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Specialist, World Religions

The Nelson-Atkins

Job Location:

Kansas City, MO - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 10 June 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 7 September 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Specialist World Religions

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City Missouri

Status: Full-Time Exempt (35 hours per week)

Salary Range: $46762 - $58 504 per year

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 and diversityand to creating a sense of belonging for all. Here youll join a team that believes art can inspire challenge and transformand that every visitor should feel welcome to explore and be moved by what they see.

Position Summary

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art seeks a Specialist World Religions to support research interpretation and programming that explores the intersections of art global religious traditions spirituality and cultural practice. Working across multiple Museum divisions this position serves as a subject matter expert and resource for the accurate respectful and inclusive representation of religious traditions and cultural perspectives within exhibitions collections programs and community engagement initiatives.

Reporting to the Deputy Director Learning & Engagement the Specialist collaborates with colleagues across Curatorial Learning & Engagement Interpretation and the Directors Office to develop content and experiences that deepen public understanding of art and its connections to religious and cultural traditions.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct research on artworks connected to global religious traditions including Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Islam Judaism and Indigenous beliefs and cultural practices.
Contribute religious spiritual and cultural context to exhibitions installations and related interpretive materials.
Develop and review gallery texts printed materials digital content audio tours and other interpretive resources.
Plan and facilitate lectures workshops discussions and public programs related to religion spirituality and cultural practice.
Support educational initiatives including docent training educator programs school partnerships family programs and community events.
Serve as an internal consultant on the respectful and accurate representation of religious subjects and traditions.
Build and maintain relationships with faith leaders scholars community organizations and cultural partners.
Facilitate advisory groups and engage community stakeholders to inform exhibitions interpretation and programming.
Support cross-departmental initiatives and other Museum projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Masters degree in Religious Studies Theology Divinity Art History or a related field.
Minimum of two years of experience in research writing public interpretation education program development or a related area.
Demonstrated knowledge of world religions spirituality and cultural traditions.
Strong research writing presentation and communication skills.
Ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences in accessible and engaging ways.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.

Preferred

Experience working in a museum cultural institution educational setting or public humanities organization.
Experience developing public-facing educational or interpretive content.
Experience working with community advisory groups faith communities or cultural organizations.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a professional office and museum environment.
Position requires occasional evening and weekend work to support programs events and community engagement activities.
Position may require local travel within the Kansas City metropolitan area to meet with community partners and stakeholders.

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 learning with our Learning Management System

Financial Security

Employer retirement contributions
Life and disability insurance

Culture & Mission

An inspiring art-filled work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive
Opportunities to attend exclusive exhibition previews lectures and community events.
The chance to make a tangible impact on access to the arts and cultural engagement.
A creative inclusive culture that values scholarship collaboration and balance

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&

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.

Salary information is a general guideline only. The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position candidates work experience education/training key skills internal peer equity as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

Required Experience:

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