Career Opportunities

As a staff member, volunteer, docent or intern, you can help us share MONA with the rest of the state and beyond. If you are open-minded and forward-thinking, we invite you to join our team and contribute to a culture of creativity!

Employment

The Museum of Nebraska Art is at the heart of our community, creating a place for people with diverse interests and all levels of knowledge to discover the wonders of art and culture. A variety of talents and skills are needed at the Museum and we are we are currently looking for people who share our passion for art and community building to join our staff.

To apply for any of the positions listed following the Application Instructions below. We will respond directly to applicants that best match the qualifications for the open positions. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination based on race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or any other factors prohibited by law.

Current Position Openings

Director of Learning and Engagement

Job Summary:

The Director of Learning and Engagement is responsible for the development, management, and evaluation of all engagement programs serving all audiences of MONA. The Director of Learning and Engagement collaborates with other Museum staff members to provide a comprehensive art education curriculum, ensuring that all programming, both on-site and virtual, fulfills the mission and vision of the Museum.In alignment with MONA’s mission, creates, develops, implements and evaluates learning, outreach, and public programming for a wide range of museum visitors onsite, online, and in the larger community. As part of the senior management team, coordinates programming and exhibition schedules to ensure high-quality offerings and interdepartmental coordination

Coordinates innovative engagement opportunities (digital and in-person presentations, lectures, activities, workshops, special events). Willingness to take risks and experiment with nontraditional programs and events
Manages education and engagement activity volunteers, and oversees education volunteer staff programs including recruitment, training and scheduling of MONA Docent Program
Responsible for the creation and implementation of a formal education program which complements school curriculum, supports state educational standards, engages students, and fulfills teachers needs
Actively manages education and engagement activity volunteers, including recruitment, training and scheduling
Strategically cultivates and stewards relationships with community members and partners; willingness to diversify collaborations to reach new audiences
Promotes collaboration and efficiency through best museum practices in developing program content and exhibition interpretation
Works with curatorial department to develop interactive components for exhibitions
In partnership with development staff, initiates, plans, and manages grants that support audience engagement efforts; assists in general cultivation
Develops departmental related budgets; makes adjustments throughout the year as necessary
Represents the engagement department to the public and acts as a spokesperson when needed
Assists in fundraising to support engagement programs
Other duties and special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Education, History, Museum Studies, or related field

Minimum of 2 year’s relevant experience in interpretation, public programming, or education at a museum, historical site, zoo, archive, or other institution of informal learning
2 years of personnel and volunteer management experience
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, public speaking, and critical thinking skills
Knowledge of curriculum standards, learning and teaching strategies, visitor engagement, interpretive techniques, curatorial practices, museum ethics and principles
Ability to work collaboratively and organize groups such as committees and teams
Basic computer skills, proficiency with MS Office Suite and database systems; willingness to learn advanced computer skills
Successful candidates will demonstrate a deep understanding of how to engage cross-generational and diverse audiences, with a welcoming and accessible approach
Knowledge of current education, education for those with disabilities, and visitor experience theories
Innovation, versatility, energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm are key qualities for this position
Flexibility and respect for cultural diversity
Must be comfortable in front of tours, public events, and audiences of all sizes both formal and informal
Discretionary judgment regarding confidential information
Ability to work a flexible schedule; willingness to travel periodically, and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
Valid NE driver’s license, or willingness to get this

Preferred Qualifications:

Graduate degree in related field

5+ years of relevant experience in interpretation, public programming, or education at an art museum
5+ years of personnel and volunteer management experience
2+ years of teaching or tutoring in the visual arts pre-k – 12 in a school, museum, or other arts center

About Us:

The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) celebrates the history of Nebraska’s visual art for diverse audiences. MONA collects, preserves, researches, exhibits, and interprets the work of artists who were born, lived, trained, or worked in Nebraska or who created artworks that reflect the culture of Nebraska. As the home of Nebraska’s official state art collection, the Museum of Nebraska Art endeavors to be the cultural center for Nebraska art and artists by providing quality exhibitions and programs, by expanding its collection, and by preserving its historic building. MONA looks to the future for the growth of its operations and facilities,

Information at a Glance

Apply now

Req Id:  1476
Campus Name:  University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK)
Org Unit:  Museum of Nebraska Art
Job Location:  Kearney, NE 68847
Application Review Date:  10/31/25
Open Until Filled:  Yes
Advertised Salary:  $50,000 – higher salary may be available based upon qualifications
Job Type:  Full-Time

Faculty Appointment:
Worksite Eligibility: On-site
Benefits Eligible: Yes

Apply now

Job Alerts Link

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact: mona@unk.edu

Special Instructions to Applicant:

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.nce 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: http://www.unk.edu/annual_security_report

Lead Visitor Services Representative

Job Summary:

Answering to the Visitor Services Gift Shop Manager (VSGS) MONA’s Visitor Services Representative – lead role supports the mission and safety of MONA by sharing knowledge about exhibitions and keeping artwork and people safe. They are the first official point of contact to Museum visitors, and as such, help provide positive experiences for all ages. The position is knowledgeable and shares information to the public about exhibitions, collections, the Museum building, and MONA’s history. They greet visitors, assist with gift shop sales, monitor galleries, gather audience metrics, sign visitors up for memberships, track visitation, and generally coordinate daily ongoing needs of visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Greets and welcomes visitors and provides basic information about the Museum and its policies such as but not limited to: touching art, photography, food, beverages, member benefits, gift shop offerings, etc..
Enforces Museum policies; works as part of a security team to keep MONA’s guests, assets, and staff safe.
Monitors activity in MONA using camera and personal surveillance.
Performs opening and closing procedures.
Exhibits familiarity with the layout of the building and grounds, including galleries, hallways, and closets.
Keeps track of Museum attendance and records statistics in partnership with supervisor.
Schedules and supervises team of around 20 volunteers in partnership with supervisor.
Cleans and sanitizes high-touch surfaces at the front desk as appropriate.
Reports problems with art on display, unusual behavior, or building issues to direct supervisor.
Operates and supports the MONA Shop by processing sales and entering new stock into the POS system.
Re-stocks and distributes Museum printed materials in the Lobby and the galleries as needed.
Answers general questions about Kearney and the region, gives directions and suggestions.
Offers the use of wheelchairs to those needing assistance.

Implements emergency procedures for MONA visitors and MONA Shop volunteers such as fire evacuation plan and tornado shelter procedure.
Other duties and projects as assigned—could be asked to assist in other departments of the museum, from education, to curatorial, to the library.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma/GED equivalent; relevant coursework from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Professional experience in a visitor service role at a comparable organization or in hospitality, retail, or cultural organizations.
Vigilant awareness and attention to activity.
Effective and persuasive communication skills; able to initiate conversation, speak clearly, and present information to a wide variety of visitors, volunteers, and staff.
Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts (for instance, in the vaults); fumes or airborne particles (in the mechanical rooms), outside weather conditions (when surveying the grounds) and risk of electrical shock (if assisting facilities in the basement). However, these are not encountered on the day-to-day. The noise level on an average day at the front desk is moderate to high.

Dress Code: Professional business attire is required. No jeans or graphic tees allowed. Tattoos, piercings, and dyed hair are reasonably allowed.

Hours: 30 hours per week is average, but could be as much as 38 hours per week during periods of special events or schedule gaps. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sundays from Noon to 5:00 pm. This position is scheduled for 9:00am to 5:30pm, Tuesday through Friday, with a three-day weekend every week (Saturday through Monday). Must be able to work occasional weekends if needed. Possibility of additional hours during weekday evenings after 5:30pm for Special Events.

Department: Visitor Services/Gift Shop
Reports to: Visitor Services Gift Shop Manager (VSGS) FLSA Status: Part-time, non-exempt
Effective Date: Immediate
Beginning Hourly Rate: $17.00
Benefits: Accrues paid-time-off (PTO) at the same rate as UNK staff, based on amount of hours worked per week. (Roughly about 2.7 hours a week per 30 hours worked a week)

Application Instruction:

Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and 3 references via email to: monasecurity@unk.edu

by mail to: Museum of Nebraska Art
2401 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847

Visitor Services Representative – Support Role

Position Summary

Answering to the Visitor Services Gift Shop Manager (VSGS) MONA’s Visitor Services Representatives support the mission and safety of MONA by sharing knowledge about exhibitions and keeping artwork and people safe. They are the first official point of contact to Museum visitors, and as such, help provide positive experiences for all ages. The position is knowledgeable and shares information to the public about exhibitions, collections, the Museum building, and MONA’s history. They greet visitors, assist with gift shop sales, monitor galleries, gather audience metrics, sign visitors up for memberships, track visitation, and generally coordinate daily ongoing needs of visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Greets and welcomes visitors and provides basic information about the Museum and its policies such as but not limited to: touching art, photography, food, beverages, member benefits, gift shop offerings, etc..
Enforces Museum policies; works as part of a security team to keep MONA’s guests, assets, and staff safe.
Monitors activity in MONA using camera and personal surveillance.
Performs opening and closing procedures.
Exhibits familiarity with the layout of the building and grounds, including galleries, hallways, and closets.
Cleans and sanitizes high-touch surfaces at the front desk as appropriate.
Reports problems with art on display, unusual behavior, or building issues to direct supervisor.
Operates and supports the MONA Shop by processing sales.
Re-stocks and distributes Museum printed materials in the Lobby and the galleries as needed.
Answers general questions about Kearney and the region, gives directions and suggestions.
Offers the use of wheelchairs to those needing assistance.

Implements emergency procedures for MONA visitors and MONA Shop volunteers such as fire evacuation plan and tornado shelter procedure.
Other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma/GED equivalent; relevant coursework from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Professional experience in a visitor service role at a comparable organization or in hospitality, retail, or cultural organizations.
Vigilant awareness and attention to activity.
Effective and persuasive communication skills; able to initiate conversation, speak clearly, and present information to a wide variety of visitors, volunteers, and staff.
Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Must be comfortable and able to work while wearing a mask.

Physical Demands

Work Environment

Dress Code: Professional business attire is required. No jeans or graphic tees allowed. Tattoos, piercings, and dyed hair are reasonably allowed.

Hours: 17 to 25 hours per week. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with opening and closing extending a half an hour before and after public hours. Sundays from Noon to 5:00 pm with a half an hour before and after for opening and closing. Flexible scheduling based on the needs of the individual and of the museum. Must be able to work weekends. Possibility of additional hours during weekday evenings after 5:30pm for Special Events.

Department: Visitor Services/Gift Shop
Reports to: Visitor Services Gift Shop Manager (VSGS) FLSA Status: Part-time, non-exempt
Effective Date: Immediate
Hourly Rate: $15.00
Benefits: Accrues paid-time-off (PTO) at the same rate as UNK staff, based on amount of hours worked per week. However, this position does not start accruing PTO until 20hrs/wk of work are reached, at which point, approximately 1.8 hours of PTO are accrued for 20 hours of work a week and increases as hours worked increases.

Application Instruction:

Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and 3 references via email to: monasecurity@unk.edu

by mail to: Museum of Nebraska Art
2401 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847