The Joslyn Art Museum Director of Learning & Engagement

Position Summary

The Director of Learning & Engagement (Director) will serve as a visionary force behind The Joslyn Art Museum’s (The Joslyn) dynamic and expanding portfolio of education and public engagement initiatives, from school partnerships and tours to lectures and community outreach. The Director will drive a bold, forward‑looking strategy that elevates innovative, audience‑centered programming and amplifies The Joslyn’s mission and impact. With a collaborative, people‑first approach, the Director will cultivate meaningful relationships with staff, educators, artists, and community partners, while championing inclusive and inspiring experiences that ignite curiosity, foster connection, and broaden access to art for diverse and evolving audiences.

Organization

The Joslyn Art Museum is a leading cultural institution and the largest art museum in Nebraska, dedicated to connecting people with art across time and cultures. Located in Omaha, The Joslyn stewards a collection of more than 12,000 objects representing 5,000 years of human creativity, encompassing American, European, and global traditions. Founded in 1931 as a gift to the community from Sarah H. Joslyn in memory of her husband, George, The Joslyn remains committed to public access and engagement, offering free general admission and serving as a welcoming resource for audiences of all backgrounds. The Joslyn’s mission, to bring people together to explore art across time and cultures, guides its work as a civic and cultural anchor for the region.

The Joslyn’s architecturally significant campus blends three distinctive buildings that together create a unified and evolving museum experience. The original Joslyn Building, an extraordinary Art Deco landmark that opened in 1931, established The Joslyn as both a civic gift and a work of architectural significance. The 58,000‑square‑foot Suzanne & Walter Scott Pavilion, completed in 1994 and designed by Norman Foster, marked The Joslyn’s first major expansion, introducing soaring interior spaces and a dramatic glass atrium. Most recently, the 42,000‑square‑foot Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion, designed by international architectural firm Snøhetta, opened as part of a transformative campus expansion, adding approximately 16,000 square feet of gallery space along with new studios, gathering areas, and visitor amenities.

Community

Located on the Missouri River on the eastern border of Nebraska, Omaha is the largest city in the state and home to more than 480,000 residents, anchoring a metropolitan area of nearly one million people. Its diverse economy and rich cultural fabric, including the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Opera Omaha, and other arts organizations, provide a vibrant backdrop for The Joslyn’s programming. Omaha’s commitment to cultural inclusion and civic engagement supports the museum’s mission to serve all audiences.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Vision

• Develop and lead the strategic vision for The Joslyn’s Learning & Engagement Department, aligning programs with the institution’s mission, exhibitions, collections, and community priorities.
• Inspire innovative, inclusive, and accessible learning experiences for audiences of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Champion community‑centered program development that reflects local needs, fosters belonging, and expands access to the arts.
• Integrate exhibitions, collections, buildings, and gardens into cohesive educational and interpretive experiences.
• Serve as a key thought partner across departments to embed learning and engagement into institutional planning and initiatives.
• Embrace other strategic vision responsibilities as needed.

Team Leadership and Operations

• Lead, mentor, and support the Learning & Engagement team in developing and delivering high‑quality programs and visitor experiences.
• Oversee the planning and execution of a wide range of programs, including public tours, school tours, lectures, performances, studio classes, and community events.
• Guide the development of multimedia and interpretive content that enhances visitor engagement and educational impact.
• Collaborate with curatorial, exhibitions, and other departments to design and implement exhibition‑related programming, including lectures, performances, and hand‑on activities.
• Build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, schools, artists, and peer institutions to expand reach and deepen impact.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase access and participation, particularly for underserved and target audiences.
• Ensure the successful coordination of K‑12 and lifelong learning initiatives, aligning programs with curriculum standards and community interests.
• Incorporate community input into program and exhibition development, including engagement with advisory committees and key stakeholders.
• Oversee evaluation and assessment of programs, using data and feedback to inform continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure effective and sustainable operations.
• Represent The Joslyn in public, professional, and community settings, advocating for learning and engagement initiatives.
• Embrace other team leadership and operations responsibilities as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Director of Learning & Engagement will be a collaborative, people‑centered leader motivated by service and committed to creating meaningful, inclusive learning experiences for diverse audiences. Resourceful and results‑oriented, they will maximize the effective use of time, talent, and institutional resources while maintaining a strong focus on impact and accountability. They will value multiple perspectives, foster a harmonious environment that supports creativity, access, and engagement, and build trust across staff, educators, community partners, and learners. They will be adaptable and versatile, able to respond to shifting priorities, and demonstrate sound judgment and consistency in translating vision into high‑quality programs that advance The Joslyn’s mission.

Other Key Competencies

• Teamwork and Understanding Others – The capacity to cooperate to meet objectives while understanding the unique contributions of others.
• Time and Priority Management – The organizational acumen to prioritize and complete tasks within allotted time frames.
• Planning and Organizing – The ability to establish courses of action to ensure effective work completion.
• Employee Development and Coaching – The capacity to facilitate, support, and contribute to the professional growth of others.
• Diplomacy and Leadership – The aptitude to organize and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a strong sense of purpose and direction, and to handle difficult or sensitive issues tactfully.

Compensation and Benefits

The Joslyn provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with a salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 and potential annual bonus. Benefits include comprehensive health plans (medical PPO, prescription, and dental coverage), voluntary vision coverage, basic life insurance, short‑term disability, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% employer match on employee contributions up to 7% of annual salary after one year.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Joslyn is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants and employees are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Joslyn is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive work environment and preventing retaliation against individuals engaging in protected activities.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in education, museum studies, or a related field (desired).
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in museum education, including demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proven ability to develop and implement innovative educational programs, contribute to institutional strategy, senior leadership initiatives, and manage/built diverse teams of paid staff and volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal, team‑building, organizational, planning, and financial management skills; solid understanding of learning and curriculum development principles across a range of ages and program types.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends, and ability to pass an extensive background check and comply with organizational policies and procedures.

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