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Museum Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of New Mexico

Collections Associate

Taos, NM

$17 - $23.50/hr

The Collections Associate manages the museum's collections management database and coordinates all aspects of incoming and outgoing loans, object movement, condition reporting, packing and shipping ...

University of New Mexico

Collections Associate

Taos, NM · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

The Collections Associate manages the museum's collections management database and coordinates all aspects of incoming and outgoing loans, object movement, condition reporting, packing and shipping ...

Museum of the Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Senior Collections Manager Travel: Approximately 25% Salary: $65,000-$70,000. Depending on ... Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards * Move ...

Museum Of The Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Museum of the Bible offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including: * Paid time off ... Senior Collections Manager Travel: Approximately 25% Salary: $65,000-$70,000. Depending on ...

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$31K

$58.7K

$109K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,722 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Collections Manager & Registrar

Arlington, TX • On-site

National Museum of Wildlife Art
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about National Museum of Wildlife Artexternal

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Accession, catalog, and maintain inventories of artifacts and archival materials.

  • Ensure proper care, preservation, and storage of museum collections, including managing environmental conditions and curatorial housekeeping.

  • Oversee all paperwork related to artifact donations and loans, and increase access through digitization and creating digital surrogates.

Job description

Job Summary:

The National Medal of Honor Museum is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Collections Manager and Registrar to serve as a critical steward of the Museum’s growing collection of artifacts, archival materials, and objects connected to the stories of Medal of Honor recipients. This position plays an essential role in preserving the physical and historical integrity of the collection while ensuring that each artifact is thoughtfully documented, properly cared for, and accessible for future generations. Through careful collections management, preservation, and stewardship, this position helps safeguard the tangible history entrusted to the Museum by Medal of Honor recipients, their families, donors, and partners.

The Collections Manager and Registrar also plays an important role in advancing the Museum’s mission to educate and inspire by increasing access to the collection and supporting the work of Curatorial, Education, and other Museum teams. They will lead in our continued efforts to transform individual objects into resources that can deepen understanding of the courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism represented by the Medal of Honor. The successful candidate will bring a high level of care, organization, curiosity, and professionalism to the stewardship of these important collections and the stories they represent.

Essential Functions
  • Being the caretaker of the museum’s growing artifact collections. This work will include the accessioning of artifacts, cataloging, maintaining inventories, creating archival housing for items, and maintaining both physical and digital records.
  • Ensuring proper care and preservation of the museum collections by managing the museum collections storage areas, environmental conditions data and analysis, and curatorial housekeeping.
  • Overseeing all paperwork for incoming and outgoing artifact donation and loan agreements with external partners, Medal of Honor recipients, and Medal of Honor families.
  • Consulting with Curatorial and Education teams to identify and prioritize artifacts and records that need additional research.
  • Increasing access through digitization of the collections according to established procedures, standards, and best practices
  • Creating digital surrogates of cataloged items through scanning or photography
  • Identifying and flagging objects in need of further attention including condition reports, digitization, housing, or research.
  • Enhancing and maintaining existing catalog records to provide additional contextual, descriptive, and administrative information.
  • Representing the National Medal of Honor Museum and its collection at key events within the community or during private events as needed.
  • Participating in curatorial meetings and activities.
  • Other duties and tasks as assigned.
Required Skills & Abilities
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, relationships, and confidential matters.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft polished correspondence and professional materials.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish credibility and positive working relationships across departments
  • Ability to anticipate needs, work independently, solve problems, and take initiative without requiring extensive direction.
  • Strong project coordination and relationship management skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and related technology.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic nonprofit environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to inquire about new artifacts for the collection, foster relationships with industry partners, or to represent the Museum.
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required in history, anthropology, museum studies, American studies, or related field required.
  • Master’s degree in History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, Public History, or related program highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in collections management, registration, or related museum role.
  • Demonstrated experience with object handling, preservation, and collections documentation from acquisition to object/archival long-term care
  • Experience working with museum collection management databases
  • Knowledge of American history and the history of the Medal of Honor
Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Ability to attend and support meetings, events, donor engagements, and other Foundation activities that may require extended periods of standing or walking.
  • Muse have adequate visual acuity, ability to grasp and handle objects.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds; 50 lbs+ when working with assistance
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