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Museum Associate Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Intrepid Museum

Group Programs Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.50/hr

The Intrepid Museum is currently seeking a part/time PT Group Programs Associate to provide provides customer service and administrative assistance at the Group Sales entry in the Welcome Center. The ...

Museum of Sex

NYC - Retail Sales Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/hr

The museum is building its brand and the retail store is a vital component of that growth. Teamwork is a staple throughout our entire operation. Associates work closely with other department's staff ...

Museum of Sex

NYC - Guest Experience Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

GE Associates provide exceptional customer service throughout the museum, especially with visitors in the SuperFunLand amusements and attractions. * This position is the first point of contact for ...

American Museum

Curatorial Associate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$93K - $98K/yr

Curatorial Associate The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate ...

Studio Museum in Harlem

Rauschenberg Fellow

New York, NY · On-site

$50K/yr

... the museum field, and specifically to artists of African descent. The fellow will work under the direction of the Associate Curator on a wide range of tasks in support of projects, ranging from ...

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Museum Associate information

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.

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in New York? The most popular types of Museum jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Museum Associate jobs? Cities in New York with the most Museum Associate job openings:
Museum Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Museum Educator

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Whitney Museum of American Art seeks a Full-Time Museum Educator to teach K-12 school programs and develop trainings and resources for NYC teachers and freelance educators. Through guided visits and workshops, this role connects the Whitney's collection and exhibitions to classroom learning, engaging students in considering artists as observers, storytellers, experimenters, and critics of American life. Programs are inquiry-based, inclusive, and designed to support multiple perspectives.
The Museum Educator is a reflective teaching artist with a strong studio practice and a commitment to art as a catalyst for connection, civic engagement, and empathy. This role works closely with staff, freelance educators, teachers, and students to deliver high-quality programs in both gallery and studio settings.
Responsibilities
Gallery & School Programs (K-12)
  • Lead and facilitate inquiry-based Guided Visits (in-person and virtual) for K-12 students, using discussion, close looking, and interactive strategies
  • Conduct a minimum of eight guided visits per month, with flexibility to support additional programs as needed
  • Develop and lead Guided Visit + Studio programs, integrating thematic gallery tours with hands-on artmaking experiences
  • Act as Lead Educator for new school partnerships
  • Design engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with classroom curricula and accessible to diverse learners, including students with disabilities
  • Communicate effectively with teachers to align museum experiences with learning goals
  • Collaborate with K-12 School and Group Services staff and fellow educators to ensure strong program delivery
  • Lead occasional visitor-centered lecture-style tours for adult groups

Teacher & Educator Programs
  • In partnership with the Associate Manager and fellow Museum Educators, facilitate professional development workshops for NYC teachers, introducing inquiry-based teaching strategies and interdisciplinary connections
  • Assist in training and supporting a cohort of Freelance Museum Educators, including leading training three times per year
  • Facilitate trainings for Whitney Education staff

Curriculum & Resource Development
  • Develop clear, innovative lesson plans and teaching materials for gallery and studio programs
  • Create and update high-quality, accessible teacher resources, including pre-visit, in-gallery, and post-visit materials
  • Produce at least two exhibition-based digital resource guides per year
  • Contribute to ongoing evaluation and refinement of programs and interpretive strategies
  • Conduct research on new exhibitions and create files for Educator preparation

Collaboration & Communication
  • Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding program needs, student engagement, and materials
  • Work collaboratively across Education teams to support a welcoming, inclusive environment for all audiences
  • Engage in reflective teaching practices aligned with the Whitney's pedagogical approach

Requirements
  • B.A./MA/M.F.A./ in art history, contemporary art, American studies, and/or museum education; 3+ years teaching experience, including work with K-12 students and teachers;
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Successful candidates will have sound knowledge of educational and developmental theory
  • A passion for modern and contemporary art
  • Flexible and able to work well in a group
  • An interest in working with diverse groups of students
  • Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., and occasional weekends as needed. Scheduling adjustments may occur based on division needs.

Other preferences
  • Bilingual a plus
  • Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., and occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Compensation: $71,000 annually
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
  • Generous PTO benefits
  • Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
  • Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
  • Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.
About the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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