the arts and culture scene in the region
• Excellent research and project management skills, plus proven attention to detail
• Passion for education and knowledge development

Conditions of Work

• This is a full-time position based in Jeddah, KSA, with possible travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and elsewhere
• All members of the Art Jameel team take shifts on the Welcome Desk (at least 1 day every 2-3 weeks)
• Occasional weekend and evening work according to events and programmes is as required
• Benefits include
• Full health & dental insurance
• 25 days annual leave