Head, Exhibition Planning

Head Exhibition Planning

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Kansas City Missouri

About the Role

Are you an inspired leader who thrives at the intersection of creativity collaboration and execution The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art seeks a dynamic Head Exhibition Planning to bring world-class exhibitions to life.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the artistic experience of hundreds of thousands of visitors each yeartransforming curatorial vision into immersive exhibitions that connect people to art and ideas. As a key member of the Curatorial Affairs division youll orchestrate the planning production and delivery of the Museums ambitious exhibition program from major international partnerships to beloved permanent collection rotations.

What Youll Do

• Lead with vision and precision. Drive the planning coordination and successful delivery of exhibitions that reflect the Museums mission and artistic excellence.

• Build bridges across departments. Partner with curators designers educators and marketing teams to ensure every project runs seamlesslyfrom concept to installation.

• Shape the exhibition calendar. Oversee the long-range schedule and workflow for all exhibitions ensuring strategic alignment and resource optimization.

• Manage budgets and logistics. Develop and monitor budgets for exhibitions and publications while balancing creative ambition with fiscal responsibility.

• Elevate collaboration. Serve as the key liaison for national and international partners fostering relationships that bring innovative and globally relevant projects to Kansas City.

• Inspire excellence. Lead cross-functional teams and nurture a culture of accountability creativity and shared success.

What Were Looking For

• A seasoned exhibition professional with 710 years of experience in art museum exhibition planning or project management.

• Proven experience managing large-scale high-impact exhibitions with multiple stakeholders and international components.

• Strong knowledge of museum operationsincluding conservation registration design and budgeting best practices.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; you lead through influence and collaboration.

• Proficiency with project management software and the ability to navigate complex timelines with grace.

• A passion for the arts and a belief in their power to connect communities and spark discovery.

Work Schedule

MondayFriday with occasional evenings weekends and travel for exhibition openings special events or site visits.

Why Join Us

Youll be part of a collaborative mission-driven team that values scholarship creativity and community engagementwhile shaping the future of one of the nations most important art institutions. Every exhibition you help create will deepen connections between art and audiences and strengthen the Museums impact on Kansas City and beyond.

Why the Nelson-Atkins

We are a vibrant free-admission museum with a world-class collection spanning 5000 years of global creativity. We are committed to scholarship accessibility diversity and to creating a sense of belonging for all. Here youll join a team that believes art can inspire challenge and transform so that every visitor should feel welcome to explore and be moved by what they see.

Compensation

Starting Salary Range: $102485 $115318 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Health & Wellness

• Medical dental and vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Onsite wellness center and fitness classes

• Paid parental leave or family leave

Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off and ten calendar holidays

• 35-hour work week for most positions (M-F)

Professional Growth

• Paid professional development opportunities

• Conference attendance or travel support

• Free access to exhibitions and reciprocal admission to partner museums

• Access to continuing education programs

Financial Security

• Employer retirement contributions

• Life and disability insurance

Non-Discrimination

The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color persons with disabilities women and LGBTQ applicants.

We do not discriminate based on race religion color sex gender identity sexual orientation age disability national origin veteran status or any other legally protected basis. All employment decisions are based on qualifications merit and business needs.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please contact the People & Culture division at people&