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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Newfields

Manager of Interpretation

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$67K - $72K/yr

Design engaging visitor experiences for exhibitions, collections, gardens, and historic spaces ... Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Art Education, Visual Communication, or related ...

All JobsMuseum Collections JobsMuseum Collections Manager JobsMuseum Collections Manager Jobs in Indiana

Museum Collections Manager information

See Indiana salary details

$29.5K

$55.9K

$103.7K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Indiana is $55,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $62,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Manager jobs in Indiana?

For Museum Collections Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:

Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,877 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant (Museum Services Generalist), IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Indiana University
See more jobs at Indiana Universityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA) is Indiana University's newest museum. The IUMAA takes aspects of the former Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology and combines them into 1 cohesive experience. With an impactful long-term vision focusing on purposeful storytelling, stewarding collections, and bringing these items to communities, the IUMAA thoughtfully houses and displays over 5 million artifacts that span across a broad range of the human experience. The IUMAA is accessible for research as well as teaching and is culturally connected to our broader community through partnerships with Indigenous communities, advisory boards, and other IUMAA community members.
Job Summary
Department Specific Responsibilities
  • Performs a variety of responsibilities in support of day-to-day museum operations, including curation, collections maintenance, museum tours, facility operations and exhibition planning, coordination of staff and volunteer activities, marketing and communications, and event planning.
  • Frequently interfaces with other staff, faculty, students, and the general public.
  • Provides support for exhibits through coordination with guest curators and museum staff; tracking and assisting with curatorial deliverables of projection schedule such as development of checklist, script writing, interpretation planning, marketing materials, and opening and program logistics.
  • Acts as project manager for rewriting collection management policy and development of disaster preparedness plan.
  • Provides curatorial support to Museum Registrar for backlog of gift considerations.
  • Assists collection and curatorial staff with collection access for researchers, tours, and class visits.
  • Assists with cataloging, digitizing curatorial files, organizing curatorial reference material.
  • Collaborates with individuals across museum departments and university staff to advance projects.
  • Facilitates the review and signing of museum documents by the Director, such as loan agreements and Deeds of Gifts, and distribute accordingly.
  • Supports the Director with researching, compiling, and organizing information.
  • Executes project management tasks for key initiatives and projects by scheduling meetings, organizing documents, tracking progress, moving action items forward, and disseminating decisions and updates.
  • Other duties as assigned.
General Responsibilities
  • Performs a variety of responsibilities in support of day-to-day museum operations, including curation, collections maintenance, museum tours, facility operations and exhibition planning, coordination of staff and volunteer activities, marketing and communications, and event planning.
  • Ensures proper maintenance of artwork and museum artifacts and performs inventory for collections.
  • Monitors the condition of facilities, ensuring safety and security for guests, and initiates work orders for supplies, maintenance, repairs, and other issues as needed.
  • Plans and develops procedures for tours, events, collaborative projects, and other museum programs; works with vendors and community partners.
  • Liaises with community partners to organize projects, exhibitions, promotional material, and events.
  • Frequently interfaces with other staff, faculty, students, and the general public.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in museum services or other related field
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Library Science, History, Arts Administration or related field
WORK EXPERIENCE
Preferred
  • Some experience in museum services or other related field
  • 2 years of experience in museum work and/or project management
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficien written and verbal communication skills
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
  • Highly thorough and dependable
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
This is a limited term position. This position is expected to run through August 31, 2027.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington.
This is an in person position.
Advertised Salary
Salary based upon education and experience, up to $55,000.00 on an annualized basis.
Work Hours
40 per week/ Full-Time
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Core
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech
Job Family: Museum Services
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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