Description

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 year—transforming curatorial vision into immersive exhibitions that connect people to art and ideas. As a key member of the Curatorial Affairs division, you’ll orchestrate the planning, production, and delivery of the Museum’s ambitious exhibition program, from major international partnerships to beloved permanent collection rotations.

What You’ll Do

• Lead with vision and precision. Drive the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of exhibitions that reflect the Museum’s mission and artistic excellence.
• Build bridges across departments. Partner with curators, designers, educators, and marketing teams to ensure every project runs seamlessly—from 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.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• A seasoned exhibition professional with 7–10 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 operations—including 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

Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings, weekends, and travel for exhibition openings, special events, or site visits.

Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that values scholarship, creativity, and community engagement—while shaping the future of one of the nation’s most important art institutions. Every exhibition you help create will deepen connections between art and audiences and strengthen the Museum’s impact on Kansas City and beyond.

Why the Nelson-Atkins?
We are a vibrant, free-admission museum with a world-class collection spanning 5,000 years of global creativity. We are committed to scholarship, accessibility, diversity, and to creating a sense of belonging for all. Here, you’ll 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 
Our compensation philosophy values both market competitiveness and internal fairness, ensuring that every employee’s contribution is recognized and rewarded.

Starting Salary Range: $102,485 – $115,318 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

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&culture@nelson-atkins.org

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, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.