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Museum Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Sales Assoc.

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.14/hr

Museum Shop Sales Associate Reports to: Head of Merchandise and Shop Experience Employment Status: Part-Time Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year to enjoy our art ...

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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 Washington?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Museum Associate jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Museum Associate job openings:

Museum Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Museum Manager

National Inventors Hall of Fame

Alexandria, VA

$63K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Museum Manager will facilitate the day-to-day operations of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum and store. This position will be responsible for interfacing with the USPTO, running the NIHF Museum, coordinating museum store sales, and delivering exceptional guest service. The position will also support other recognition programs.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Leads and mentors on-site staff in the use of proven techniques to properly service guests, run the museum and exhibits, promote sales, and effectively address any issues.
  • Provide leadership, communication, coaching, and development to the Museum Associate team, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
  • Interview and train high quality Museum Associates, as needed.
  • Coordinates with staff at headquarters to achieve museum responsibilities.
  • Coordinates with USPTO regarding special events, VIP visitors, and other matters.
  • Demonstrates superior guest services and professionalism to ensure a positive museum experience for visitors.
  • Provides on-site interface for USPTO.
  • Maintains a thorough understanding of all levels of the daily museum and retail operating procedures, ensuring that exhibits and other systems are in good working order and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and process documentation.
  • Responsible for daily accounting, receiving merchandise, operating reports, and tracking of all purchases and sales. Maintains appropriate visual merchandising and product display, promotional planning and implementation, and inventory control for increased store profitability to meet museum store sales goals.
  • Identifies opportunities to promote the NIHF and museum as a destination for area schools, visitor bureaus, and hotels.
  • Develops a well-versed and current knowledge of the offerings of the NIHF, museum, and store, demonstrating a high level of professional courtesy in all interactions with visitors and co-workers.
  • Schedules, leads, and/or manages group tours.
  • Work closely with Ohio staff to plan and execute museum installations, providing hands-on support throughout the year.
  • Coordinates on-site museum events and meetings for NIHF or other partners.
  • Participate in physical lifting, climbing (ladders), and other hands-on museum maintenance.
  • Conduct minor hands-on exhibit repair and maintenance under guidance of Ohio-based facilities and IT staff.
  • In coordination with Ohio office, manage and track all artifact loans and purchases.
  • Ensure appropriate on-site care and handling of all artifacts on display at NIHF Museum.
  • Support needs related to NIHF Inductee content, such as the organization, documentation, and transcription of Inductee interviews; as well as provide writing support for NIHF Musuem exhibits.
  • Coordinate and provide support for NIHF recognition programs, such as the annual Induction event and the Collegiate Inventors Competition, and Museum and special projects.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Adept verbal and written communicator with a demonstrated comfort level in speaking publicly
  • Must possess solid computer skills
  • Ability to problem solve and work independently
  • Must be able to work efficiently under pressure
  • Self-directed, motivated, flexible
  • Ability to interact with all levels of professional contacts, including executives, civil servants, inventors, scientists, members of the public
  • Ability to regularly work in the office and attend in-person meetings
  • Ability to communicate effectively via email, chat, phone, and in-person meetings
  • Requires regular, reliable, and on-time attendance
Credentials and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, history, history of technology, marketing, or related areas
  • Master’s degree in history, history of technology, or related areas preferred
  • 3+ years of management, retail, and/or related work experience required
  • Museum/specialty retail background with an understanding of specialty retail concepts
  • Proven experience in cash management and budgetary accountability
Special Requirements
  • This position requires coverage for monthly Saturday operating hours as needed and occasional attendance at special events outside of normal hours.
​Salary
  • $63,000-$72,000
Why Join the National Inventors Hall of Fame?
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy top-tier medical, dental, 100% employer paid vision, and insurance plans, along with flexible spending accounts to help pay for any out-of-pocket medical expenses.
  • Company-Paid Benefits: NIHF contributes 100% to provide life and disability coverages.
  • Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 401(k) plan with up to a 4% employer match and 100% vesting upon initial contribution, ensuring your financial stability and growth.
  • Generous Time Off: Take advantage of paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end closure from December 24th through January 1st to recharge.
  • Additional Support: Access Critical Illness, Hospital, and Accident Supplemental Income plans for extra peace of mind.
  • Pet-Friendly Perks: Protect your furry friends with our pet insurance plans.
  • Thriving Work Environment: Be part of a great team environment with ample opportunities for growth and a culture that prioritizes professional development.

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