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Museum Collection Manager Jobs in Charleston, SC

Senior Curator

Mount Pleasant, SC · On-site

$52K - $88K/yr

Strong knowledge of naval and maritime history, especially related to the museum's focus and collection. * Project Management: Ability to plan and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and work ...

Museum Collection Manager information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$29K

$55K

$102K

How much do museum collection manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collection manager in Charleston, SC is $54,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $61,300.00 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 Charleston, SC?

For Museum Collection Manager jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collection Manager jobs in Charleston, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collection Manager jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Museum Collection Manager jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Museum Collection Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Collection Manager job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,953 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Senior Curator

State of South Carolina

Mount Pleasant, SC • On-site

$52K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate just like you to apply. This position will offer great benefits with the state, including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year or more depending on applicable state service.

The Senior Curator will lead the development and execution of the museum's curatorial strategy, collections stewardship and public interpretation to create a rich and engaging visitor experience. The job duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Supervises staff to include preparing performance planning and evaluation documents and related personnel paperwork. Coaches, counsels and trains employees.

Establishes and monitors work processes. Implements management policies and initiatives and promotes teamwork. Ensures the highest standards of collection care in compliance with agency policies and procedures, overseeing all aspects from acquisitions and accessions to conservation, storage, pest management, and emergency planning.

Leads short- and long-term strategic planning to safeguard, preserve, and enhance public accessibility to Patriots Point's collection and archives. Responsible for museum-wide strategic planning for exhibitions initiatives and curation of content to support Patriots Point's goals and mission. Provides content and identifies relevant artifacts from the collection that can be displayed in existing exhibits, display cases, and the digital collection.

Works with the agency historian to ensure accuracy, relevance, and engagement for both in-person and online audiences. Responsible for identifying exhibit concepts that align with the Museum Master Plan. Responsible for project management for implementation of exhibitions with designers, contractors and other professional services.

Develops, implements, and manages high-quality tours of Patriots Point's collections, along with special programs related to the collection, designed for visitors and special groups. Minimum and Additional Requirements At least a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history or related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible museum experience, including demonstrated leadership in curatorial practice, exhibition development, and institutional collaboration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Curatorial Expertise: A deep understanding of museum standards, collections management, exhibition development, and artifact preservation. Historical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of naval and maritime history, especially related to the museum's focus and collection. Project Management: Ability to plan and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and work effectively across multiple teams.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring.

Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in similar field preferred. Additional Comments Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.

A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.

15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available(S.C. Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices * State Retirement Plan(SCRS) State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) *Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.


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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

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