Nebraska Museum Jobs

Job Announcements

Administrative Associate
Dodge County Historical Society/May Museum

Fremont, Nebraska
Salary: $20-$25/hour

The Dodge County Historical Society / May Museum in Fremont, Nebraska is looking for an Administrative Associate to perform a variety of administrative, clerical and bookkeeping tasks. Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, the Administrative Associate will manage the day-to-day administrative duties, provide clerical and secretarial support to the Executive Director, coordinate events and workdays, maintain organizational calendar, provide additional staff support to board and committees, assist with the creation of print and digital communications, assist with organizational projects, and perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation

  • $20 – $25/hour

To Apply: Interested candidates should email a resume to [email protected]. Questions can be directed to Tony at (402) 721-4515

Benefits

  • Flexible schedule
  • 20 – 40 hours/week
  • Possibility of hybrid schedule
  • Paid Time Off
  • Professional Development Opportunities

Responsibilities

  • Answer and direct phone calls, emails, and other communications.
  • Manage and maintain the museum’s office, including filing systems, office supplies, and equipment.
  • Assist with the maintenance of the museum’s internal and external calendar including scheduling of meetings and events.
  • Ensure website and other digital platforms display accurate information and hours of operation.
  • Coordinate general facility repairs, including assisting the Executive Director with preparing the facilities for opening and closing for the season.
  • Assist with Board and Committee management including scheduling meetings, compiling and distributing agenda packets and minutes, and attending select meetings.
  • Act as a liaison between the museum staff and Docent volunteers.
  • Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and complete deposits.
  • Process new memberships and donations, renewals, and changes in membership status.
  • Work with the Executive Director to complete projects as needed including special events and serving as Docent on occasion.

Qualifications

  • Experience with Quickbooks and associated systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and other office management software.
  • Knowledge of social media platforms.
  • Experience in marketing/graphics development is a plus.
  • Strong multi-tasking skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Commitment to museum goals and visitor satisfaction.
  • Demonstrates integrity and honesty, to present accurate and appropriate information, and exercise excellent judgment in regard to confidential information.
  • Efficient in an environment with evolving priorities.

Posted 10/17/2024


Executive Director
African American Museum of Iowa

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Salary: $60,000/year

Overview
The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s operations, including staff management, fundraising, strategic planning, board development, and community engagement. This fulltime and fully in-person position reports to the Board of Directors.

Position Impact
The Executive Director’s leadership is crucial to ensuring the Museum remains a vibrant and relevant
institution that serves as a beacon of history, education, preservation, and inspiration for the entire state of Iowa.

Qualifications
A minimum of five years of experience in a nonprofit leadership role is required, preferably within a cultural or educational institution. Experience in staff management, fundraising, strategic planning, board development, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates with a proximity to the Midwest, have a deep understanding of and commitment to the Museum’s mission, with a strong emphasis on the candidate’s lived experience and cultural competency are encouraged to apply. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team and community. Proven track record of successful fundraising and financial management, with the ability to develop and maintain strong donor relationships. A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Non-Profit Administration, Organizational Leadership, Museum Studies, or related field is required.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Staff Oversight
o Provide visionary leadership to the Museum, ensuring alignment with its mission and strategic goals.
o Oversee the recruitment, management, and development of a diverse and dedicated staff, fostering a
collaborative and inclusive work environment.
o Implement policies and procedures that promote operational efficiency, accountability, and continuous
improvement.

Fundraising and Financial Management
o Supervise the Museum’s Development Director in establishing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure financial support from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and
government grants.
o Responsible for the preparation and management of the annual budget, ensuring the Museum’s
financial stability and sustainability.
o Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

Strategic Planning
o Lead the development and implementation of the Museum’s strategic plan, ensuring the institution’s
long-term growth and impact.
o Direct the Education department in the expansion of programs, partnership development, and
community outreach that align with the Museum’s mission and goals.
o Monitor and assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, making data-driven decisions to
enhance their impact.

Board Development and Governance
o Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
o Provide regular updates to the Board on the Museum’s performance, financial health, and strategic
initiatives.
o Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and development of board members, ensuring a diverse and
engaged board.

Community Engagement and Advocacy
o Serve as the public face and spokesperson for the Museum, representing its mission and values in the
communities served across the state.
o Foster strong relationships with statewide community leaders and organizations to enhance the
Museum’s visibility and relevance.

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

Health Insurance – Health insurance (employee only): The AAMI pays 80% towards the individual cost of
the employee’s single health insurance plan. The AAMI also provides dental and vision insurance to full-time employees (employee only) at no charge to the employee.

Leave – Full-time employees will accrue paid vacation on the first day of the month based on their length of service from the most recent date of hire or their first date as a full-time employee. 80 hours annually during the first four years of employment. Sick leave, bereavement leave, and salary continuance are also part of the benefits package.

Holidays – 10 Paid Holidays

How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and references (2 professional and 2 character) to
[email protected]. This position is open until filled. For more information about the Museum, visit our website at blackiowa.org. Please direct questions to [email protected].

Posted: 9/17/2024


Registrar/Collections Manager
Elkhorn Valley Museum

Salary: $15.25/hour, Hourly Non-Exempt
Schedule: 35hrs/week, may include evenings and weekends

SUMMARY:

The Registrar/Collections Manager reports to the Executive Director and will perform duties related to museum operations, collections care, and customer service that support EVM’s mission. This role involves overseeing the acquisition, cataloging, storage, and loan of artifacts, ensuring compliance with professional standards and legal requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for cultural preservation. The registrar may assist with exhibit development and programming centered around the collection. This position should have an interest in and knowledge of the history of Nebraska, particularly the Northeast Region and the Elkhorn River Valley.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collection Management: Oversee the acquisition, deaccession, and cataloging of items in the museum’s collection. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all collection items, including provenance, condition, and location. Leads artifact committee meetings and provides a subsequent report.
  • Documentation: Ensure proper documentation of all collection items, including condition reports, accession records, and loan agreements. This includes photographing objects, exhibits, and locations and maintaining accurate donor records. Manage loan agreements and oversee the condition and return of borrowed items.
  • Condition Monitoring: Regularly inspect and assess the condition of collection items, galleries, and storage rooms (temperature, humidity, pest control, etc) Implement and oversee conservation practices to ensure the preservation of artifacts and artworks.
  • Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to the acquisition, management, and disposition of collection items. Stay informed about current best practices and industry standards.
  • Research: Fulfill research requests from the public regarding artifacts, institutional history, and regional history. Contribute to the historical research of the permanent collection to authenticate artifacts and enhance museum exhibitions. 
  • Collaboration: Work closely with other museum staff and volunteers to support exhibition planning, collection research, and educational programs. May assist with tours and events.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Minimum Knowledge & Skills:

  • Qualifications:
    • A degree in history, museum studies, arts management, museum management, public history, or an equivalent combination of museum training and experience in collections work and research
  • Skills:
    • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
    • Proficiency with collection management software, database systems, and Microsoft Office.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
    • Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy.
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
    • Ability to grow and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the museum.
  • Knowledge: Familiarity with professional standards, legal regulations, and best practices in museum registration and collection management. Familiarity with digital photography and scanning.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and move objects up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
  • Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, including handling delicate and valuable items.
  • Ability to work for extended lengths of time while sitting and completing data entry

The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this role.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.  This description does not constitute a contract, implied or otherwise.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Libby McKay, Executive Director via email: [email protected] by 5 pm CST, October 4th, 2024.  Elkhorn Valley Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. (posted 9/4/2024)


Part-Time Curator/Archivist
Gage County Historical Society and Museum
Salary: $18/hr, 30 hours per week
Time Period: Two Years
Benefits: None

JOB OVERVIEW

As a member of the GCHS team, this position will support the Executive Director. This part-time position is an ideal position for an individual with previous professional experience in museums. The curator performs a broad range of work involving the museum collection, research, supervisory, museum engagement, and exhibitions. In the absence of the director, the curator is responsible for supervising other employees and volunteers.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Collections Management

  • Inform the director of possible deaccessions and gaps in the collection.
  • Meet with the director monthly to go over collection and storage needs.
  • Assist the director in creating exhibits using the collection.

Collections Care

  • Collaborate with director and maintenance in recording, maintaining, and interpreting environmental monitoring data of galleries and collections storage areas.

Community Archives

  • Inventory the archival records, noting unnecessary duplication, uncertain accession information, and condition issues.
  • Organize and describe archival collections in the creation of finding aids.
  • Assist Director in identifying remaining needs of the Community Archives project.

Supervisory

  • Get with the director monthly over volunteer assignments.
  • Supervise, train, and assist volunteers and interns in collections related projects.
  • Supervise other employees and volunteers when the director is not in the office.

General Administrative Assistance

  • Assist the director in greeting, orienting the visitors with the museum, and operate the gift shop.
  • Respond to phone calls and email when appropriate.
  • Create social media posts and newsletter articles related to assigned projects.
  • Assist with events when appropriate.
  • Additional office duties as assigned.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • The starting pay for this position is $18 per hour.
  • Working hours are 30 hours per week, usually within the hours between 10am and 4pm, Monday through Saturday. The exact hours and days to be worked during the week are negotiable.
  • The place of employment will be the Gage County Museum.
  • Appointments may be terminated by either side in writing by giving a minimum of two weeks’ notice within the probationary period and thereafter.
  • This is a part time job and provides no benefits.
  • This is a two-year position.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in museum studies or a related field
  • Experience working with museum collections.
  • General knowledge of museum standards and best practices
  • Ability to think creatively and work independently.
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ability to lift to thirty-five pounds.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Excel and Word
  • Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in museum studies, similar curriculum, or equivalent work experience
  • Experience with digital content creation (website and social media)
  • Experience with museum database software
  • Experience creating museum exhibits.

Position will be up until a qualified candidate is found. Please contact the director at [email protected] to get an application. (posted 8/27/2024)


Maintenance Technician
Harold Warp Pioneer Village (Minden, Nebraska)
Salary: $15.50/hour

Pioneer Village is currently looking for part-time applicants for a maintenance technician position to assist with museum operations. The main duties include handling plumbing, electrical work, carpentry tasks, basic maintenance, and performing mechanical repairs. It is also crucial to have the ability to oversee contractors during professional repair projects.

Candidates should be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s License. The role includes a mix of indoor and outdoor tasks, with some activities involving bending and lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The starting hourly wage is $15.50, dependent on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The schedule offers flexibility, including occasional weekend and holiday shifts.

For more information on the application process, you can contact Pioneer Village at 308-832-1181 or visit our website www.pioneervillage.com.


Office Administrator
Harold Warp Pioneer Village
(Minden, Nebraska)
Salary: $15.50/hour

Pioneer Village is currently seeking a full-time office administrator to support daily museum operations. The role involves managing memberships, events, budgets, and general office tasks. Key responsibilities include:

  • Assisting museum staff and board with budgeting and bookkeeping
  • Providing excellent customer service
  • Supply Management
  • Coordinating events, meetings and schedules for contractors, vendors, board and staff
  • Performing administrative tasks as needed

Applicants must possess robust computer and communication skills, be a minimum of 18 years old, and possess a valid Nebraska Driver’s License. The work mainly occurs indoors with sporadic lifting of up to 20 pounds. The starting hourly wage is $15.50.

For more information on the application process, you can contact Pioneer Village at 308-832-1181 or visit our website www.pioneervillage.com.


Curator of Collections/Program Director
Hastings Museum
(Hastings, Nebraska)
Hours: 40 hours, may include evenings and weekends
Salary: $21.37-$30.42 per hour, full benefits

The Hastings Museum is seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic team member to oversee the collections department and ensure that the Museum’s collections, exhibits, and programs fulfill the brand, mission, and goals.  This is a full-time permanent position.  See full description below.  Apply at https://hastingsne.seamlessdocs.com/f/CurCollectProgDir.   Resumes and additional information may be submitted to [email protected].  Applications accepted until 5 pm CDT July 12, 2024.  

The Hastings Museum (https://hastingsmuseum.org/) is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver.  Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings and is the topic of a popular exhibit at the Museum, as well as nearly 50,000 square feet of other cultural and natural history displays, a full-dome planetarium, a large format theatre, and an outdoor classroom.  Collections range from North American animals to local history.  A renovation of collections storage is currently underway to bring everything into one area, improve preservation, and enhance the records.  This person will be responsible for overseeing this work including planning for compact mobile storage units.


Museum Educator
Hastings Museum
(Hastings, Nebraska)
Hours: 40 hours, may include evenings and weekends
Salary: $14.32-$19.88 per hour, full benefits

The Hastings Museum (Hastings, Nebraska) is seeking a motivated and dynamic person to present engaging programs for all ages related to natural and cultural history.  This is a full-time permanent position.  See full description below.  Apply at https://hastingsne.seamlessdocs.com/f/MusEducator.  Resumes and additional information may be submitted to [email protected].  Applications accepted until 5 pm June 26, 2024.  

The Hastings Museum (https://hastingsmuseum.org/) is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver.  Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings and is the topic of a popular exhibit at the Museum, as well as nearly 50,000 square feet of other cultural and natural history displays, a full-dome planetarium, a large format theatre, and an outdoor classroom.


Executive Director
Dodge County Historical Society
(Fremont, Nebraska)
Hours: 35-40 hours/week
Salary: $45,000 – $50,000+ based on experience
BENEFITS: Flexible schedule, Paid Time off, Professional Development Opportunities

The Executive Director is the key management leader of the Dodge County Historical Society and
May Museum. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs,
and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and
community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

REMIT RESUME TO: Joe Dickmeyer, Board President at [email protected]

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Board Governance: Works with the board to fulfill the organization mission.

Responsible for leading the Museum in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.

Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate
manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Museum, to include working with the Board to create an annual budget. Submit regular financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization to the Board.

Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.

Responsible for fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support the Museum’s mission.

Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.

Responsible for implementation of the Museum’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission.

Responsible for working with the Board of Directors to develop a strategic plan to ensure that the museum can successfully fulfill its Mission into the future.

Responsible for implementing the organization’s strategic plan.

Responsible for the enhancement of the Museum’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.

Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.

Responsible effective administration of the Museum’s operations.

Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.

Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, public administration, history or similar.
● Nonprofit experience preferred.
● Budget management skills helpful.
● Strong abilities in planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
● Ability to learn all aspects of the museum and historical society operations, including collections and exhibitions policies and management, as well as archival and library best practices.
● Knowledge of fundraising strategies, membership development, and donor relations.
● Ability to collaborate with and inspire board members and other volunteers.
● Strong written and oral communication skills.
● Knowledge of social media platforms.
● Experience with grant research, writing, and reporting.

JOB DUTIES:
● Planning and operation of the annual budget, in partnership with the board.
● Establishing employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
● Serving as the Museum’s primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, the media, and the general public.
● Establish and maintain relationships with various organizations throughout the community
and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance the museum’s mission.
● Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization throughout the county.
● Supervise, collaborate with organization staff.
● Strategic planning and implementation.
● Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
● Review and approve contracts for services.
● Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

REMIT RESUME TO: Joe Dickmeyer, Board President at [email protected]


Facilities & Preservations Manager
The National Will Cather Center (Red Cloud, Nebraska)

Full-Time
Salary:

Who we are: The National Willa Cather Center exists to promote and encourage increased
understanding of and appreciation for the life, times, settings, and work of Pulitzer
Prize-winning author Willa Cather. We promote her legacy through education,
preservation, and the arts, and we aim to become a premier cultural center that offers
broad educational opportunities for our patrons to experience Cather’s work, explore
historic landmarks, foster their own creativity, and embrace the arts and humanities.
Job Purpose: The National Willa Cather Center seeks a highly-organized, technically skilled,
and multi-talented candidate to fill a Facilities & Preservation Manager position. The
Manager ensures the short- and long-term maintenance, security, and safety of the
NWCC’s historic properties and grounds, including the National Willa Cather Center
(30,000 square feet); the Red Cloud Opera House (11,000 square feet); and nine sites on the
National Register of Historic Places, including Willa Cather’s Childhood Home (a National
Historic Landmark), the Burlington Depot, the Farmers and Merchants Bank, the Cather
Second Home, Pavelka Farmstead, J.L. Miner House, and three historic churches.
The Facilities & Preservation Manager works as part of the Collections team to ensure
efficient maintenance and repair of properties within a framework of the Secretary of
Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation; acts on behalf of the NWCC when engaging
and overseeing the work of independent contractors and vendors; and assists NWCC
leadership in planning and prioritizing regular preventative maintenance and capital
improvements. Duties include evaluation of and contribution to sites-related procedures
and documents, such as disaster planning, integrated pest management, environmental
monitoring, and maintenance scheduling.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
● Proactively review all general maintenance records and maintain detailed
maintenance files on all HVAC units, security systems, fire suppression systems, and
other equipment
● Maintain compliance with applicable regulations by completing regularly scheduled
inspections per established schedules and update maintenance checklists as needed
● Oversee the safe and proper maintenance of equipment and tools including
coordinating repairs and/or replacement and ensuring all are returned to
appropriate storage areas
● Ensure that security, fire, and emergency safety equipment is inspected and in good
working order
● Respond to and resolve issues regarding security systems, buildings, and grounds
● Manage and conduct basic maintenance and repairs including carpentry, plumbing,
electrical, and engaging outside vendors/contractors with approval
● Keep centralized detailed records of preservation work completed, costs, warranty
cards, paint colors, and other pertinent material
● Oversee construction projects, ensuring timely completion within budget
● Regularly communicate maintenance priorities, concerns, and emergencies both
verbally in meetings and in written and digital communication
● Develop a long-range facility maintenance plan including necessary improvements
and costs
● Adhere to approved budget, managing expenses for the benefit of the organization
Education and Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree with technical training in facility management,
construction, or a related field is preferred
● Minimum 1–3 years of experience as a facility manager or related profession that
involved conducting repairs and renovations including carpentry, plumbing,
electrical, etc.
● Well versed in facilities management and historic preservation best practices and
the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, or a willingness to
pursue professional development to acquire this knowledge
● Outstanding communication skills, organizational skills, and impeccable attention to
detail
● Ability to work collaboratively
● Strong analytical skills to review complex information in order to make decisions
based on priorities and budget availability
● Experience using Gmail, Google Calendar and Drive, and Microsoft applications
● Ability to have a flexible work schedule when needed (occasional evenings and
weekends)
● Appreciation for rural America, small town life, and local history
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
● Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 lbs.
● Must be able to perform moderate to heavy manual labor
● Must be able to crawl, bend, stretch, and climb while performing routine tasks
● Must be able to work in non-temperature controlled areas throughout the year
● Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a motor vehicle
Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time, salaried position. Competitive compensation will be based on
experience. Benefits, including health insurance, IRA, paid holidays, and paid time off
(PTO) are available.
This job description may evolve over time. Duties and the position status are subject to
periodic updates. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different
and/or additional responsibilities.
To apply, send cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to:
The Willa Cather Foundation
Attn: Human Resources
413 North Webster Street
Red Cloud, NE 68970
[email protected] | www.WillaCather.org
DEADLINE: Applicants are encouraged to apply by June 15. The position will remain open
until filled.


Summer Internship
Table Rock Historical Society & Museum (Table Rock, Nebraska)

Temporary, Full-Time
Salary: $17.50 per hour

The Table Rock Historical Society seeks a summer employee beginning immediately.  The pay is $17.50 an hour, work is full-time for up to 10 weeks, and the schedule is flexible as to both hours and days.  Some  remote work is possible.  Work may begin immediately or as soon as convenient, and may if desired may extend into the early Fall semester.  The Historical Society maintains nine museum buildings, most housed in historic buildings constructed between 1877 and 1915 and also has an extensive photograph collection. This is an opportunity to enjoy an idyllic summer in a tiny town.  Table Rock is in southeast Nebraska, about 70 miles southeast of Lincoln and 90 miles south of Omaha.  It is a town of 239 people, almost all of whom are proud of their history.  The downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places as is the Opera House Museum in its own right. The cemetery is listed in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom maintained by the National Park Service.  It also has a strong history as a railroad town and as part of an extensive settlement of Bohemian immigrants.

Knowledge of PastPerfect, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are required, and an interest in (and talent for) storytelling. The primary work is preparing an inventory of extensive holdings, including especially entries in PastPerfect. However, a great number of resume-building projects are available to choose from such as planning and execution of exhibitions and displays, recording oral history relating to our collection of farm equipment and our train museum,   

Free accommodation is being made available in a historic private home on the public square.  The student can walk to work, which is only two blocks away, less if cutting diagonally across the public square. 

To apply, send an email to [email protected] and describe your qualifications. Include your contact information and discussion can follow.


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