Career Opportunity for a Program Associate

The Willa Cather Foundation seeks an outgoing and enthusiastic individual who values literature and the arts to fill a Program Associate role. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the museum and arts fields by joining the team of a collaborative and visionary nonprofit organization. Interested candidates should apply by November 30. 

Program Associate

Summary/Objective: The role of the Program Associate is to assist with planning, executing, and promoting arts and educational events at the National Willa Cather Center and Red Cloud Opera House. The Program Associate works closely and collaboratively with education staff and a programming committee to coordinate performances, exhibits, guided tours, and conferences, as well as associated virtual and in-person programs. 

About the WCF: The Willa Cather Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather through education, preservation, and the arts. Since its founding in 1955, the WCF has been located in Red Cloud—a small and vibrant community in south-central Nebraska.

Program Planning Essential Functions:

  • Organize and participate in monthly meetings of the programming committee to select and plan exhibits, as well as education and arts programming
  • Accept proposals and identify visual and performing artists for consideration
  • Maintain a database of artists and performers for consideration
  • Correspond with artists, colleagues, and sound/lighting tech to finalize event logistics
  • Ensure all contractual obligations and contract riders are met
  • Collect patron satisfaction surveys and assist with reporting of information for grant proposals and reports
  • Maintain program budget, track attendance, ticket sales, expenditures, and other transactions 
  • Create basic support documents for events (programs, posters, postcards) from existing templates.
  • Assist with creating and maintaining event webpages, digital galleries, and supplemental materials for performances and exhibitions
  • Share event staffing duties with other staff members 

Museum and Curatorial Essential Functions:

  • Provide frontline support as a tour guide during peak season
  • Hang art exhibits, with assistance from colleagues and volunteers
  • Assist with preparing rotational display of artifacts in museum exhibits
  • Help with preparation, coordination, and staffing of museum events and group and school tours

Education and Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but relevant coursework in the humanities or fine arts will also be considered
  • Prior experience in the nonprofit field is preferred, but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of and willingness to use standard office equipment and software
  • An understanding of literature, the humanities, and the arts
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively and professionally 
  • The ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team
  • A life-long learner who embraces opportunities to continue to grow professionally
  • Adeptness to reprioritize projects as new assignments arise
  • The flexibility to work as part of a small team that often wears multiple hats

Schedule and Work Environment: Generally Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekends as needed for events. Flex time is available. Candidates must be available to work on site at least 3 days each week; remote work will be available after a 30-day onboarding. 

Salary and Benefits:  A competitive wage will be based on experience. Benefits, including health insurance, IRA, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) are available. Housing and relocation support are also available.

This job description may evolve over time. Duties and the position status are subject to periodic updating. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different and/or additional responsibilities. 

To apply, send cover letter, résumé, and the names of three professional references to:  

The Willa Cather Foundation 
Attn: Human Resources 
413 North Webster Street 
Red Cloud, NE 68970 
humanresources@willacather.org
www.WillaCather.org

DEADLINE: Applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, November 30. The position will remain open until filled.