Description

About Japanese American National Museum

Founded in 1992, the mission of the Japanese American National Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.

As the national repository of Japanese American history, the Japanese American National Museum
("JANM") creates groundbreaking historical and arts exhibitions, educational public programs, award-winning documentaries, and innovative curriculum that illuminate the stories and the rich cultural heritage of people of Japanese ancestry in the United States. JANM also speaks out when diversity, individual dignity, and social justice are undermined, vigilantly sharing the hard-fought lessons accrued from this history. Its underlying purpose is to transform lives, create a more just America and, ultimately, a better world. A leading institution in social justice, equity, and inclusion, JANM is committed to galvanizing and advocating for the AAPI community, and its voice has never been more urgent or relevant than during this time of rising hate, division, and racism.

JANM started as a dream, but without funding or a site. Within 20 years of its incorporation, JANM built a campus, traveled exhibitions internationally, became a Smithsonian Affiliate, received the National Medal for Museum and Library Services (America's highest honor for museums), secured its community's
history, and changed how Americans think about Japanese Americans.

In early 2023, JANM's work under the Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) was invigorated with new programming to convene and educate people of all ages about democracy to transform attitudes, influence culture, and promote civic engagement. Utilizing JANM's historical collection of artifacts, stories, and cultural perspective, the Democracy Center explores the rights, freedoms, and enduring fragility of democracy, helping to build bridges and find common ground between people of diverse backgrounds and opinions. Working at the nexus of community, arts, and social justice, the Democracy Center surfaces solutions for the most pressing issues facing democracy.

The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to amplifying its voice and impact. As announced in March 2026, JANM completed a historic comprehensive campaign and successfully raised over $108 million from 33,000 donors nationwide to revitalize, amplify, deliver, and secure the Museum's
future. With the completion of this campaign, JANM will continue to engage the community, deliver on the campaign's priorities, and prepare for the next major campaign to support the Museum's strategic initiatives.


For more information on the Japanese American National Museum, please visit JANM's website.

JANM's Current Moment

The Japanese American National Museum ("JANM") stands at a pivotal moment as it prepares for its highly anticipated reopening in late 2026 following a significant period of closure and renovation. This moment offers a rare opportunity for the institution to reflect on how it engages audiences and to reimagine the visitor experience for the next generation. As a nationally recognized cultural institution rooted in the powerful history of Japanese Americans, JANM continues to steward an important legacy while expanding its vision to reach broader and more diverse audiences locally, nationally, and digitally.

Across the museum, many teams contribute meaningfully to audience engagement, including visitor services, public programs, exhibitions, and national initiatives. As JANM prepares to reopen, there is a strong desire to bring greater cohesion to these efforts and align them under a unified strategy that enhances the overall visitor experience. At the same time, the organization is navigating common challenges facing cultural institutions, including resource constraints and evolving programmatic ambitions, while working to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Thanks to pent up demand from loyal constituents, increased national visibility, and stellar reputation, JANM anticipates large and enthusiastic audiences upon reopening. With a new strategic roadmap grounded in JANM's core values, the museum is poised to strengthen how it connects with communities and shares its mission in new and meaningful ways.

A Transformational Leadership Opportunity

The Vice President of Audience Engagement plays an integral role in shaping how JANM connects with visitors and communities at a pivotal moment for the institution. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, this leader provides strategic direction across the museum's public-facing functions to deepen engagement with existing audiences while cultivating new audiences connected to JANM's mission. As the museum prepares for its reopening, the Vice President will guide the development of cohesive strategies that align programs, partnerships, and visitor experiences with JANM's broader organizational priorities.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the Vice President of Audience Engagement will serve as a key thought partner in advancing impactful, inclusive, and mission-driven engagement across the institution. This leader will help unify the museum's audience-facing efforts, strengthen cross-department collaboration, and champion a welcoming and accessible visitor experience that reflects JANM's values. By translating strategic vision into compelling programs and experiences, the Vice President will play a central role in ensuring that JANM's reopening and future growth resonate with diverse audiences and communities for years to come.

A Transformational Leadership Opportunity

Vice President of Audience Engagement, Japanese American National Museum

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a matrix of public- and partner-facing teams, including the Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center), Public Programs, Visitor Experiences, and Facilities Rentals.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase relevance and engagement among existing and new audiences, in alignment with institutional goals.
• Steward the institutional program strategy, including local, regional, and national activations and partnerships.
• Oversee staff deployment and resource planning to support a robust, high-profile calendar of programs and events.
• Cultivate and sustain partnerships that advance programmatic goals and activate JANM's spaces.
• Collaborate with Directors and senior leaders to ensure alignment across programs, messaging, and communications.
• Develop and manage programmatic budgets that support a diverse and dynamic slate of engagement activities.
• Establish, monitor, and evaluate audience engagement goals to support institutional growth and team success, as well as fulfill external stakeholder requirements.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development support to Directors and functional leads.
• Assess visitor experiences and implement continuous improvement in customer service and accessibility practices. Foster an institution-wide culture of centering guest experience and needs, onsite, offsite, and virtually.
• Contribute to institutional strategy to engage evolving modes of storytelling, emerging technology, and innovations within the museum, attractions, and hospitality fields.
• Serve as a member of JANM's executive leadership team and a strategic thought partner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.

Candidate Profile

The Vice President of Audience Engagement will bring a combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise, and collaborative engagement skills to advance the mission of JANM. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience managing diverse, multi-functional teams in a complex organization, along with at least five years of experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation. This leader will demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills, the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners, and a track record of aligning people, programs, and resources to achieve shared institutional goals.

While it is understood that no one candidate will bring every desired skill, characteristic, and experience, the following offers a reflection of the ideal candidate profile for the Vice President of Audience Engagement:

Strategic Audience Engagement and Vision

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive audience engagement strategies that deepen relationships with existing audiences while expanding reach to new and diverse communities. Leverages audience insights, research methodologies, and data-driven tools (e.g., CRM systems or segmentation strategies) to inform decision-making and continuously refine engagement approaches. Proven success growing, diversifying, and retaining audiences across in-person, digital, and programmatic platforms, ensuring the museum's mission resonates locally and nationally. Experience in museums, cultural institutions, or mission-driven nonprofit environments is strongly preferred.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional or matrixed teams within dynamic organizations. Demonstrates the ability to align multiple departments, including visitor services, public programs, exhibitions, and external partnerships, to create a unified audience strategy while fostering collaboration,
clarity around shared institutional goals. Brings strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams, with executive leadership, and with external partners to advance audience engagement initiatives. Experience working across national or international partnerships or
multi-site initiatives is advantageous.

Program Strategy and Operational Execution

Strong track record in program development, implementation, and evaluation, including oversight of large-scale, high-profile, and multi-partner initiatives. Demonstrates the ability to translate strategic vision into effective execution by managing competing priorities, allocating resources strategically, and
overseeing programmatic budgets. Brings operational discipline and strategic judgment to support a dynamic calendar of public programs, events, and activations ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful experiences for visitors. Experience with earned-revenue programs, such as facilities rentals or public-facing programming, is a plus.

Relationship Building and Community Partnership

Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with demonstrated success cultivating meaningful partnerships across diverse stakeholders, including community organizations, cultural institutions, civic leaders, and funders. Able to represent JANM with credibility and authenticity in both internal and external settings, including high-level engagements and public-facing opportunities. Experience supporting development efforts, donor engagement, or partnership-driven programming is highly valued.

Inclusive Leadership and People Development

Accomplished people leader with experience managing, mentoring, and developing diverse, multi-functional teams, including senior staff and emerging leaders. Fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture that promotes professional growth, accountability, and shared ownership of institutional goals. Demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusion, embedding these values into programs, visitor experiences, and internal practices. Familiarity with visitor services and customer experience best practices, including staff training, service design, and accessibility standards, is preferred.

Data-Informed Strategy and Continuous Improvement

Strategic and analytical mindset with experience establishing KPIs, tracking performance metrics, and applying both quantitative and qualitative insights to inform decision-making. Uses audience data and evaluation frameworks to strengthen engagement strategies, enhance visitor experiences, and drive continuous improvement across programs and services. Demonstrates the ability to assess outcomes, adapt strategies, and align performance metrics with broader institutional goals.

Education
An advanced degree in arts administration, business, museum studies, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Vice President of Audience Engagement, Japanese American National MuseumCompensation and Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $130,000 -$150,000 with a generous benefits package.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at JANM_VPAE@dsgco.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email npsipractice@dsgco.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Japanese American National Museum is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.

To apply, visit: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22979





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