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Museum Assistant Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Washington University of St. Louis

Works closely with Museum staff, students and faculty in the development and execution of ... In collaboration with the Assistant Director for Collections & Exhibitions, serves as staff liaison ...

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How much do museum assistant director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 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 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 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, 75% Full Time, 21% 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.

Senior Director of Visitor Experience and Safety

Tucson Museum of Art

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORIC BLOCK 

JOB DESCRIPTION | EOE


POSITION: Senior Director of Visitor Experience and Safety

STATUS: Regular Full-Time, Exempt

COMPENSATION: $60,000 - $70,000 (annual salary) plus benefits

REPORTS TO: CFO/COO

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Visitor Services and Safety provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Museum’s visitor-facing functions, including visitor experience, retail operations, and museum and staff security. Reporting to the CFO/COO, this role sets vision, policy, and performance expectations while ensuring effective implementation through two key direct reports: the Director of Retail and the Director of Safety. The Director is responsible for aligning hospitality, earned revenue, and safety practices with the Museum’s mission, values, and public trust responsibilities, using assessment, data, and continuous improvement to deliver an inclusive, welcoming, and secure environment for all visitors, staff, volunteers, and collections.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Visitor Experience Strategy, Implementation, and Assessment

  • Develop and steward a comprehensive visitor experience strategy that integrates customer service, retail, and safety functions.
  • Establish service standards, policies, and procedures that guide front-line operations and are implemented by the Assistant Directors.
  • Use attendance data, sales reports, visitor feedback, and incident reporting to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Partner with Curatorial, Education, Advancement, Marketing, and Facilities to support exhibitions, programs, and special events.
  • Model and promote a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, hospitality, and accountability across all visitor-facing teams.

 

Retail Management and Customer Service (Strategic Oversight)

  • Provide strategic direction and performance oversight for the retail operations and vendor activations to support earned revenue goals and in service of a diverse customer base.
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Retail on merchandising strategy, pricing, inventory controls, and POS systems.
  • Review sales, admissions, and financial reports; set targets and evaluate progress with retail leadership.
  • Ensure retail operations reflect the Museum’s mission, values, and customer service standards.
  • Support retail staffing models, training frameworks, and customer service expectations developed and implemented by the Assistant Director of Retail.

 

 Museum Safety (Strategic Oversight)

  • Set institutional policies and standards for safety, security, and emergency preparedness.
  • Oversee the Director of Safety in the implementation of daily safety operations, staff supervision, and training.
  • Review incident reports, compliance checks, and risk assessments; recommend improvements as needed.
  • Coordinate with facilities, administration, and executive leadership on emergency planning, drills, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure a balanced approach to security that prioritizes visitor and staff safety while maintaining a welcoming museum environment.

 

Leadership, Administration, and Operations

  • Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Assistant Directors; support their professional development and effectiveness as managers.
  • Develop departmental goals, metrics of accountability, and performance evaluation frameworks aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Prepare and manage departmental budgets in collaboration with the CFO/COO; monitor revenue and expense performance.
  • Establish staffing strategies that support daily operations, evenings, weekends, and special events.
  • Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for the Museum’s commitment to visitor experience, safety, and public trust.
  • Contributes to a convergent organizational culture grounded in professionalism, mutual respect, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Perform other related work as required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:

  • Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, hospitality management, business administration, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in visitor services, hospitality, retail, security, or operations, preferably in a museum or cultural nonprofit.
  • Demonstrated experience managing managers and leading multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong understanding of customer service excellence, earned-revenue operations, and risk management.
  • Experience using performance metrics, financial reports, and qualitative data to guide strategy and improvement.
  • Excellent communication, judgment, and leadership skills.
  • Experience overseeing museum security or public-safety operations preferred.
  • Knowledge of AAM best practices related to visitor experience, safety, and public trust preferred.
  • Experience managing POS systems, retail financial reporting, or admissions operations preferred.
  • Training or certification in emergency management, safety, or security (or willingness to obtain) preferred.


Application Materials: 

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position 

• Resume or curriculum vitae