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Museum Administration Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

University of Chicago Library

Department AI Museum Director About the Department As the fine arts museum of the University of ... Job Family Administration & Management Role Impact People Manager Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug ...

CW Talent

Director, Contracts

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is ... Four-year or graduate degree in business administration or closely related field. * 8 years ...

Colonial Williamsburg

Director, Contracts

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is ... Four-year or graduate degree in business administration or closely related field. * 8 years ...

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Museum Administration information

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How much do museum administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum administration in Virginia is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree is good for museum administration jobs?

A bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, art, or a related field is typically required for museum administration positions. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in museum studies, public administration, or business administration, along with experience in museum operations and strong organizational skills.

What is the difference between Museum Administration vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum AdministrationMuseum Curator
Primary RoleOversees museum operations, management, and administrationDevelops exhibits, manages collections, and conducts research
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or master’s in museum studies, arts administration, or related fieldsBachelor’s or master’s in art history, archaeology, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentOffice setting within the museum, administrative officesGallery spaces, research areas, and exhibit preparation areas
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural institutions, non-profitsMuseums, galleries, historical societies

While Museum Administrators focus on managing the overall operations and administration of museums, Museum Curators are primarily responsible for developing exhibits and managing collections. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds.

What is museum administration?

Museum administration refers to the management and oversight of a museum's operations, including budgeting, staffing, exhibit planning, fundraising, and community engagement. Professionals in museum administration ensure that the museum runs smoothly, meets its educational and cultural goals, and complies with legal and ethical standards. They work with curators, educators, and other staff to create a positive visitor experience and to safeguard the museum's collections. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential in this field.

How much does a museum administrator make?

Museum administrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the institution. Salaries can vary based on responsibilities, with those managing larger or more prominent museums earning higher wages. Many roles also require strong organizational and leadership skills, along with relevant education or certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in museum administration?

Professionals in museum administration often encounter challenges such as balancing limited budgets while maintaining high-quality exhibits and programs, managing diverse teams of staff and volunteers, and adapting to evolving technologies in the cultural sector. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards for collections management and donor relations. Navigating these responsibilities requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a passion for promoting public engagement with the museum's mission.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in museum administration?

To thrive in Museum Administration, you need strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in museum studies, arts administration, or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, budgeting software, and grant-writing tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective operation, financial sustainability, and the delivery of engaging visitor experiences within museums.
What are popular job titles related to Museum Administration jobs in Virginia? For Museum Administration jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Administration jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Administration jobs in Virginia are:
Museum Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Administration job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,958 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Development Director/Executive Director

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History

Danville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is Danville, Virginia's cultural center for appreciation and self-expression for the study and creation of fine arts and history.
Job Description
DESCRIPTION:
The Executive/Development Director of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is the chief executive of the Museum. This person is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership as well as management of the entire organization, including programs, partnerships, fundraising, budgets, and internal as well as external relations. As primary fundraiser for the museum, this position's primary focus shall be placed on Museum development and fundraising activities to ensure the organization's future success and financial security.
PURPOSE:
To ensure financial security for the organization as well as provide executive leadership for the management of a dynamic cultural arts institution. Ultimately responsible for the general management, financial growth and development, financial management, program and collection development, and the facilitation of city/board/volunteer relations of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
SUPERVISION:
Under the general supervision and direction of the Museum Board of Directors; provides direct and indirect supervision to the staff of Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
VITAL FUNCTIONS:
The following list is illustrative and is not intended to describe every function that may be performed by the Executive/Development Director. The omission of specific statements does not preclude the Board of Directors from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
1. Cultivates relationships with major stakeholders for the purposes of fundraising, including major gifts, for special projects, operations and development of the Museum collection.
2. Identifies, recommends, and procures potential revenue streams and new opportunities for the
Museum's growth and development.
3. Plans, coordinates, and directs the operation of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History which includes carrying out the policies and programs, as determined by the DMFAH Board of Directors, including the collection, exhibits, maintenance and educational outreach.
4. Utilizes traditional, print, social, and other forms of media to foster museum attendance and growth 5. Collaborates with community partners to enhance the arts in the Danville Regional Community; Develops relationships with community organizations and staff to communicate the museum's vision.
6. Oversees the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History budget including planning, preparation, monitoring, and administration.
7. Performs a variety of public relations activities; coordinates communication both internal and external concerning all aspects of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, works closely with City Administration and other governmental and non-governmental agencies, collaborates with additional non-profit organizations to increase citizens' exposure and access to fine arts and history, identify and nurture relationships with potential donors,
8. Demonstrates effective staff development and organizational skills in areas such as hiring, coaching, collaboration, problem solving and goal setting. Empowers internal staff to proactively identify, plan, and act as a collaborative team.
9. Ensures the operations and administration of the Museum are in compliance with City policies, City ordinances, and local, State and Federal regulations.
10. Serves as principal advisor to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Board of Directors, City Manager, and other City officials, as well as other departments regarding art museum related concerns, programs, and/or projects.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
1. Attend meetings of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Board of Directors.
2. Attend evening and weekend meetings and/or engagements as are vital the achievement of the organization's mission.
3. Assist in the selection, evaluation, and orientation of new Board members.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
1. The ED must be identified as an articulate, pro-active, visible, and fully engaged symbol of the DMFAH.
2. The ED must present an overall professional appearance and image.
2. The ED must interact effectively with many constituencies: volunteers, students, members, visitors, participants, donors/funders, school and civic organizations, and local and state government agencies.
3. The ED must establish effective relationships with a number of individuals and/or groups to include DMFAH board of directors, city council, city management, community agencies, government agencies, and community leaders.
3. The ED is expected to provide leadership by monitoring public trends in fine arts and history and provide recommendations for appropriate programming in keeping with the Danville region's needs and desires.
4. Understands the role of technology in information exchange and ensures the Museum employs current and innovative methods necessary for the engagement of multiple demographic groups.
5. Effectively supervise and provide development opportunities for museum personnel. Implement objective and comprehensive evaluations of staff performance. Model and demonstrate leadership skills to effectively participate as a team member in carrying out the museum's mission.
6. Prepare and present clear and comprehensive written reports;
Qualifications
EDUCATION: Master's Degree in Business Administration, Arts Administration, and/or a related field.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
4+ years of successful managerial and leadership experience as an executive director and/or
administrator
2 years successful leadership in a fund raising capacity with a proven track record of both public and
private fundraising abilities securing operational capacity as well as grant funding for programs
Experience in financial management, including budget development and monitoring
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship building/networking skills
A high degree of cultural competence and experience working with and serving diverse populations
A deep commitment to supporting and promoting community arts/history programming
A thorough knowledge/understanding of management theory; fundraising principles and techniques; modern management principles and techniques; public relations.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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