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Museum Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Speedway Motors

Museum Collections Specialist

Lincoln, NE

$16.25 - $22/hr

Job overview The Collections Specialist is responsible for the accurate documentation, cataloging, and management of racing cars and related artifacts as they are acquired by the Museum. This role ...

DataBP

Pechanga Collections Manager

Temecula, CA · On-site

SUMMARY: The Collections Manager is responsible for contributing to and maintaining the Tribe ... Bachelor's degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field required * A ...

Smith College

Collections Registrar

Northampton, MA

$52K - $71K/yr

DepartmentMuseum of Art Job Summary As a member of the Collections Management team at the Smith College Museum of Art, the Associate Registrar plays a key role in the stewardship, documentation, and ...

DataBP

Pechanga Collections Manager

Temecula, CA · On-site

SUMMARY: The Collections Manager is responsible for contributing to and maintaining the Tribe ... Bachelor's degree in history, art history, museum studies, or a closely related field required * A ...

Norman Rockwell Museum

Registrar

Stockbridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The position coordinates and implements standards in the creation and maintenance of the collections management system; disseminates information as needed to museum staff, researchers, and members of ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

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$31K

$58.7K

$109K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in the United States is $58,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Museum Collections Manager do?

A Museum Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, documentation, and organization of a museum's collection of objects or artworks. They ensure that items are properly cataloged, stored, and preserved, following established conservation and handling protocols. Collections Managers also facilitate access for researchers, support exhibitions, and may help with acquisitions and loan agreements. Their work is essential to preserving cultural heritage and making museum collections accessible to the public and scholars.

What are some common challenges faced by Museum Collections Managers when implementing new collection management systems?

Museum Collections Managers often encounter challenges when introducing new collection management systems, such as ensuring data accuracy during migration, training staff on new procedures, and integrating the system with existing workflows. Coordinating input from various departments and balancing the need for accessibility with security protocols can also be complex. Successful implementation typically involves careful planning, open communication with stakeholders, and ongoing support to adapt to evolving museum needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Collections Manager, and why are they important?

A Museum Collections Manager should have expertise in art history or museum studies, experience with collection care, and typically a relevant degree such as a master's in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems (like TMS or PastPerfect), conservation techniques, and proper documentation practices is critical. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help ensure accuracy and collaboration across departments. These competencies are vital for preserving artifacts, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the museum’s mission to educate and engage the public.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Manager vs Museum Registrar?

AspectMuseum Collections ManagerMuseum Registrar
Primary FocusOversees collection care, preservation, and managementHandles documentation, cataloging, and record-keeping of collections
CredentialsOften requires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldsTypically requires similar credentials, with emphasis on record management skills
Work EnvironmentInvolves hands-on collection work, conservation, and planningPrimarily administrative, working with databases and records
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutionsFound in similar settings, focusing on collection documentation

The Museum Collections Manager and Museum Registrar roles share overlapping credentials and work environments but differ mainly in focus. The Collections Manager emphasizes collection care and preservation, while the Registrar concentrates on documentation and record-keeping. Both positions are vital in museum operations and often work closely together to ensure collections are well-maintained and accurately documented.

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Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,722 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Part-Time Collections Manager/Collections Manager Assistant

Denison University

Granville, OH • On-site

$29/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Collections Manager Manages the Denison Museum Permanent Collection, which comprises ~8,000 objects from Asia, Europe, and North and Central America in various media, including stone, wood, paper, lacquer, metal, and oils. The Collections Manager leads long-range planning efforts and day-to-day activities relative to the care and stewardship of the Permanent Collection. Over the next three to five years, priorities include completing accreditation, working with external scholars on object identification and valuation, and overseeing the acquisitions and deaccession process.
Position Summary
Manage and care for the Denison Museum Permanent Collection, comprising approximately 8,000 objects from Asia, Europe, and North and Central America in a wide range of media including stone, wood, paper, lacquer, metal, textiles, ceramics, and paintings.
Working closely with the Museum Director and Curator, this position supports both the long-term stewardship of the collection and its active use in teaching, exhibitions, and research. Current institutional priorities include continued collections stewardship, accreditation preparation, collections research, acquisitions and deaccessioning, and improving public access to the collection
Essential Responsibilities
  • Identify collections priorities and assist with planning project workflows in coordination with the Museum Director and Curator.
  • Supervise and train student employees working on cataloging, rehousing, collections care, and research projects.
  • Oversee object preservation, cataloging, acquisitions, and deaccessioning activities.
  • Maintain the Museum Collections Management System (CollectorSystems preferred) and public collections interface.
  • Generate condition reports, loan agreements, deeds of gift, insurance documentation, and collections records.
  • Coordinate object handling, storage, packing, transportation, and installation following museum best practices.
  • Assist with facilities management, collections security, environmental monitoring, and risk management.
  • Respond to research inquiries, publication requests, and donor communications.
  • Collaborate with the Museum Director and Curator to prepare objects for exhibitions, teaching, and public programs.
  • Participate in grant writing, budget planning, and museum initiatives as assigned
  • Supervises student workers as needed.

Qualifications
Level of Appointment:
This position may be filled at either the Collections Manager or Collections Manager Assistant level, depending on the successful candidate's education, experience, and demonstrated qualifications. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter which level they are seeking and describe how their background aligns with that position. The search committee reserves the right to appoint the successful candidate at the level most appropriate to their qualifications.
Collections Manager
Required
  • Master's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, History, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
  • Three to five years of progressively responsible museum collections management experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills required for the position.
  • Demonstrated experience with museum collections management, including registration, cataloging, object handling, preventive conservation, storage, documentation, and collections database management.
  • Experience using museum collections management software (CollectorSystems preferred).
  • Knowledge of museum standards, ethics, legal issues, and best practices related to collections stewardship.
  • Strong written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Experience supervising students, interns, or project teams is preferred.

Collections Manager Assistant
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, History, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
  • One to three years of museum collections experience preferred, including internships, graduate assistantships, or professional positions involving collections management, registration, or collections care.
  • Demonstrated experience with object handling, cataloging, collections databases, and museum documentation.
  • Working knowledge of museum collections standards and preventive conservation principles.
  • Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and work collaboratively in a teaching museum environment.

Preferred
  • Master's degree in progress or completed.
  • Experience using CollectorSystems or another museum collections management system.
  • Experience supporting exhibitions, digitization projects, or collections research.
  • Experience supervising student workers or volunteers.

Pay: Up to $29.00 depending on appointment and relevant experience/education.

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