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Museum Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Museum of Science, Boston www.mos.org Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives ... Why We Need You The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect ...

Research Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Museum of Science, Boston www.mos.org Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives ... Why We Need You The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect ...

The Museum's singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of ... Why We Need You The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect ...

... museum policies, procedures, and best practices. Other core responsibilities include ... Associate is a trusted professional who handles confidential information with discretion ...

New

This is a term appointment, ending December 31, 2028, reporting to the Associate Director of NAGPRA. About the Peabody Museum The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of ...

This is a term appointment, ending December 31, 2028, reporting to the Associate Director of NAGPRA. About the Peabody Museum The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of ...

... Museum, to name a few. Taking care of the future of veterinary medicine starts with taking care of our associates! As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a ...

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Museum Associate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$29.3K

$153.4K

$337.3K

How much do museum associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum associate in Boston, MA is $153,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $230,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Museum Associate jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Museum Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,410 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Research Associate

Boston, MA • On-site

Museum of Science
Museums and Historical Sites • 201 - 500 employees

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


Museum of Science, Boston

www.mos.org

Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.


Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among the world's largest science centers and New England's most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum's singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world's most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Why We Need You

The Research Associate supports the Advancement team by conducting prospect research and providing insights that inform donor engagement and fundraising strategy.

This role plays an important part in identifying and qualifying prospective donors, maintaining accurate and useful data, and ensuring that fundraisers have the information they need to effectively engage supporters. Through strong research practices and attention to detail, this role contributes to building and sustaining a robust donor pipeline.

What You'll Accomplish

Prospect Research & Analysis

  • Conducts research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to support donor identification and qualification
  • Assists in developing prospect profiles, including background information, giving capacity, and areas of interest
  • Gathers and synthesizes information from a variety of sources to support fundraising strategy

Data Management & CRM Support

  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date research information within CRM systems
  • Supports data entry, validation, and quality control processes related to prospect research
  • Ensures consistency and integrity of donor and prospect data

Fundraiser Support & Collaboration 

  • Partners with Advancement staff to fulfill research requests and provide timely information
  • Supports preparation for donor meetings, events, and leadership engagement
  • Collaborates with Research Manager and Advancement Operations to align research efforts with broader strategy

Process Support & Continuous Improvement

  • Assists in maintaining research tools, templates, and processes
  • Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and organization of research workflows
  • Contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance data quality and research practices 

What We're Looking For (Competencies)

The Research Associate brings strong curiosity and analytical thinking, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize information from multiple sources. This individual is detail-oriented and takes care to ensure accuracy and consistency in all research and data management activities.They are organized and reliable, able to manage multiple tasks and requests while maintaining a high level of quality and follow-through. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues, providing information in a way that is useful and actionable for fundraising efforts.

This individual is comfortable working with data and systems and demonstrates a willingness to learn new tools and processes. They are proactive in seeking out information, asking questions, and improving their work over time. A strong sense of accountability, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to supporting the Museum's mission are essential, along with an interest in contributing to successful fundraising through thoughtful and well-executed research.

How We Work-Our Values

Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.

Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.

Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.

Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals. 

Salary Range
$60,000—$65,000 USD
 
The Museum of Science is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.