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Museum Assistant Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Birmingham, MI

Museum Assistant

Birmingham, MI

Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and provides assistance to Birmingham Museum operations through educational programming, visitor ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Supervisory Museum Specialist oversees a portion of the collections information management services and participates with the Assistant Director in ...

City of Gastonia

HEAD OF EDUCATION - MUSEUM

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$68K - $109K/yr

Work is performed under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Interpretation. Essential Functions/Duties Leads the planning, development, implementation, delivery and evaluation of all museum ...

Umd

Assistant Director

College Park, MD

$75K - $85K/yr

Summary The Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Programs acts as a direct assistant to the ... Knowledge of museum theory and practices, including collections management. Knowledge of ...

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How much do museum assistant director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum assistant director in the United States is $71,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum assistant director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Assistant Director, you need strong leadership, project management, and art or history expertise, typically backed by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with museum management systems, collections databases, and budgeting software is commonly required. Excellent communication, team collaboration, and strategic problem-solving skills help you effectively engage staff, stakeholders, and the public. These competencies are crucial for ensuring smooth museum operations, advancing institutional goals, and enhancing visitor experiences.

What are the responsibilities of a museum assistant director?

A Museum Assistant Director supports the Museum Director in managing daily operations, supervising staff, and implementing programs and exhibitions. They collaborate closely with curators, educators, and administrative teams to ensure the museum's mission and goals are met. Additionally, the Assistant Director often oversees budgets, fundraising, community outreach, and policy development. They play a key role in strategic planning, public relations, and ensuring a positive visitor experience.

What are the main challenges museum assistant directors face when balancing administrative duties with curatorial responsibilities?

Museum Assistant Directors often navigate the challenge of balancing administrative tasks, such as budgeting, staff management, and policy development, with their involvement in curatorial projects and public programming. This dual responsibility requires strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate effectively, as well as frequent communication with both administrative and curatorial teams. Staying abreast of both operational needs and exhibition planning is crucial, and many Assistant Directors find success by fostering collaboration and regularly prioritizing tasks to ensure both areas receive adequate attention.

What is the difference between Museum Assistant Director vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Assistant DirectorMuseum Curator
Primary RoleSupports administrative and operational functions, assists in management tasksManages collections, develops exhibitions, and conducts research
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Arts, or related field; experience in museum operationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field; specialized knowledge of collections
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, museum management teamsExhibition spaces, collections storage, research areas
Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums for operational supportPrimarily involved in curation, collections, and research

The Museum Assistant Director focuses on supporting museum operations and management, while the Museum Curator specializes in collections, exhibitions, and research. Both roles require relevant degrees and experience, but their daily responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly.

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Museum Assistant Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,970 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Museum Assistant

City of Birmingham, Michigan

Birmingham, MI • On-site

$18.76 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE:Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and provides assistance to Birmingham Museum operations through educational programming, visitor experience, collection work, and limited curatorial tasks such as research, exhibit development and interpretation. FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Provides interpretive experiences for visitors by greeting, conducting public tours, and offering exceptional customer service. Collaborates in research and development of virtual and physical exhibits. Contributes to the planning of special events, exhibits and tours.Supports collection maintenance of digital, physical, and archival materials in accordance with museum standards, including use of specialized hardware, software and technology.Participates in the coordination and training of Museum volunteers.Additional related duties as assigned.NECESSARY SKILLS:Excellent writing, interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills.Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, Adobe and image management software, and experience with/ability to learn archival programs such as PastPerfect museum software. Ability to work cooperatively in teams and with the public.Ability to quickly learn new museum organizational systems and software.Possess a genuine interest in human culture, public history, antiques, artifacts and engaging with a varied audience about the history of Birmingham.Ability to work a flexible schedule per Museum needs including all public hours of the Museum, weekend hours, and occasional attendance at evening events and meetings.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Undergraduate work toward, or a Bachelor's Degree in, History, Museum Studies, or a related field.Previous work experience in a museum setting, including: exhibit planning; visitor services; leading educational tours; and promoting exhibits, events, and local history through the use of digital/social media is preferred. Past experience working with children is a plus.Other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may be considered.PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.Must be able to sit for long periods of time.Must be able to stand for long periods of time.Must be able to work with historic materials and artifacts that may require special handling or may contain irritants such as dust, mildew, etc. Must be able to work in a historic building setting with associated environmental and physical conditions such as stairs.Must be able to work a varying schedule which may include evenings and weekends.TOTAL REWARDS:Flexible scheduleParking (Chester Street deck)EQUIPMENT:Office space including desk, computer, and phoneCity provided keysCity provided tools and supplies
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