Director of Learning & Engagement

Museum of Nebraska Art Director of Learning & Engagement Schedule – M-F, 40 hours Salary Class: Exempt Salaried position Answers To: Executive Director Job Description The Director of Learning and Engagement provides strategic leadership for all educational, interpretive, and community engagement initiatives at the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director develops, implements, manages, and evaluates onsite, outreach, and virtual programs that serve diverse audiences and support MONA’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. The position collaborates across departments to ensure exhibitions, tours, public programs, and educational initiatives provide meaningful and accessible experiences for learners of all ages. The Director oversees interpretive planning, community partnerships, public programming, and hands-on educational initiatives while supervising departmental staff and volunteers, managing departmental budgets, and contributing to fundraising and grant efforts. The Director represents MONA within the community and fosters collaborative relationships with schools, universities, cultural organizations, and other community partners throughout Nebraska. Job Duties Leadership & Strategy Set overall departmental vision with clear goals and measurable outcomes. Represent departmental priorities and projects to Museum leadership, staff, and external stakeholders. Develop and implement all formal educational curriculum for the Museum that aligns with State education standards, engage students, and support educators. Develop and manage the department’s annual budget. Represent the department to the public at events, conferences, in the media, and in other circumstances as needed. Manage, recruit, and train volunteers to support department activities and events. These volunteers should be considered independent from the MONA Docents, who largely support tours via the Tour and Outreach Coordinator. Contribute to grant applications and fundraising materials in coordination with Development. Serve as department liaison to the Education Committee of the Board of Directors. Manage Tours & Outreach Coordinator and serve as direct supervisor Exhibition & Public Programs Lead interpretive program planning for exhibitions in collaboration with the Curator to ensure content and interpretive techniques best meet audiences’ needs. Develop and implement onsite, outreach, and virtual programs relating to special exhibitions and collections for a diverse range of audiences. Provide a program vision for the Community Studio, a hands-on education space for all ages; schedule and implement as resources allow. Provide support to the Tour and Outreach Coordinator for student and other public tours as needed. Community Engagement & Partnerships Serve as liaison to the University of Nebraska at Kearney faculty and staff, including but not limited to Art Department, Education Department, and other partnering faculty on curriculum-related opportunities. Build and maintain partnerships with other like-minded organizations locally and state-wide, including but not limited to the Kearney Cultural Partners, Rowe Sanctuary, Sheldon Museum of Art, Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Gallery 1516, Joslyn Art Museum, Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, and others. Lead and manage other annual public events and programs, including the student art show and MONA Makers Day. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Education, Art Education, Art History, Education, or a related field Minimum three to five years of experience in art education, education, or cultural programming with an art museum, museum, cultural institution, or related industry Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, educators, artists, and community members Experience coordinating educational programs, tours, or outreach initiatives Experience developing community outreach partnerships and educational programming in an art museum Professionalism, maturity, good judgment, and ability to foster and work well in a team environment High level of integrity and ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion Ability to work a flexible schedule; willingness to travel periodically, and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed Preferred Qualifications Master’s Degree in Museum Science, Art, Education, or a related field Experience working in a museum, gallery, or nonprofit arts environment Strong writing and curriculum development experience Excellent project management skills Valid NE driver’s license The ideal candidate is a collaborative and visionary museum education leader with a passion for making art accessible through innovative learning experiences, meaningful community partnerships, and engaging public programs. They bring proven experience developing educational curricula, leading teams, managing programs and budgets, and creating inclusive opportunities that connect diverse audiences with art across all ages and backgrounds. An excellent communicator and relationship builder, they are committed to advancing the Museum of Nebraska Art's mission by fostering lifelong learning, strengthening community engagement, and inspiring curiosity through Nebraska's visual arts. Benefits Medical Plan Prescription Drug Program Vision Care Dental Plan LTD Life Insurance AD&D Insurance Dependent Life Insurance Long Term Care Insurance Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. This policy is applicable to all University administered programs including educational programs, financial aid, admission policies and employment policies. Veterans and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply. The University affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. University employees, students and others associated with the University who have not received the benefits of these policies, are encouraged to contact the Chief Compliance Officer/ADA Coordinator. For a copy of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Annual Security Report, you may contact the Office of Police and Parking Services or visit the website: #J-18808-Ljbffr