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Museum Collection Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

The property takes inspiration from the spirit of the museum collection and of Houston itself-a ... Support senior leadership by developing and assuming key management responsibilities * Assume the ...

The property takes inspiration from the spirit of the museum collection and of Houston itself-a ... The Role: The Food and Beverage Manager manages a single, full-service food and beverage outlet ...

New

The property takes inspiration from the spirit of the museum collection and of Houston itself-a ... Prepares and manages all event documentation for property events. Coordinates with sales teams ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

The property takes inspiration from the spirit of the museum collection and of Houston itself-a ... Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

The property takes inspiration from the spirit of the museum collection and of Houston itself-a ... Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and ...

Night Auditor

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The property takes inspiration from the spirit of the museum collection and of Houston itself-a ... This person must be able to generate flawless accounting reports within Property Management ...

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Museum Collection Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$29.6K

$56.1K

$104.1K

How much do museum collection manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collection manager in Houston, TX is $56,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $62,600.00 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collection Manager jobs in Houston, TX?

For Museum Collection Manager jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collection Manager jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collection Manager jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Museum Collection Manager jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Museum Collection Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Collection Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,078 per year, or $27 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
The Preparations Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks applicants for a qualified Senior Preparator. Under direct supervision by the Chief Preparator, the Senior Preparator will lead installations and assist with collection storage, packing, crating, and safe transit of the museum's collection. This senior level position requires extensive knowledge and proven experience at the professional museum level with all aspects of art handling.
Responsibilities:
  • Works closely with Chief Preparator with the planning of large-scale installations and leads installations as assigned
  • Handles artwork at all museum (on and off-campus) locations for exhibit and storage
  • Packs and unpacks artwork for exhibitions, permanent collection storage, transportation around museum campus and for local pickups/deliveries
  • Records location changes when artwork is moved
  • Oversees and composes material/supply lists for the Preparations department; Once a supply list is created, Senior Preparator then gives the list to the Associate Preparator for ordering (must obtain permission from Manager before ordering)
  • Assists Photography, Conservation, Registration, and Matting & Framing departments with art movement
  • When necessary, represents MFAH at other institutions as a courier for installations and transport
  • Maintains cleanliness, neatness and organization of artwork in museum storage areas
  • Assists at Rienzi and Bayou Bend house museums, as needed
  • Assists visiting scholars and curatorial as requested for collection viewing/examination
  • Assumes a leading role for special projects and assignments
  • Mentors newer staff as necessary

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Advanced knowledge of art handling, packing and installation techniques/procedures
  • Experience and ability operating box truck for deliveries (valid driver's license required)
  • Advanced experience using shop equipment, hand and power tools
  • Advanced experience operating and maintaining a forklift
  • Art rigging and strapping experience required
  • In-depth knowledge of current practices and procedures using museum approved archival materials for packing and storing art
  • Must be able to safely lift up to 75lbs and to perform a variety of physical tasks involving lifting, bending, stooping and moving heavy and large items
  • High degree of time and resource management with the ability to work under tight deadlines
  • Weekend and evening work as required
  • Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks based on need and deadline
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively and professionally communicate clear thoughts, orally and written
  • Ability to successfully manage a project (and staff) with a clear goal
  • Basic knowledge of museum database (TMS) for recording art location changes

Education and Experience:
  • Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in a related field strongly desired OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
  • Minimum of six years' service in the Preparations Department and/or dependent on job performance
  • Minimum of four (4) years of verifiable experience in the preparation, fabrication, installation, packing, storing and care and handling of valuable art objects; and working closely with museum staff at a museum, gallery, or traveling exhibition program
  • Supervisory/management experience preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics outlined here represent the requirements that an employee must meet to successfully execute the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered upon request to support all candidates in performing these essential functions, ensuring full consideration.
  • Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 75 pounds, in tandem with colleagues, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
  • Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position may require some travel. Occasional evening and weekend work may also be required.
  • Regular attendance on campus required. This role is not eligible for telework arrangements.

More About The Organization:
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston functions as an integrated visual arts experience centered in one of the nation's great cities. Counted amongst North America's largest museums, MFAH has permanent collections spanning more than 6,000 years of history with an encyclopedic collection of more than 70,000 works of art and a wide range of media from six continents. The main campus encompasses 14 acres in the heart of Houston's Museum District, with buildings contributed by world-renowned architects housing permanent collections; 450,000 square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition spaces; a variety of horticultural features and visually stunning gardens, fountains and outdoor exhibition areas; restaurants and arts-themed retail shops; school, classrooms, research and lecture hall facilities; archives, libraries and conservation facilities; and administrative offices.
Houston stands among America's largest cities by population and area, is diverse racially and ethnically, and is an economic powerhouse with a very strong arts ecosystem that attracts over 7 million visitors alone to the Museum District where MFAH is centered. MFAH employs over 600 staff members funded solely by MFAH. 400 docents support the educational mission, and 1,500 volunteers support a broad range of MFAH activities.
Work and Culture at the MFAH - Benefits Offered
  • MFAH subsidized Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance,
  • MFAH paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance,
  • MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match
  • Tax Deferred Flexible Spending Plans
  • Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, Holiday Pay,
  • Free Museum Family Level Membership
  • Discounts - Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
  • Metro commuter subsidy available upon request

Equal Opportunities for All
At the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and to our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org
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.