Nebraska Museum Jobs

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Curatorial Assistant
Museum of Nebraska Art
Kearney, Nebraska
Salary:

Job Description

CURATORIAL ASSISTANT

The Curatorial Assistant at the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) will assist the Curator, Registrar/Collections Coordinator, Preparator, and other departments within the Museum as needed with research, administrative, art handling, data entry, and editorial tasks. The Curatorial Assistant will largely report to the Curator and work on both day-to-day and long-range operations, including acquisitions, exhibitions, collection records, research, scheduling, and general inquiries. A successful candidate will have a wide range of interests, the ability to learn quickly, work flexibly, and manage multiple tasks and projects with varying deadlines.

Hours: 25 regular hours per week, up to 30 hours during peak times such as exhibition transitions; Monday-Friday, some evenings and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide administrative support for the curatorial department, including formatting and drafting correspondence, scheduling meetings, tracking expenses, and managing schedules
  • Process and maintain records related to the permanent collection and exhibitions, including physical and digital records
  • Create and manage checklist information for exhibitions
  • Conduct research on art acquisitions, permanent collection artworks, and other topics as needed
  • Assist in the writing and production of artwork labels
  • Research and secure image rights and reproduction permissions for exhibitions and publications
  • Respond to internal and external research requests and public inquiries about artworks in the permanent collection
  • Contribute ideas, images, and writing for social media or other publicity content
  • Assist Preparator with artwork installations for both on- and off-site exhibitions
  • Complete data entry projects for the collections management system as requested

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Progress towards a bachelor’s degree in art history, studio art, art education, or a related field
  • One or more years’ experience in a museum, gallery, or other arts or cultural institution, or demonstrated equivalent experience
  • Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet scheduled deadlines
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Photoshop and InDesign; other standard office skills, procedures, and equipment
  • Discretion in handling confidential information
  • Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected]

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • References and contact information

Posted 8/4/2025

Lead Preparator
Sheldon Museum of Art
University of Nebraska — Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Salary: $50,000 annual salary

Apply: https://employment.unl.edu/postings/97454

Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, seeks a lead preparator to work as part of the collections and exhibitions team. The lead preparator will plan, manage, and supervise exhibition installations. Coordinate the safe handling, packing, and transport of artwork. Manage artwork storage and prep room administration. Identify, develop and perform fabrication needs for art installations. Provide direct supervision for assistant preparator and on-call exhibition technicians. May require evening and weekend hours. Some domestic and international travel is required. This position reports to the chief curator and associate director for curatorial affairs.

Required Qualifications

  • B.A. in art history, museum studies, collection management, or a related field.
  • Three years of museum registration, art handling and installation experience in a professional setting or equivalent.
  • Commitment to structural equity, inclusion, and belonging toward broad-based institutional excellence, representing a range of perspectives, thoughts, and actions.   
  • Strong cross-cultural competence.   
  • High emotional intelligence and proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, donors, artists, community leaders, and decision makers.   
  • Knowledge of current art museum practices in museum collection management, art handling, crating, and shipping as articulated by the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, and other professional organizations.   
  • Ability to recruit and develop staff and volunteers, delegate effectively, and maximize the contributions of supervised staff, while holding direct reports accountable to institutional and performance goals. 
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.   
  • Computer proficiency is essential.
  • Familiarity with collection management systems.  
  • Must be detail-oriented and able to work carefully with and safely handle works of art in a variety of media.
  • Skilled in assessing the physical condition of works of art.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on team-based projects and across departments.
  • Ability to work effectively and simultaneously on numerous projects.
  • Matting and framing experience.
  • Competency with exhibition design and photo-editing software.
  • Must possess valid driver’s license and pass University van driving course.
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds and work on ladders and lifts.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in art history, museum studies, collection management, or a related field.
  • Five years of museum registration, art handling and installation in a professional setting or equivalent.
  • Basic woodworking skills and experience with power tools.
  • Experience with audio-visual technology.

posted 7/3/2025

Executive Director
Douglas County Historical Society
Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska
Salary: Commensurate with experience; will include paid vacation, sick days, and a flexible schedule.

Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks an Executive Director to lead its ongoing efforts to preserve and enliven historical insight in Douglas County, Nebraska.

DCHS is headquartered on the Fort Omaha Campus of Metropolitan Community College, where it maintains and operates two facilities: the historic General Crook House Museum and a separate Archives Center. The Archives Center collects and maintains written records, photos, and other items and collections related to life in Douglas County. It offers preservation, research, and replication services. DCHS develops programs and lectures such as Second Sunday Talks, Speakers Bureau presentations, and History and Appreciation of Antiques classes to reveal and educate the public about the history of Douglas County. DCHS has over 500 members and donors, as well as an active group of dedicated volunteers. Currently four staff members report to the Executive Director. DCHS is a 501(c)(3) organization. 

This full-time position reports to the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. This position requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who is passionate about leading direct operations, fostering financial and programmatic growth, and developing and managing DCHS programs and community education and outreach.

Position Requirements

The preferred qualified candidate should bring:

  • A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of prior executive experience as a successful leader of a nonprofit organization or entity;
  • A proven history of designing and directing strategies that grow organizational capacity and programmatic impact;
  • A proven ability to grow organizational funding, including (i) grant writing, (ii) cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, and (iii) developing and managing special events;
  • Passion for the mission and programs of DCHS;
  • Proven abilities and experience in fiscal management, including developing and executing a complex budget;
  • Interest/creativity in program creation, including the ability to review current organizational programs/structures and implement refinements;
  • The capacity to excel at influencing and leading an organization towards positive growth;
  • The ability to foster an environment of accountability, healthy work relationships and partnerships, and inclusivity among organizational staff to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment;
  • Experience in creating and establishing clear, measurable business goals; and
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work well with the Board of Directors, media, staff, volunteers, the General Crook House Guild, elected officials, and the greater Douglas County community.

Salary and benefits

Commensurate with experience; will include paid vacation, sick days, and a flexible schedule.

At least two (2) references will be required for finalists for the role.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter through this job posting or by emailing the same to [email protected].

Posted 5/29/2025

Museum Executive Director
Washington County, Nebraska, Historical Association
Fort Calhoun, Nebraska
Salary: $60,000

Overview
The Washington County, Nebraska, Museum Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all
operations of the Washington County Historical Association’s Museum located in Fort Calhoun,
Nebraska, including staff management, fundraising, strategic planning, board development, and
community engagement. This full-time, and fully in-person position, reports to the Board of Directors.

Position Impact
The Executive Director’s leadership is crucial to ensuring that one of Nebraska’s oldest county museums
grows as a vibrant and relevant institution of history, education, preservation, and inspiration for the
people of Washington County, Nebraska and surrounding populations.

Qualifications
While experience in a nonprofit leadership role, preferably within a cultural or educational institution is
desired, unusually qualified and creative individuals will also be considered. The successful candidate
will have skills and abilities in staff management, fundraising, strategic planning, board development and
maintaining strong donor relations
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.

  • Key Responsibilities
  • Leadership and Staff Oversight
    • Provide leadership for the Museum, ensuring alignment with its mission and strategic goals.
    • Oversee the recruitment, management, and development of a staff sufficient to accomplish the goals of the museum.
    • Implement policies and procedures that promote operational efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Fundraising and Financial Management
    • Work with the Board of Directors to establish and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and secure financial support from individual donors, foundations, grants, and corporations.
    • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and donors.
    • Be responsible for the preparation and management of the annual budget, ensuring the Museum’s financial stability and sustainability.
  • Strategic Planning
    • Lead the development, implementation, and evolution of the Museum’s strategic plan, ensuring the institution’s long-term growth and impact.
    • Work with the staff to develop and expand programs, partnership development, and community outreach that align with the Museum’s mission and goals.
    • Monitor and assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, making data-driven decisions to enhance their impact.
  • Board Development and Governance
    • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
    • Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors on the Museum’s performance, financial health, and strategic initiatives.
    • Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and development of board members, ensuring a representative and engaged board.
  • Community Engagement and Advocacy
    • Serve as the public face and spokesperson for the Museum, representing its mission and values in the communities of Washington County, Nebraska.
    • Foster strong regional relationships with community leaders and organizations towards meeting the Museum’s goals and objectives.

Salary & Benefits
The salary for this position is $60,000 annually, adjusted commensurate with and reflecting listed
qualifications and experiences.

Health Insurance – A Health Savings Account will be fully funded annually for this position if the
employee meets federal guidelines for HSA eligibility.

How to Apply
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and references (2 professional and 2 character) to:
[email protected]

The position is open as of June 3, 2025 and will remain open until filled.

For more information about the Washington County, Nebraska, Museum, please visit the
museum’s public website: www.wcnemuseum.org.

Please direct any and all questions to the application site: [email protected]

Posted 5/29/2025

To post a Nebraska Museum job contact [email protected]. All posting require salary transparency.