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Collections Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

Collections Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

The Collections Assistant reports to the Collections Manager/Registrar and assists the collections team to document, assess, rehouse, pack/unpack, and track archaeological, ethnographic, and archival ...

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How much do collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections assistant in Rhode Island is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a collections assistant?

Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, organize, and care for collections within museums, galleries, libraries, or archives. Their duties typically include cataloging new items, maintaining records, preparing objects for exhibition or storage, and assisting with inventory checks. They often work closely with curators and conservators to ensure the proper handling and preservation of valuable or historical items. This role may also involve helping with research requests and supporting public access to collections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collections assistant?

To thrive as a Collections Assistant, you need attention to detail, organizational skills, and a background in library science, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, cataloging software, and database tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with colleagues and handle delicate or valuable materials responsibly. These skills ensure accurate record-keeping, preservation of collections, and smooth daily operations in museums or libraries.

What are some common challenges faced by a collections assistant, and how can they be addressed?

Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a large volume of artifacts, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring proper handling procedures. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor mistakes can lead to misplacement or damage of items. Collaborating closely with curators, conservators, and registrars helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and proactively communicating with team members are effective strategies to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Collections Assistant vs Accounts Receivable Clerk?

AspectCollections AssistantAccounts Receivable Clerk
Primary RoleFocuses on contacting clients to collect overdue paymentsManages invoicing, payment processing, and recording transactions
Required SkillsCommunication, negotiation, debt collectionData entry, accounting software, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often in finance or credit departmentsOffice environment, finance or accounting teams
Common Industry UsageFinance, credit control, collections departmentsAccounting, finance, billing departments

While both roles are involved in financial processes, a Collections Assistant primarily focuses on recovering overdue payments through client contact, whereas an Accounts Receivable Clerk handles invoicing, recording payments, and maintaining financial records. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Collections jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Collections jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Collections Assistant jobs in Rhode Island?

For Collections Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Collections Assistant jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Collections Assistant jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Collections Assistant jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Collections Assistant job openings:

Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collections Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,810 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Collections Assistant

Brown University

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Brown University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description:
About Brown:
Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.
Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University's benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.
About the Opportunity:
The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is Brown University's teaching and research museum. A resource across the university, we inspire creative and critical thinking about culture by fostering interdisciplinary understanding of the material world.
Responsibilities:
The Collections Assistant reports to the Collections Manager/Registrar and assists the collections team to document, assess, rehouse, pack/unpack, and track archaeological, ethnographic, and archival collections. This work supports the move of HMA collections from Bristol, RI to a new location in Providence, RI, and routine use of objects and collections in exhibitions, teaching, research, and loans.
This position is a full-time term position under the Transforming the Haffenreffer Museum grant project funded by the Mellon Foundation, which is scheduled to end on August 31, 2027.
Qualifications:
Education:
  • The successful candidate will have a B.A./B.S. degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, or related field or equivalent experience; and at least one year's experience in a professional collection management or registration setting.

Experience:
  • Basic knowledge of preventive conservation strategies for cultural property in storage, on exhibit, in transit, or in use.
  • Experience using a collection management system required. Knowledge of MuseumPlusRia preferred.

Job Competencies
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle works of art, use simple hand tools, meet deadlines.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to comfortably use equipment such as moveable shelving and step ladders.
  • Awareness of issues of cultural sensitivity surrounding cultural heritage and collections.

Salary Grade:
7
Additional Information:
All applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-08-18
Job Posting Title:
Collections Assistant
Department:
Haffenreffer Museum
Grade:
Grade 7
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.
Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.
Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

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