Director of Learning and Engagement

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.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

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.

• 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.

The Museum of…