Opportunities

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. 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

A variety of talents and skills are needed at the Museum, and 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, MONA, #S20250035P

The Director of Learning and Engagement is responsible for the development, management, coordination, 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.

Job Duties

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
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 of MONA Docent Program
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
Works with visitor services department to coordinate and supervise visiting tour groups
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 required, Master’s degree preferred, in Museum Education, Museum Studies, Studio Art or related field
Minimum of 3 to 5 year’s relevant experience in interpretation, public programming, or education at a museum, historical site, zoo, archive, or other institution of informal learning
3 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, 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 obtain

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
CPR/AED Training Certification, or willingness to obtain (MONA will provide training and recertification)

Physical Demands

This position requires the capability to move around in a studio setting and be present in galleries for extended periods of time. Acceptable eyesight, acceptable hearing, ability to clearly communicate both orally and in writing on a telephone and on a computer for extended periods. Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer or other electronic devices. Routinely requires moderate (up to 40 pounds) lifting and carrying. Routinely requires walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, stooping, reaching up, twisting, and bending.

Schedule Generally M-F, 8 am-5pm, 40 hours (weekend and evening hours as needed)

Desired Start Date 06/15/2025

HOW TO APPLY: To be considered for the position, application materials need to be submitted by May 31, 2025. Application materials can be submitted at UNK Employment Opportunity Questions regarding the position can be directed to mona@nullunk.edu. Upon a contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate. Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive. The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care. The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees. Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.

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

Museum Registrar/Collections Coordinator, MONA, #56145

Jub Summary:

Reporting to the Curator, the Museum Registrar / Collections Coordinator is a knowledgeable and experienced art museum professional who implements the highest stewardship standards for works of art entrusted to the Museum of Nebraska Art. The Registrar ensures continuity of care for works of art owned by and lent to the Museum, and manage both acquisition and deaccessioning procedures for the Museum’s collection of over 6,000 works of art. The Registrar / Collections Coordinator plays a vital role in the stewardship and management of the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. This position ensures the proper documentation, care, handling, storage, and movement of artworks in accordance with professional museum standards. The Registrar works collaboratively with the Curator, outside conservators, exhibition staff, and external lenders to support the Museum’s mission of preserving and presenting its collection.

Produce and maintain documentation of all exhibitions, incoming, and outgoing loans in collections database system and hardcopy files
· Manage the collections database system, ensuring that standards for data entry are maintained
· Establish object conservation priorities for works of art in the Museum’s collection. Provide annual conservation recommendations and budgets, and manage conservation initiatives or treatments to assure preservation of artwork
· Plan, oversee, and implement packing, shipping, couriers, customs, and insurance for exhibitions. Perform condition checks and monitor condition of objects while on display. Assist with installations, de-installations, and exhibition rotations in galleries.
· Review and follow Collection Management policies and procedures
· Work with Museum Curator to ensure appropriate permanent collection and exhibition insurance coverage, and to process claims as needed
· Research and maintain copyright records for works in the collection. Manage and negotiate copyright permissions for publications, publicity, marketing, and related uses. Process requests for reproduction of images of works in collection.
· Organize and maintain exhibition checklists and exhibition project files, including exhibition labels and photo documentation. Issue and maintain legal documents pertaining to temporary exhibitions including loan agreements, receipts, condition reports, and certificates of insurance
· Coordinate outside services related to collections care and management as needed, including contracting for collection photography, conservation, packing, crating, and shipping.
Arrange for periodic system upgrades and migrations. Manage all digital and hard copy collections records, object files, and digitization of images
· Support the Museum’s curricular and co-curricular initiatives by providing collections research and interpretation, sharing information about the collection, and facilitating various forms of access to the collection
· Assist with collection-focused grant proposals/applications; implement and track grant-funded initiatives.
· In conjunction with Museum Preparator, act and assist as courier for traveling exhibitions as needed
· Train and supervise student staff, graduate assistants, interns, and volunteers performing work related to the collection and/or in the Museum’s galleries
· Implement Museum’s disaster preparedness and emergency response policies

Required Qualifications:

3 to 5 years of experience in professional museum collections care, in art museums, history museums, or other collecting institutions, with special preference given to candidates who have worked with fine arts collections
B.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, Library Science, or related subject required
Strong cross-cultural competence.
High emotional intelligence and proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, donors, artists, collectors, scholars, museum and gallery colleagues, community leaders, and decision makers.
Knowledge of and experience with best practices and museum standards for the handling, packing, storage, and transport of a variety of object types and exhibitions.
Strong organizational/problem-solving skills; detail-oriented; skilled in organizing work and managing time; Ability to complete tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
Expertise in museum digitization processes and storage/retrieval of data.
Knowledge of Past Perfect museum software or other digital asset management software.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively both independently and as part of a team.
Strong written and verbal skills.
Ability to develop and monitor annual operating and multi-year project budgets.
Ability to analyze and assess risk, and to communicate options.
Knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures relating to collections and exhibition ethics, and legal regulations relating to the collection.
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage complex situations with agility, flexibility, and professional courtesy and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.A. preferred, ideally with focus or concentration in collections management.
Art Handler/Preparator experience.
Experience working across academic departments and administrative units in a university setting and/or as a university partnered organization

HOW TO APPLY: To be considered for the position, application materials need to be submitted by June 26, 2025. Application materials can be submitted at UNK Employment Opportunities . Questions regarding the position can be emailed to mona@nullunk.edu

Upon a contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate. Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive. The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care. The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees. Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.