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Museum Collection Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Assistant Conservator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a major bureau of the Smithsonian Institution that ... Prepare written collection and/or facility or exhibit surveys, technical examination reports, and ...

Harvard University

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

Coordinate care of art and furniture with the Manager of the House Collection and Facilities ... Experience in academic, museum, or cultural institution dining environments. Certificates and ...

National Gallery of Art

Program Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today ... Manages the online fellowship application portal with external contractor, overseeing development ...

National Gallery of Art

Program Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today ... Manages the online fellowship application portal with external contractor, overseeing development ...

Compass Group

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$22/hr

Cook - National Geographic Museum of Exploration Pay Range : $22.00 to $22.00 We Make Applying Easy ... Uses established ticket collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area ...

Compass Group

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$22/hr

Cook - National Geographic Museum of Exploration Pay Range : $22.00 to $22.00 We Make Applying Easy ... Uses established ticket collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area ...

Compass Group

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$22/hr

Cook - National Geographic Museum of Exploration Pay Range : $22.00 to $22.00 We Make Applying Easy ... Uses established ticket collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area ...

Compass Group

GRILL COOK

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Location: National Air and Space Hazy - 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151 ... Uses established ticket-collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area ...

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Museum Collection Manager information

See Washington salary details

$35.1K

$66.5K

$123.5K

How much do museum collection manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collection manager in Washington is $66,508.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum collection manager do?

A Museum Collection Manager is responsible for the care, organization, preservation, and documentation of a museum’s collection. They ensure that artifacts are stored properly, maintain accurate records, and oversee handling and transportation. Collection Managers often collaborate with curators, conservators, and researchers to facilitate exhibitions and loans. They also implement policies for conservation, security, and ethical stewardship of objects. Their role is crucial in maintaining the long-term integrity and accessibility of a museum’s collection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collection manager?

To thrive as a Museum Collection Manager, you need expertise in collections care, art or artifact handling, documentation procedures, and typically a degree in museum studies, art history, or a related field. Familiarity with collection management software (such as TMS or PastPerfect), condition reporting protocols, and conservation standards is essential, and professional certifications like those from the American Alliance of Museums can be an asset. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish standout candidates. These competencies ensure the proper preservation, documentation, and accessibility of objects while supporting museum operations and public engagement.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collection Manager jobs in Washington? For Museum Collection Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collection Manager jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collection Manager jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Museum Collection Manager jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Museum Collection Manager job openings:
Museum Collection Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,508 per year, or $32 per hour.

Archivist/Archival Collections Specialist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a skilled Archivist / Archival Collections Specialist to support a federal library in Bethesda, Maryland. The Archivist will support the preservation, arrangement, description, digitization, and access of historical and biomedical archival collections in one of the world's premier medical research libraries. This position will support archival processing projects, metadata creation, reference and research services, digital initiatives, and collections management activities involving manuscripts, photographs, institutional records, audiovisual materials, and rare historical collections. The ideal candidate will possess strong archival processing and descriptive expertise, experience working in research or special collections environments, and familiarity with archival standards and digitization workflows within a federal or academic setting.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript collections in accordance with professional archival standards and local procedures.
  • Create and maintain archival finding aids, metadata records, and collection documentation using archival content management systems and databases.
  • Apply archival standards including DACS, EAD, MARC21, Dublin Core, and controlled vocabularies to support discovery and access.
  • Perform accessioning, rehousing, labeling, inventory control, and collections maintenance activities for archival and special collections materials.
  • Support digitization initiatives by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality review, and creating or validating metadata for digital assets.
  • Conduct preservation assessments and recommend appropriate housing, handling, and stabilization procedures for archival materials.
  • Assist researchers, librarians, curators, and program staff with archival reference and research requests.
  • Conduct collection surveys and assist with backlog reduction and remediation projects.
  • Utilize integrated library systems, archival management systems, and digital repositories to manage and update collection information.
  • Prepare reports, statistics, and project documentation related to archival processing, digitization, and collections activities.
  • Assist with exhibitions, outreach activities, instructional sessions, and stakeholder engagement related to archival collections.
  • Adhere to federal records handling, information security, and preservation procedures while working with sensitive or historically significant collections.

Requirements
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution with coursework or specialization in archives management, archival studies, or special collections; OR Master's degree in History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related discipline with demonstrated archival training.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of professional archival processing, description, or special collections experience in a library, archives, museum, academic, or federal environment.
  • Demonstrated experience arranging and describing archival collections using DACS and EAD standards.
  • Experience creating archival metadata and collection records using archival management systems or integrated library systems.
  • Knowledge of archival preservation principles, collections care practices, and proper handling procedures for rare and fragile materials.
  • Experience supporting digitization projects and digital collections workflows.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare clear documentation and communicate with researchers and stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and standard archival or library technologies.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Certified Archivist (CA) credential from the Academy of Certified Archivists.
  • Experience working with biomedical, scientific, medical, or federal government collections.
  • Experience using ArchivesSpace, Alma, Archivematica, Preservica, CONTENTdm, or other archival and digital repository systems.
  • Familiarity with MARC21, Dublin Core, MODS, PREMIS, or other metadata schemas.
  • Experience processing audiovisual, photographic, born-digital, or mixed-media collections.
  • Knowledge of digitization standards, OCR workflows, and digital preservation practices.
  • Experience conducting archival reference services in a research library or special collections environment.
  • Familiarity with federal records management and NARA guidance.
  • Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to historical collections.
  • Experience participating in exhibits, public outreach, instruction, or scholarly engagement activities.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move archival boxes, records, and collection materials weighing up to 30 pounds, including frequent bending, reaching, and shelving activities.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while processing collections, preparing metadata records, conducting digitization support activities, and performing detailed computer-based archival work.
  • Ability to safely handle fragile, rare, and historically significant materials using established preservation and collections care procedures in archival, library, or special collections environments.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$65,000 - $80,000 annually

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