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Museum Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Outreach Associate Job Summary: The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Chazen Museum of Art seeks an Education Coordinator (EC) to support the administrative implementation of K-12, university, and ...

Museum Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$27.2K

$142.3K

$312.9K

How much do museum associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum associate in Madison, WI is $142,286.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $214,100.00 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Museum Associate jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Museum Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,286 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

$47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Outreach Associate
Job Summary:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Chazen Museum of Art seeks an Education Coordinator (EC) to support the administrative implementation of K-12, university, and adult learning programs at the museum. Reporting to the Chief Engagement Officer, the EC implements outreach programming by serving as a point of contact for schools and outside groups, scheduling tours and class visits, organizing materials for the Chazen's Museum Guides, and helping greet groups at the museum. The EC maintains reporting data across teaching and learning initiatives and supports evaluation and analysis. Taking a more public-facing role, the EC also contributes to educational initiatives by leading or co-leading some group visits through exhibitions and collection galleries and by flexing to support select public programs. Through these efforts, the EC promotes the Chazen as a welcoming place and helps expand access to the museum.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Tracks program evaluation and incorporates feedback for improvement
  • Procures and maintains course materials and supplies
  • Helps design marketing materials and promotions for programs
  • Implements initiatives and events that serve the target audience
  • Teaches culturally relevant educational programs to adults and youth using learner-centered activities and lessons

Department:
Chazen Museum of Art
Compensation:
The starting rate for this position is $47,000/year but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid-time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.
Qualifications:
  • 2+ years experience in administrative work (e.g. scheduling, data management, logistics coordination).
  • 1+ years of experience leading group activities in an arts, educational, or setting.
  • Experience evaluating, reviewing, or tracking activities in a workplace.
  • Well-developed interpersonal, communication, and hospitality skills.
  • A proven ability to productively collaborate with varying groups and individuals that have different needs.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, including experience in coordinating multiple projects simultaneously in an organized and time efficient manner with attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of situations, experiment, and solve problems in a flexible and creative way.
  • Demonstrated ability to receive input and feedback from a range of sources and to implement feedback in an appropriate manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team, exercise judgement, establish priorities, and manage projects with varying levels of supervision.
  • Proven ability to adjust as new projects are assigned.
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Office Suite and the proven ability to learn new systems.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in arts, education, humanities, or related field is preferred.
Additional Information:
Typical work schedule of 8:30am-5:00pm M-F, with some flexibility possible. Occasional nights and weekends required. Work is primarily performed on-site, working 10 hours per week from the visitor services desk. Work entails movement through office space and the galleries. One day per week of remote work may be approved.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • References

Contact Information:
Serena Boman, HR Generalist, hr@chancellor.wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005