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$32K

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How much do museum collection manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collection manager in Chicago, IL is $60,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $67,600.00 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 in the Museum Collection Manager position, and why are they important?

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 types of daily responsibilities can a Museum Collection Manager expect in this role?

Museum Collection Managers typically spend their days cataloging incoming acquisitions, overseeing object storage conditions, updating collection records, and coordinating conservation or restoration efforts. They often work closely with curators, registrars, exhibit designers, and educators to support exhibitions and public programs. The role may also involve preparing objects for loans, conducting inventory audits, and implementing preventive conservation measures. This dynamic environment requires adaptability, collaboration, and a proactive approach to both routine care and special projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collection Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Museum Collection Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collection Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collection Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Museum Collection Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Museum Collection Manager job openings:
Museum Collection Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,575 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Assistant Curator, Special Projects - Modern and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

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

Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 29 rated museums

Job description

About the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.
About the Department
The Modern and Contemporary department stewards one of the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned collections, encompassing art from the late 19th century to the present. Through collection building, research, exhibitions, publications, and public engagement, the department advances scholarship and broadens understanding of modern and contemporary art in global and interdisciplinary contexts. Working collaboratively across the museum, the department is responsible for the care, interpretation, and continued growth of the collection while partnering with colleagues to develop innovative exhibitions, research initiatives, and programs that connect artists, artworks, and audiences.
Position Summary
The Assistant Curator, Special Projects supports the Modern and Contemporary Art department to help shape the research, interpretation, and growth of the museum's collection, with a particular focus on contemporary art from Asia. Working closely with the Department Chair and collaborating with colleagues across the museum, this role advances strategic collecting priorities through scholarship, exhibitions, acquisitions, and innovative programming. The Assistant Curator also builds relationships with artists, collectors, scholars, and donors while contributing to the Art Institute's mission to connect diverse audiences with modern and contemporary art.
Responsibilities
  • Conducts original scholarly research and develops expertise in assigned collection areas, with a focus on contemporary art from Asia and related fields.
  • Assists in the development, care, interpretation, and presentation of the museum's permanent collection through research, cataloging, documentation, and collection management.
  • Evaluates acquisition opportunities, monitors the art market, and recommends acquisitions and deaccessions in consultation with the Chair and other curators.
  • Develops strategic relationships with artists, galleries, dealers, collectors, scholars, and cultural institutions to strengthen the museum's collection and visibility.
  • Collaborates with Conservation, Collections and Loans, Imaging, and Collection Management to ensure the proper care, movement, storage, and display of artworks.
  • Supports the planning, organization, installation, and implementation of exhibitions, gallery rotations, special projects, and collection reinstallations.
  • Coordinates schedules and communicates regularly regarding artwork movement, exhibition timelines, and gallery adjustments across departments.
  • Produces scholarly and public-facing content including publications, gallery texts, digital content, presentations, lectures, and educational materials.
  • Collaborates with the Philanthropy and External Affairs teams to cultivate donors, prepare advisory committee materials, and support fundraising initiatives.
  • Represents the museum through lectures, conferences, public programs, professional organizations, and scholarly engagement while maintaining strong relationships within the international art community.
  • Mentors interns, fellows, and volunteers as assigned and contributes to a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture. The Art Institute of Chicago Job Description
  • Performs additional curatorial duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental and institutional priorities.

Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Art History or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of two years' professional curatorial experience in a museum, gallery, or comparable institution.
  • Demonstrated scholarly expertise in modern and contemporary art, particularly contemporary art from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and/or Central Asia.
  • Extensive knowledge of modern and contemporary art history and current artistic practices.
  • Experience conducting research, developing exhibitions, managing collections, and producing scholarly publications or interpretive content.
  • Familiarity with acquisitions, exhibitions, loans, provenance research, and collection documentation.
  • Knowledge of museum collections management practices and ethical standards.
  • Strong research, analytical, writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to develop and manage multiple complex projects while meeting deadlines.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including scholars, artists, donors, museum staff, and the public.
  • Experience collaborating across departments and working with artists, collectors, scholars, and donors preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; ability to learn museum collection management systems.
  • Knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to areas of specialization is preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and creating an inclusive museum environment.
  • Ability and willingness to travel internationally as needed.

Physical Requirements
  • Occasional handling of artwork in accordance with museum collections care and safety procedures.
  • Requires close visual attention for reviewing artwork, documentation, and digital records.
  • Frequent movement throughout museum galleries, offices, collection storage, and exhibition spaces.
  • Requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
  • May require occasional evening, weekend, and international travel to support exhibitions, acquisitions, research, and professional activities.

Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
  • Hiring Range

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
  • Benefits
  • PTO Overview
  • Job Classification: Full time exempt
  • Employment Category: Staff
  • Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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