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Art Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Appalachian State University

Collections Manager

Boone, NC · On-site

$40K - $52K/yr

The Collections Manager is instrumental to the fulfillment of the Turchin Center's mission by ... Performs simple, appropriate cleaning of art objects and seeks advice from an outside professional ...

21c Museum Hotels

Art Handler

Louisville, KY · On-site

Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing ...

AccorHotel

Art Handler

Louisville, KY · On-site

Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing ...

21c Museum Hotels

Art Handler

Louisville, KY · On-site

Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing ...

AccorHotel

Art Handler

Louisville, KY · On-site

Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing ...

21c Museum Hotels

Art Handler

Louisville, KY · On-site

Under the directive of the Registrar and Collections Manager, the Art Handler may also assist with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing ...

Cleveland Museum of Art

Senior Art Handler

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Reporting to the Art Handler Supervisor, the Senior Art Handler position is a content specialist ... to Collections Management department specifications. This position is committed to maintaining ...

DataBP

Pechanga Collections Manager

Temecula, CA · On-site

SUMMARY: The Collections Manager is responsible for contributing to and maintaining the Tribe ... Bachelor's degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field required * A ...

DataBP

Pechanga Collections Manager

Temecula, CA

SUMMARY: The Collections Manager is responsible for contributing to and maintaining the Tribe ... Bachelor's degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field required * A ...

CMA

Senior Art Handler

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Reporting to the Art Handler Supervisor, the Senior Art Handler position is a content specialist ... to Collections Management department specifications. This position is committed to maintaining ...

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All JobsArt Collections JobsArt Collections Manager Jobs

Art Collections Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$58.7K

$109K

How much do art collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for art collections manager in the United States is $58,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art collections manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Collections Manager, you need expertise in art history, collection care, and museum studies, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with collection management software, art handling protocols, and conservation techniques is essential for daily operations. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills help coordinate exhibitions, manage staff, and interact with donors or artists. These competencies ensure the preservation, accessibility, and strategic growth of valuable art collections within institutions.

What are some common challenges faced by art collections managers when overseeing large and diverse collections?

Art Collections Managers often face the challenge of tracking and maintaining extensive inventories that may span multiple locations and include artworks of varying mediums, ages, and conservation needs. Ensuring proper documentation, environmental controls, and security for each piece requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Additionally, coordinating with curators, conservators, and external lenders can be complex, especially when organizing exhibitions or facilitating loans. These challenges make adaptability and attention to detail crucial in this role.

What is the difference between Art Collections Manager vs Curator?

AspectArt Collections ManagerCurator
Primary FocusOverseeing collection management, acquisitions, and preservationSelecting, researching, and interpreting artworks for exhibitions
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, private collectionsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Art History, Museum Studies, or related fieldsBachelor’s or Master’s in Art History, Museum Studies, or related fields
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, private collections, and galleriesPrimarily employed in museums and cultural institutions

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, the Art Collections Manager focuses on the operational aspects of collection care and acquisition, whereas the Curator emphasizes research, exhibition planning, and artwork interpretation.

What does an art collections manager do?

An Art Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing and caring for a collection of artworks, which may belong to a museum, gallery, or private collector. Their duties include cataloging, organizing, and preserving artworks, as well as coordinating loans, exhibitions, and transportation of pieces. They often manage acquisition records, condition reports, and ensure proper storage and environmental controls to maintain the collection's integrity. Art Collections Managers also collaborate with curators, conservators, and other professionals to support research and public access to the collection.
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Art Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Art Collections Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,722 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Registrar for Collections

McNay Art Museum

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

REGISTRAR FOR COLLECTIONS
ANNUAL SALARY $55,000
Benefits:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Retirement Plan Company Match 6%
Position Overview
Reporting to the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager, the Registrar for Collections is responsible for the proper documentation and day-to-day stewardship of the Museum’s permanent collection and long-term loans. This includes maintaining records, coordinating loans, assisting in the safe handling and shipping of works of art, as well as in the housing, preservation, and storage of art in the Museum.
Essential Job Functions
Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of the Museum’s collections, including acquisitions, long-term loans, conservation, photography, and provenance. Completes incoming receipts for works on approval, deeds of gift, and/or warranties of clear title for new acquisitions. Organizes and facilitates materials for Art Committee meetings, in coordination with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager and Head of Curatorial Affairs.
Policy Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws as a representative of the Museum and its assets as well as adherence to the Museum’s written policies and procedures in all aspects of daily work and responsibilities.
Loan Coordination: In coordination with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager, maintaining the loan process for objects in the collection, including paperwork, transportation, condition reporting, and insurance. Receives certification and annual training from the Museum’s Principal Facility Security Coordinator to remain in compliance with regulatory obligations for the Museum as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility for art shipping and TSA coordination.
Art Movement and Installation: Supervises the movement and/or installation of collection objects, including outdoor sculpture, working closely with the Lead Preparator, Preparator team, contracted art handlers, and all other pertinent Museum staff. May serve as a courier for outgoing collection loans and may aid visiting couriers.
Collection Care and Stewardship: Supporting the overall safety and preservation of the collection, working closely with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager. Assisting with budgeting and purchasing for collections maintenance-related needs. Assisting with expediting photography requests, collection photography dockets, and rights and reproductions contracts. Assisting with data entry and data clean-up for the collection database, in coordination with the Curator of Collections/Collections Manager and Head of Curatorial Affairs/Curator of Prints amp; Drawings.
Performs other duties as required.

Essential skills and knowledge
Collaboration amp; Communication: Collaborating with colleagues across departments, in addition to curatorial staff; communicating collections needs and priorities; and interacting with donors, lenders, researchers, and other external stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills: Training, guiding, and supervising volunteers and colleagues involved in collections-related activities, including proper handling of artwork and objects, documentation procedures, and safety protocols.
Problem-Solving: Understanding legal and ethical considerations related to collections management, including copyright laws, cultural heritage regulations, and repatriation issues, as well as adherence to the Museum’s written policies and professional standards.
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrating familiarity with collections management software and database systems used for cataloging, digitization, and data management and possessing the ability to adapt to new technologies and software.
Attention to Detail: Proven proficiency in cataloguing, accessioning, inventory management, and database administration to accurately document and track objects in the Museum’s collection. Experience in conducting thorough inventories; creating and updating collections records; and maintaining accurate documentation of object provenance, condition, and location.
Practical Application: Exhibiting skills in project planning, coordination, and budget management for collections-related projects such as acquisitions, deaccessions, exhibitions, loans, and digitization initiatives. Experience in conducting research on collections objects; documenting their historical and cultural significance; and contributing to scholarly publications, exhibition texts, and educational materials.
Other Skills
  • Excellent organizational and communication ability. Foreign language familiarity preferred.
  • Must be flexible as to working hours; evening and/or weekend duty may be required.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must be able to climb ladders. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time, within reason.
Education and Experience
  • A degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, History, or another related field is preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in museum work, preferably in museum registration.
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, with additional proficiency in Adobe suite preferred.
  • Experience with collections management software and budgeting software preferred.

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