What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Audience Engagement position at Western Museums Association (WMA)?
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
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