ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Collection Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Des Moines Art Center

Sales Associate

Des Moines, IA

$13.25 - $18/hr

The Sales Associate contributes directly to the daily operations of the Museum Shop and helps ... collection, programs, and facilities. Adhere to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee ...

Meskwaki Nation

Library Resource Technician

Tama, IA · On-site

$49K - $69K/yr

... the collection - Assist supervisor with answering questions and distributing, balancing and ... use by museum and library patrons - Compiles and organizes bibliographies by listing books ...

KPG Nursing

Psychiatry in Mason City, IA

Mason City, IA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

MacNider Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection that inspires both residents and visitors alike. Craving leisure? Dive into the local flavor at enchanting eateries or unwind with a live ...

All JobsMuseum Collection JobsMuseum Collection Jobs in Iowa

Museum Collection information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$18

$28

How much do museum collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection in Iowa is $18.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Collection position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Museum Collection role, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or archival science, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Familiarity with collections management systems (such as TMS or PastPerfect), digital cataloging, and proper handling, conservation, and storage techniques is critical. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help individuals manage collection tasks and collaborate across departments. These abilities ensure collections are accurately documented, preserved, and accessible for exhibitions and research.

What is a Museum Collection job?

A Museum Collection job involves managing, preserving, and organizing artifacts, artworks, or historical objects in a museum. Professionals in this role handle cataloging, storage, conservation, and sometimes exhibition planning. They ensure proper documentation and environmental conditions to protect items for future generations. The job may also involve research and collaboration with curators, historians, and other museum staff.

What are some of the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in a Museum Collection position?

Professionals in Museum Collection roles typically spend their days cataloging new acquisitions, updating collection records, monitoring environmental conditions, and assisting with the safe handling and movement of objects. They may work closely with curators, conservators, and educators to prepare materials for exhibitions, facilitate research access, and support loan agreements with other institutions. Regular tasks also include condition reporting, inventory audits, and digital data entry to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the collection. These varied responsibilities allow for a dynamic and engaging work environment, especially for those passionate about art, history, or cultural heritage.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collection jobs in Iowa? For Museum Collection jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collection jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collection jobs in Iowa are:
Museum Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,141 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Museum Learning and Engagement Coordinator

Edmundson Art Foundation dba Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$20.67 - $24.04/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Des Moines Art Center is a museum, art school, and sculpture park in Iowa's capital city, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. As one of the state's oldest cultural organizations and an American Alliance of Museums-accredited institution, the Art Center is a dynamic employer grounded in public service, collaboration, and meaningful community impact.
Our historic facility, situated within Greenwood Park, features three architecturally significant buildings designed by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier, and is home to one of the most prolific collections of 20th- and 21st-century art in the Midwest. Through exhibitions, public programs, and educational experiences, the Art Center connects people with art and ideas, cares for visitors, art, and community, and fosters lifelong learning. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is central to this work and is reflected across every aspect of our mission and programming.
Position Summary
The Museum Learning and Engagement (MLE) Coordinator provides administrative support for all Museum Learning and Engagement functions. The Museum Learning and Engagement Coordinator combines resources, processes, and people to execute the Art Center's robust tour program. This position supports all department staff in an administrative capacity for public programming, school tours and events, and docent class, including scheduling, communication, attendance tracking, and reporting.
The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about museum education and believes in the power of art to foster curiosity, learning, and meaningful connections. They are energized by supporting the Museum Learning and Engagement department through strong administrative, organization, and technology skills, bringing exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to coordinating multiple varied projects and priorities. A committed relationship-builder and fast learner, this person is motivated by helping activate the Art Center primarily by scheduling and coordinating tours, public programs, and visitor engagement initiatives. They are a strong communicator who brings positivity, professionalism, and energy to their interactions with colleagues, Docents (tour guides), tour participants, local school systems, and museum guests.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Tour and Docent Program Manager. The position has frequent contact with peers and managers in Museum Learning and Engagement, Security and Visitor Experience, Community Access Programs, Information Technology, and the Studio Arts team. In addition, this role provides administrative and operational support to the Senior Director of Museum Learning and Engagement.
Essential Functions
  • Proficient with Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Experience with Forms is desirable.
  • Provides administrative support for Museum Learning and Engagement events using multiple software platforms and a museum-wide database. Prepares events for public registration, marketing, internal resource bookings, and communication. Systems include Artifax, Staff Savvy, and MUSE.
  • Manages the full cycle of tour bookings, from first inquiry to confirmation to post-visit survey. Tour schedule consists of 300-500 tours
  • Communicates tour assignments both internally to museum staff and externally to Docent volunteers, tour contacts, and city partners on a weekly
  • Responsible for the meticulous and timely tracking and reporting of tour and event attendance for Museum Learning and Engagement events and programs
  • Supports the Tour and Docent Programs Manager in the scheduling and execution of all Docent training classes and Docent-based
  • Provides excellent customer service via email, over the phone, and in
  • Liaises daily with members of the Docent Program, which currently numbers 70 volunteers and cultivates positive and supportive relationships with
  • Acts as the key point of contact between Museum Learning and Engagement and Security and Visitor Experience on all aspects relating to tour
  • Provides in-person staff support for Museum Learning and Engagement programs as requested.
  • Works collaboratively with other departments on fulfilling tour requests and event
  • Works with Information Technology to enhance scheduling and associated tracking
  • This position requires the use of a personal cell phone, for which the Art Center reimburses an allowance per pay period.

Other Responsibilities
  • Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Uses guidelines in the AAM Code of Ethics for Museums, ( ) and adheres to the Art Center Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, and all organizational policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Able to focus attention on details; must be highly organized and timely with deliverables.
  • Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process and makes timely
  • Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own
  • Builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives and supports everyone's efforts to succeed
  • Exceptional collaboration skills, including the ability to work with a range of communities, co-workers, and audiences.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, writing, and verbal skills
  • Excellent organizational, project, and time management
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional
  • Comfortable using all forms of technological devices including PCs, tablets, AV, and recording
  • Experience working with databases (software related to event management) highly

Required Education, Experience, and/or Professional Certification
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 1-2 years previous experience as an administrative assistant

Decision Making
  • Day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Senior Director of Museum Learning, Engagement, and Community
  • Regularly exercises judgement pertaining to the tour

Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Required Travel, etc.)
  • Most work is performed in an indoor office
  • Monday - Friday with some
  • While this position offers a hybrid work schedule working both in the office and remotely, required in-office hours are 9 am - 2 pm, Tuesday - Friday. Must be consistently at work and on time; ensuring work responsibilities are covered when absent and arriving to meetings and appointments on

Physical Factors
Work is mostly sedentary or light work.
Benefits
The Des Moines Art Center offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package supporting employee health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions; a generous retirement match; paid time off and holidays; and hybrid work options for some roles. Additional offerings include life and disability insurance, as well as voluntary accident and critical illness coverage.
Recruitment
Jessica McGlynn, People and Culture Manager, is the Art Center's primary recruiter for this role. She can be reached at with questions or follow up!

Apply