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Museum Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Support the planning and execution of museum events and public appearances involving the CEO. * Partner with Development, Communications, and other departments for high-level meetings and engagements.

We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue. Passionate : We believe working with art is ... The Associate Registrar, Exhibitions is a subject matter expert and has the breadth of experience ...

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Museum Associate information

What is a museum associate?

Museum Associates are professionals who support the daily operations of museums by assisting with visitor services, exhibitions, educational programs, and collection management. They often greet and guide visitors, answer questions, and help ensure that museum policies and procedures are followed. Museum Associates may also be involved in setting up displays, conducting tours, and supporting special events. Their work is essential for creating a welcoming and educational experience for museum guests.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a museum associate?

To thrive as a Museum Associate, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong organizational and customer service skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, ticketing software, and guided tour tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a passion for education help someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth museum operations, delivering engaging visitor experiences, and preserving valuable collections.

How does a museum associate typically collaborate with curators and educators within the museum?

Museum Associates often serve as a vital link between curators, educators, and the public. They assist curators by helping with exhibit installation, maintaining collection records, and ensuring artifacts are properly displayed. Additionally, Museum Associates frequently work alongside museum educators to help facilitate tours, educational programs, and special events, ensuring visitors have an engaging and informative experience. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Museum Associates coordinate schedules, relay visitor feedback, and support the museum’s educational mission.

What is the difference between Museum Associate vs Museum Technician?

AspectMuseum AssociateMuseum Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor'sAssociate degree or technical certification in museum studies or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, educational institutionsMuseums, conservation labs, exhibit preparation areas
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting visitors, educational programs, administrative tasksHandling artifacts, exhibit setup, conservation support

While both roles support museum operations, Museum Associates focus on visitor engagement and educational activities, whereas Museum Technicians are more involved in artifact handling, exhibit installation, and conservation tasks. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but their core responsibilities differ, making each essential to museum functions.

Is it hard to get a job as a museum associate?

Getting a job as a museum associate can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with experience in customer service or educational roles. Strong communication skills, familiarity with museum operations, and sometimes volunteer work or internships can improve chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in California?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement membership renewal campaigns and explore automation opportunities in the renewal cycle.

  • Design and implement acquisition campaigns to obtain new members using direct mail, onsite, and online solicitations.

  • Oversee OMCA's Member engagement journey, including marketing, communications, onsite events, and member activations.


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Membership is responsible for growing and managing OMCA’s membership program ($75 - $1,499 levels). The Associate Director, Membership will develop strategies to increase revenue through acquisition and strong member retention, enhancing the program to deepen members’ connection to the museum, and emphasizing the philanthropic impact of their gift. The position will track and report on membership revenue, manage the annual membership budget, and manage the Membership Coordinator. The Associate Director, Membership will work collaboratively across the museum to identify opportunities for members to find deep and meaningful connections to OMCA. Ideal candidates will embrace new digital marketing trends and demonstrate enthusiasm for innovations in the field  of museum membership.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following reflects OMCA’s definition of essential functions for this position, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. OMCA may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the work of OMCA, a multi-disciplinary museum with an unparalleled collection of California art, history, and natural science; an institution that is deeply rooted in community and proudly serves as a civic anchor for Oakland and the Bay Area
  • Support the Museum’s mission, values, vision, and commitment to building trust, understanding, and connection among people and groups in our community
  • Contribute to and support the OMCA strategic plan, annual priorities, and institutional initiatives
  • Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives
  • All positions will have core functional responsibilities, cross functional team activation and learning and development as a core function of each role.

 

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and implement membership renewal campaigns, and explore opportunities for automations in the membership engagement and renewal cycle
  • Design and implement acquisition campaigns to obtain new members using direct mail, onsite, and online solicitations
  • Plan and execute Annual Fund campaigns
  • Leverage data to analyze successes and iterate in future campaigns
  • Partner with the Visitor Experience and Marketing teams to maximize the membership opportunity to those onsite and through social media and other marketing channels
  • Oversee OMCA’s Member engagement journey, including marketing, communications, onsite events and other member activations
  • Develop Member communications and collateral for print, onsite, and online distribution including appeals, web copy, brochures, forms, and eNews
  • In coordination with the Development Events staff, supervise member events and openings
  • Coach and manage the Membership Coordinator who supports customer service, email marketing, renewal cycles, fulfillment, and execution of member events
  • Create and manage the annual budget for OMCA’s membership program, including detailed revenue projections and expenses that can be articulated as part of larger strategies
  • Create and support systems and procedures to ensure accurate data entry and reporting for Membership and the Annual Fund
  • Manage and cultivate relationships with OMCA colleagues, outside consultants, and vendors for design, printing, production, mail services, list exchange, and e-commerce
  • Build and cultivate relationships with other arts and cultural organizations to develop reciprocity and marketing collaborations
  • Lead initiatives as a project manager, with the ability to see larger strategies while also managing numerous details
  • Act as a collaborative leader helping OMCA identify and implement earned revenue opportunities, understand and use data effectively, and embrace our vision for a thriving museum

EXPERIENCE

  • 5+ years of related experience including at least one year of supervisory/lead experience
  • Working knowledge of document, spreadsheet, slides, and project management software required; Google Suite and Asana preferred
  • Relational database (CRM) experience required; Tessitura preferred
  • Familiarity with data management best practices
  • Experience with membership programs and nonprofit fundraising
  • Experience running email marketing campaigns, ideally for membership or fundraising
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach and motivate teams of both direct reports and colleagues across the organization
  • Exceptional communication skills and experience with general public, donor groups, press, external and internal stakeholders
  • English language proficiency in both spoken and written form; fluency in Mandarin or Spanish a plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The environment may include:

  • Museum environment involves both indoor and outdoor working conditions
  • Ability to travel between OMCA locations, and other travel as required by position responsibilities
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

 

EEO STATEMENT

The Oakland Museum of California is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and equity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ability/disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We highly encourage our diverse community to apply for available employment, internship, fellowship and volunteer positions at the Museum, as we aim to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our visitors and surrounding community. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, OMCA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

COMPENSATION: $105,010