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DANCE
IDEAS
- The Joslyn Art Museum seeks 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. Together, these buildings expand access to art while creating a dynamic, welcoming environment that connects galleries and community spaces.
Through a robust program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, The Joslyn engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds while amplifying diverse artistic voices and perspectives. In 2025, The Joslyn welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from all 50 states and 62 countries, hosted 10 temporary exhibitions, and acquired 154 artworks, further strengthening its collection and reach. Of those visitors, more than 100,000 individuals participated in Learning & Engagement programs designed to connect audiences with The Joslyn’s exhibitions, collections, campus, and community.
The Joslyn’s Learning & Engagement Department offers a wide range of programs for all ages, abilities, and interests, including free monthly community events, public tours in English, Spanish, and ASL, school tours, lectures, and collaborative programs with local arts and community organizations. Grounded in a commitment to access and inclusion, these initiatives are developed in partnership with community stakeholders and across museum departments to ensure meaningful engagement and broad participation. Through this work, and with national and international recognition for its leadership, innovation, and community impact, The Joslyn continues to evolve as a place where art, community, and creativity come together to enrich lives and strengthen civic vitality.
The Joslyn Art Museum has a 27-member board of governors. The Director of Learning & Engagement reports to Jack Becker, Executive Director & CEO, and oversees a department of 25 full-time and part-time staff members and contractors, including four direct reports: the Head of Community Programs, Head of School & Teacher Programs, Head of Studio Programs, and Head of Kent Bellow Mentoring Program. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, The Joslyn reported total revenue of $9.9 million. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, is $10.3 million.
Sources: edited from joslyn.org; propublica.org
Community
Located on the Missouri River on the eastern border of Nebraska, Omaha acts as a gateway between the agricultural Midwest and the High Plains to the west. Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and home to more than 480,000 residents, anchoring a metropolitan area of nearly one million people. As the economic and cultural center of the region, Omaha is known for its diverse economy spanning finance, transportation, healthcare, and technology, alongside a strong tradition of civic leadership and community investment. The city offers a high quality of life with affordable living, welcoming neighborhoods, and a growing reputation as a destination for both businesses and families.
Omaha combines historic character with modern development, featuring distinct districts such as the Old Market, where brick streets, local restaurants, galleries, and boutiques create a vibrant urban experience. Residents benefit from an extensive park system, riverfront redevelopment, and recreational amenities that support an active lifestyle year-round. The city’s central location and accessibility enhance its appeal, connecting residents to regional and national destinations while maintaining a strong sense of local identity.
Arts and culture are integral to Omaha’s community fabric. In addition to The Joslyn, a vibrant network of organizations, including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Opera Omaha, Omaha Performing Arts, KANEKO, Lauritzen Gardens & Botanical Center, The Durham Museum, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, anchors the city’s creative life and provides diverse opportunities for cultural engagement. The City of Omaha supports a wide range of cultural initiatives, public art, and community events that celebrate creativity and foster inclusion. Through partnerships among municipal leadership, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits, Omaha continues to strengthen its cultural ecosystem. With its blend of economic vitality, cultural richness, and community commitment, Omaha provides an inspiring environment for leaders seeking to contribute to a dynamic and evolving city.
Sources: cityofomaha.org; census.gov
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 hands-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 and Education will be a collaborative, people-centered leader who is 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. Guided by a balanced and thoughtful approach, they will value multiple perspectives and foster a harmonious environment that supports creativity, access, and engagement. Highly interactive and relationship-driven, they will build trust across staff, educators, community partners, and learners, while remaining adaptable and versatile in a dynamic setting that requires frequent shifts in priorities. With a strong orientation toward audience needs and experiences, they will demonstrate consistency, sound judgment, and the ability to translate vision into responsive, high-quality programs that advance The Joslyn’s mission.
Other key competencies include:
• Teamwork and Understanding Others – The capability to cooperate to meet objectives while understanding the uniqueness and contributions of others.
• Time and Priority Management – The organizational acumen to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Planning and Organizing – The ability to establish courses of action to ensure that work is completed effectively.
• 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 effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues.Qualifications
A master’s degree in education, museum studies, or a related field is desired, along with five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in museum education, including demonstrated leadership experience. A proven ability to develop and implement innovative educational programs, contribute to institutional strategy and senior leadership initiatives, and effectively manage and build diverse teams of paid staff and volunteers is essential. The Director will possess strong interpersonal, team-building, organizational, planning, and financial management skills, as well as a 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, is required, along with the ability to pass an extensive background check and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
Compensation and Benefits
The Joslyn provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 with the potential for an annual bonus. Benefits include a comprehensive health plan offering medical (PPO), prescription, and dental coverage, as well as voluntary vision coverage. Employer-paid benefits include basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage. Retirement savings are supported through a 403(b) plan with a 50% employer match on employee contributions up to 7% of annual salary (with employer contributions beginning after one year).
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-joslyn-art-museum-seeks-director-of-learning-engagement/
Email TheJoslyn@ArtsConsulting.com
The Joslyn is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Joslyn that all applicants and employees are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. The Joslyn is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive work environment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, such as hiring, promotion, and training, and aims to prevent retaliation against individuals engaged in protected activities.
- Pulitzers Land, Institutions Wobble
Good Morning,
This year’s Pulitzers were announced. Bess Wohl’s Liberation took Drama (Playbill). Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor, premiered last year by the Philadelphia Orchestra, won Music (Philadelphia Inquirer). Mark Lamster of the Dallas Morning News won Criticism for his architecture columns about downtown Dallas (Dallas Morning News). The book prizes went to Lepore, Li, Vaill, Kraus, Goldstone, and Spahr (Literary Hub).
The wobbles, meanwhile: the BBC’s newsroom is taking the deepest cuts in what will be the broadcaster’s biggest downsizing in 15 years — 2,000 jobs in total (The Guardian). IATSE has filed labor charges against the Kennedy Center over union layoffs ahead of its Trump-ordered renovation (TheWrap). Boston’s GBH and New England Public Media are merging into one statewide network (Inside Radio). And Leon Botstein is stepping down at Bard after 51 years, following new revelations about his ties to Epstein (AP).
Elsewhere: the Academy of Motion Pictures ruled AI actors and screenplays ineligible for Oscars (TechCrunch). Beatrice Venezi, fired from La Fenice opera house, says Italy’s right “used me and threw me away” (Moto Perpetuo). And Iran withdrew from the Venice Biennale days before opening, organizers offering no explanation (Artforum).
All of our stories below.
- A Visit To Africa’s Largest Contemporary Dance Festival
“Founded in 1997, the African Dance Biennial has spent nearly three decades rotating across African cities — most recently Maputo, Mozambique, in 2023 — with the aim of raising the visibility of choreographic work on the continent. The three-day event, which closed Sunday, was held at the École des Sables … in Toubab Dialao, Senegal.” – AP
- Trends In Biennale Artists And Their Work
The most-visible type is an artist who digs into the history of colonialism, surfaces some charged document or symbol, and highlights it by doing something poetic with it. The tone is more reflective than truly didactic. Often, the art is channeling the look of an exhibit in a science or history museum. – Artnet
- Conductor Fired From Venice’s Opera House Speaks Out
Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as music director of Teatro La Fenice was greeted with an avalanche of criticism that she was unqualified, hired only because she’s a protégée of Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Now Venezi says, “The (political) Right needed my clean face; they used me and then threw me away.” – Moto Perpetuo
ISSUES
- Trends In Biennale Artists And Their Work
The most-visible type is an artist who digs into the history of colonialism, surfaces some charged document or symbol, and highlights it by doing something poetic with it. The tone is more reflective than truly didactic. Often, the art is channeling the look of an exhibit in a science or history museum. – Artnet
- Days Before Opening, Iran Withdraws From Venice Biennale
“On Monday, in a statement, Biennale organizers announced that Iran had dropped out and would no longer be exhibiting its planned pavilion. The announcement comes … amid a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. Organizers offered no information as to why Iran had decided to bow out.” – Artforum
- Architecture Critic Mark Lamster Of Dallas Morning News Wins Pulitzer Prize For Criticism
“Lamster won for a series of columns about downtown Dallas that sparked civic debate and revealed how past decisions have shaped the present. A focus of his criticism has been the fate of Dallas City Hall, a celebrated yet controversial work of brutalist design by architect I.M. Pei.” – The Dallas Morning News (MSN)
- Backlash Mounts To Met Gala Because of Bezos Sponsorship
Opposition to the Bezoses started almost immediately after they were announced as financial sponsors in February, and comes amid a surging anti-rich sentiment nationwide and in New York City, the event’s liberal home. – The New York Times
- Could The Met’s Costume Institute Survive The Los Of Its Gala?
Along with this year’s inauguration of the new Condé M. Nast Galleries in the Great Hall, which will house the Costume Institute’s blockbuster shows, the endowment fund represents a drastic transformation in the position of the Costume Institute, not to mention its relationship to the party held in its honor. – The New York Times
MEDIA
- Study: Relocating New Orleans Needs To Start Now Because Of Climate Change
The process of relocating people from New Orleans should start immediately, as the city has reached a “point of no return” that will see it surrounded by the ocean within decades due to the climate crisis, a stark new study has concluded. – The Guardian
- Just How Long Should An Arts Leader Stay?
As one artist told ArtsHub: ‘Artistic director and executive director jobs are so few and far between in Australia that it is no wonder that when someone is appointed to one, they hold on to them for more than 10 years. – ArtsHub
- Backstage Workers’ Union Files Charges Against Kennedy Center Over Layoffs
“The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has filed charges (with the National Labor relations Board) against the Kennedy Center, accusing management of permanently cutting union jobs as it prepares to close for a two-year renovation at the behest of President Trump.” – TheWrap (Yahoo!)
- The New Workplace Surveillance Wants To Keep Your Emotions In Check
“It is not that hard for me to imagine a near future in which workers in all industries are pushed to work not only harder and more, but more happily and more agreeably. This is the new era of employee surveillance: invisible, AI-supercharged, always on.” – The Atlantic
- All The President’s Men Is Now Fifty
Why does that matter? Robert Redford, for one, “insisted that fearless owners were every bit as important in preserving democracy as the reporters he and Hoffman helped glamorize.” – Los Angeles Times (MSN)
MUSIC
- 2026 Pulitzer Prizes For Books Go To Jill Lepore, Yiyun Lin, Amanda Vaill, Daniel Kraus, Brian Goldstone, Juliana Spahr
Kraus’s Angel Down took fiction honors; Goldstone’s There Is No Place for Us won for general nonfiction; Lepore’s We the People took history honors; Vaill’s study of the Schuyler sisters, Pride and Pleasure, won for biography; Li’s Things In Nature Merely Grow won for memoir; Spahr’s Ars Poetica was honored for poetry. – Literary Hub
- Mass Author Walkout Imperils Prestigious Australian Publisher
At least 17 authors have ended their contracts with UQP or vowed not to work with the publisher again, after a series of events stemming from responses to the Israel-Gaza war culminated in last week’s cancellation of a children’s book by the Indigenous poet Jazz Money. – The Guardian
- How Booker-Nominated Author Katie Kitamura Reads
“Even a book that I know I wouldn’t enjoy now would still be interesting to read, to figure out how both it and I had changed. And there is always the possibility that I would enjoy it after all. Books are always surprising you.” – The Guardian (UK)
- The Struggle To Protect Mauritania’s Medieval Library Town
Chinguetti developed as a trading post on the trans-Sahara caravan route to Timbuktu — and, as in Timbuktu, over the centuries Chinguetti families came to amass important collections of medieval manuscripts on religion, law, and science. Now, as the population dwindles and the desert sand encroaches, preserving these collections is a challenge. – The Dial
- Idaho Legislature Changes Book Ban As Court Challenges Continue
The three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit wrote that HB 710 enables a “system of informal censorship” and potentially “encourages formal censorship through the legal process. The First Amendment does not tolerate either outcome.” – Publishers Weekly
PEOPLE
- The Joslyn Art Museum seeks 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. Together, these buildings expand access to art while creating a dynamic, welcoming environment that connects galleries and community spaces.
Through a robust program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, The Joslyn engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds while amplifying diverse artistic voices and perspectives. In 2025, The Joslyn welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from all 50 states and 62 countries, hosted 10 temporary exhibitions, and acquired 154 artworks, further strengthening its collection and reach. Of those visitors, more than 100,000 individuals participated in Learning & Engagement programs designed to connect audiences with The Joslyn’s exhibitions, collections, campus, and community.
The Joslyn’s Learning & Engagement Department offers a wide range of programs for all ages, abilities, and interests, including free monthly community events, public tours in English, Spanish, and ASL, school tours, lectures, and collaborative programs with local arts and community organizations. Grounded in a commitment to access and inclusion, these initiatives are developed in partnership with community stakeholders and across museum departments to ensure meaningful engagement and broad participation. Through this work, and with national and international recognition for its leadership, innovation, and community impact, The Joslyn continues to evolve as a place where art, community, and creativity come together to enrich lives and strengthen civic vitality.
The Joslyn Art Museum has a 27-member board of governors. The Director of Learning & Engagement reports to Jack Becker, Executive Director & CEO, and oversees a department of 25 full-time and part-time staff members and contractors, including four direct reports: the Head of Community Programs, Head of School & Teacher Programs, Head of Studio Programs, and Head of Kent Bellow Mentoring Program. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, The Joslyn reported total revenue of $9.9 million. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, is $10.3 million.
Sources: edited from joslyn.org; propublica.org
Community
Located on the Missouri River on the eastern border of Nebraska, Omaha acts as a gateway between the agricultural Midwest and the High Plains to the west. Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and home to more than 480,000 residents, anchoring a metropolitan area of nearly one million people. As the economic and cultural center of the region, Omaha is known for its diverse economy spanning finance, transportation, healthcare, and technology, alongside a strong tradition of civic leadership and community investment. The city offers a high quality of life with affordable living, welcoming neighborhoods, and a growing reputation as a destination for both businesses and families.
Omaha combines historic character with modern development, featuring distinct districts such as the Old Market, where brick streets, local restaurants, galleries, and boutiques create a vibrant urban experience. Residents benefit from an extensive park system, riverfront redevelopment, and recreational amenities that support an active lifestyle year-round. The city’s central location and accessibility enhance its appeal, connecting residents to regional and national destinations while maintaining a strong sense of local identity.
Arts and culture are integral to Omaha’s community fabric. In addition to The Joslyn, a vibrant network of organizations, including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Opera Omaha, Omaha Performing Arts, KANEKO, Lauritzen Gardens & Botanical Center, The Durham Museum, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, anchors the city’s creative life and provides diverse opportunities for cultural engagement. The City of Omaha supports a wide range of cultural initiatives, public art, and community events that celebrate creativity and foster inclusion. Through partnerships among municipal leadership, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits, Omaha continues to strengthen its cultural ecosystem. With its blend of economic vitality, cultural richness, and community commitment, Omaha provides an inspiring environment for leaders seeking to contribute to a dynamic and evolving city.
Sources: cityofomaha.org; census.gov
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 hands-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 and Education will be a collaborative, people-centered leader who is 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. Guided by a balanced and thoughtful approach, they will value multiple perspectives and foster a harmonious environment that supports creativity, access, and engagement. Highly interactive and relationship-driven, they will build trust across staff, educators, community partners, and learners, while remaining adaptable and versatile in a dynamic setting that requires frequent shifts in priorities. With a strong orientation toward audience needs and experiences, they will demonstrate consistency, sound judgment, and the ability to translate vision into responsive, high-quality programs that advance The Joslyn’s mission.
Other key competencies include:
• Teamwork and Understanding Others – The capability to cooperate to meet objectives while understanding the uniqueness and contributions of others.
• Time and Priority Management – The organizational acumen to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Planning and Organizing – The ability to establish courses of action to ensure that work is completed effectively.
• 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 effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues.Qualifications
A master’s degree in education, museum studies, or a related field is desired, along with five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in museum education, including demonstrated leadership experience. A proven ability to develop and implement innovative educational programs, contribute to institutional strategy and senior leadership initiatives, and effectively manage and build diverse teams of paid staff and volunteers is essential. The Director will possess strong interpersonal, team-building, organizational, planning, and financial management skills, as well as a 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, is required, along with the ability to pass an extensive background check and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
Compensation and Benefits
The Joslyn provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 with the potential for an annual bonus. Benefits include a comprehensive health plan offering medical (PPO), prescription, and dental coverage, as well as voluntary vision coverage. Employer-paid benefits include basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage. Retirement savings are supported through a 403(b) plan with a 50% employer match on employee contributions up to 7% of annual salary (with employer contributions beginning after one year).
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-joslyn-art-museum-seeks-director-of-learning-engagement/
Email TheJoslyn@ArtsConsulting.com
The Joslyn is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Joslyn that all applicants and employees are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. The Joslyn is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive work environment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, such as hiring, promotion, and training, and aims to prevent retaliation against individuals engaged in protected activities.
- Pulitzers Land, Institutions Wobble
Good Morning,
This year’s Pulitzers were announced. Bess Wohl’s Liberation took Drama (Playbill). Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor, premiered last year by the Philadelphia Orchestra, won Music (Philadelphia Inquirer). Mark Lamster of the Dallas Morning News won Criticism for his architecture columns about downtown Dallas (Dallas Morning News). The book prizes went to Lepore, Li, Vaill, Kraus, Goldstone, and Spahr (Literary Hub).
The wobbles, meanwhile: the BBC’s newsroom is taking the deepest cuts in what will be the broadcaster’s biggest downsizing in 15 years — 2,000 jobs in total (The Guardian). IATSE has filed labor charges against the Kennedy Center over union layoffs ahead of its Trump-ordered renovation (TheWrap). Boston’s GBH and New England Public Media are merging into one statewide network (Inside Radio). And Leon Botstein is stepping down at Bard after 51 years, following new revelations about his ties to Epstein (AP).
Elsewhere: the Academy of Motion Pictures ruled AI actors and screenplays ineligible for Oscars (TechCrunch). Beatrice Venezi, fired from La Fenice opera house, says Italy’s right “used me and threw me away” (Moto Perpetuo). And Iran withdrew from the Venice Biennale days before opening, organizers offering no explanation (Artforum).
All of our stories below.
- A Visit To Africa’s Largest Contemporary Dance Festival
“Founded in 1997, the African Dance Biennial has spent nearly three decades rotating across African cities — most recently Maputo, Mozambique, in 2023 — with the aim of raising the visibility of choreographic work on the continent. The three-day event, which closed Sunday, was held at the École des Sables … in Toubab Dialao, Senegal.” – AP
- Trends In Biennale Artists And Their Work
The most-visible type is an artist who digs into the history of colonialism, surfaces some charged document or symbol, and highlights it by doing something poetic with it. The tone is more reflective than truly didactic. Often, the art is channeling the look of an exhibit in a science or history museum. – Artnet
- Conductor Fired From Venice’s Opera House Speaks Out
Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as music director of Teatro La Fenice was greeted with an avalanche of criticism that she was unqualified, hired only because she’s a protégée of Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Now Venezi says, “The (political) Right needed my clean face; they used me and then threw me away.” – Moto Perpetuo
PEOPLE
- The Joslyn Art Museum seeks 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. Together, these buildings expand access to art while creating a dynamic, welcoming environment that connects galleries and community spaces.
Through a robust program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, The Joslyn engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds while amplifying diverse artistic voices and perspectives. In 2025, The Joslyn welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from all 50 states and 62 countries, hosted 10 temporary exhibitions, and acquired 154 artworks, further strengthening its collection and reach. Of those visitors, more than 100,000 individuals participated in Learning & Engagement programs designed to connect audiences with The Joslyn’s exhibitions, collections, campus, and community.
The Joslyn’s Learning & Engagement Department offers a wide range of programs for all ages, abilities, and interests, including free monthly community events, public tours in English, Spanish, and ASL, school tours, lectures, and collaborative programs with local arts and community organizations. Grounded in a commitment to access and inclusion, these initiatives are developed in partnership with community stakeholders and across museum departments to ensure meaningful engagement and broad participation. Through this work, and with national and international recognition for its leadership, innovation, and community impact, The Joslyn continues to evolve as a place where art, community, and creativity come together to enrich lives and strengthen civic vitality.
The Joslyn Art Museum has a 27-member board of governors. The Director of Learning & Engagement reports to Jack Becker, Executive Director & CEO, and oversees a department of 25 full-time and part-time staff members and contractors, including four direct reports: the Head of Community Programs, Head of School & Teacher Programs, Head of Studio Programs, and Head of Kent Bellow Mentoring Program. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, The Joslyn reported total revenue of $9.9 million. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, is $10.3 million.
Sources: edited from joslyn.org; propublica.org
Community
Located on the Missouri River on the eastern border of Nebraska, Omaha acts as a gateway between the agricultural Midwest and the High Plains to the west. Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and home to more than 480,000 residents, anchoring a metropolitan area of nearly one million people. As the economic and cultural center of the region, Omaha is known for its diverse economy spanning finance, transportation, healthcare, and technology, alongside a strong tradition of civic leadership and community investment. The city offers a high quality of life with affordable living, welcoming neighborhoods, and a growing reputation as a destination for both businesses and families.
Omaha combines historic character with modern development, featuring distinct districts such as the Old Market, where brick streets, local restaurants, galleries, and boutiques create a vibrant urban experience. Residents benefit from an extensive park system, riverfront redevelopment, and recreational amenities that support an active lifestyle year-round. The city’s central location and accessibility enhance its appeal, connecting residents to regional and national destinations while maintaining a strong sense of local identity.
Arts and culture are integral to Omaha’s community fabric. In addition to The Joslyn, a vibrant network of organizations, including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Opera Omaha, Omaha Performing Arts, KANEKO, Lauritzen Gardens & Botanical Center, The Durham Museum, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, anchors the city’s creative life and provides diverse opportunities for cultural engagement. The City of Omaha supports a wide range of cultural initiatives, public art, and community events that celebrate creativity and foster inclusion. Through partnerships among municipal leadership, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits, Omaha continues to strengthen its cultural ecosystem. With its blend of economic vitality, cultural richness, and community commitment, Omaha provides an inspiring environment for leaders seeking to contribute to a dynamic and evolving city.
Sources: cityofomaha.org; census.gov
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 hands-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 and Education will be a collaborative, people-centered leader who is 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. Guided by a balanced and thoughtful approach, they will value multiple perspectives and foster a harmonious environment that supports creativity, access, and engagement. Highly interactive and relationship-driven, they will build trust across staff, educators, community partners, and learners, while remaining adaptable and versatile in a dynamic setting that requires frequent shifts in priorities. With a strong orientation toward audience needs and experiences, they will demonstrate consistency, sound judgment, and the ability to translate vision into responsive, high-quality programs that advance The Joslyn’s mission.
Other key competencies include:
• Teamwork and Understanding Others – The capability to cooperate to meet objectives while understanding the uniqueness and contributions of others.
• Time and Priority Management – The organizational acumen to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Planning and Organizing – The ability to establish courses of action to ensure that work is completed effectively.
• 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 effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues.Qualifications
A master’s degree in education, museum studies, or a related field is desired, along with five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in museum education, including demonstrated leadership experience. A proven ability to develop and implement innovative educational programs, contribute to institutional strategy and senior leadership initiatives, and effectively manage and build diverse teams of paid staff and volunteers is essential. The Director will possess strong interpersonal, team-building, organizational, planning, and financial management skills, as well as a 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, is required, along with the ability to pass an extensive background check and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
Compensation and Benefits
The Joslyn provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 with the potential for an annual bonus. Benefits include a comprehensive health plan offering medical (PPO), prescription, and dental coverage, as well as voluntary vision coverage. Employer-paid benefits include basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage. Retirement savings are supported through a 403(b) plan with a 50% employer match on employee contributions up to 7% of annual salary (with employer contributions beginning after one year).
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-joslyn-art-museum-seeks-director-of-learning-engagement/
Email TheJoslyn@ArtsConsulting.com
The Joslyn is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Joslyn that all applicants and employees are entitled to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. The Joslyn is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive work environment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, such as hiring, promotion, and training, and aims to prevent retaliation against individuals engaged in protected activities.
- Pulitzers Land, Institutions Wobble
Good Morning,
This year’s Pulitzers were announced. Bess Wohl’s Liberation took Drama (Playbill). Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor, premiered last year by the Philadelphia Orchestra, won Music (Philadelphia Inquirer). Mark Lamster of the Dallas Morning News won Criticism for his architecture columns about downtown Dallas (Dallas Morning News). The book prizes went to Lepore, Li, Vaill, Kraus, Goldstone, and Spahr (Literary Hub).
The wobbles, meanwhile: the BBC’s newsroom is taking the deepest cuts in what will be the broadcaster’s biggest downsizing in 15 years — 2,000 jobs in total (The Guardian). IATSE has filed labor charges against the Kennedy Center over union layoffs ahead of its Trump-ordered renovation (TheWrap). Boston’s GBH and New England Public Media are merging into one statewide network (Inside Radio). And Leon Botstein is stepping down at Bard after 51 years, following new revelations about his ties to Epstein (AP).
Elsewhere: the Academy of Motion Pictures ruled AI actors and screenplays ineligible for Oscars (TechCrunch). Beatrice Venezi, fired from La Fenice opera house, says Italy’s right “used me and threw me away” (Moto Perpetuo). And Iran withdrew from the Venice Biennale days before opening, organizers offering no explanation (Artforum).
All of our stories below.
- A Visit To Africa’s Largest Contemporary Dance Festival
“Founded in 1997, the African Dance Biennial has spent nearly three decades rotating across African cities — most recently Maputo, Mozambique, in 2023 — with the aim of raising the visibility of choreographic work on the continent. The three-day event, which closed Sunday, was held at the École des Sables … in Toubab Dialao, Senegal.” – AP
- Trends In Biennale Artists And Their Work
The most-visible type is an artist who digs into the history of colonialism, surfaces some charged document or symbol, and highlights it by doing something poetic with it. The tone is more reflective than truly didactic. Often, the art is channeling the look of an exhibit in a science or history museum. – Artnet
- Conductor Fired From Venice’s Opera House Speaks Out
Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as music director of Teatro La Fenice was greeted with an avalanche of criticism that she was unqualified, hired only because she’s a protégée of Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Now Venezi says, “The (political) Right needed my clean face; they used me and then threw me away.” – Moto Perpetuo
THEATRE
VISUAL
- The Tiniest Particles In The Universe Don’t Tell You What The Universe Is
We are taught from a young age that matter is made of atoms, built from particles such as electrons, and electrons are not built from anything else. For this reason, these particles are sometimes said to be fundamental. But are they? Is the Universe really made from the smallest constituents? – Aeon
- So Maybe That AI Bubble Wasn’t Real After All
The worry that the country is building too many data centers now coexists with the fear that we won’t have enough of them to satisfy the public’s growing appetite for these products. And the company previously known as OpenAI’s junior competitor has become possibly the fastest-growing business in the history of capitalism. – The Atlantic
- When AI Surrounds Us, What’s The Point Of Human Minds?
“As great as humans are, we can still be impressed by how birds navigate, how ants cooperate, and how spiders hunt. Each of these animals has been shaped by its environment to be smart in a different way.” – The Guardian (UK)
- Stop Saying Satire Is Dead
“Can satire really change anything? Isn’t it a limp, almost quaint kind of protest?” – LitHub
- Wait, Portland Has Another New Analysis Saying Two Concert Halls Would Be Just Fine
Competing studies find that Portland can support one performing arts center or maybe two performing arts centers, or not. And of course, “Portland has appointed a number of advisory committees to study the choices more closely before holding public hearings to make a final decision.” – Oregon ArtsWatch
