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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Controller

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$8.0K - $10K/mo

... collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts. The Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing all accounting operations at the museum ...

Controller

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts. The Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing all accounting operations at the museum ...

... collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts. The Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing all accounting operations at the museum ...

... collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts. The Controller is responsible for overseeing and managing all accounting operations at the museum ...

Plan and manage productions involving freelance cinematographers, editors, and other creative ... Experience working in a museum, gallery, cultural institution, educational organization, or other ...

Plan and manage productions involving freelance cinematographers, editors, and other creative ... Experience working in a museum, gallery, cultural institution, educational organization, or other ...

Showing results 21-38

Museum Collections Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$30.4K

$57.5K

$106.8K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Minnesota is $57,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $64,200.00 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,513 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Curatorial Assistant (January 2027 start)

Walker Art Center

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$44K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Walker Art Center rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 29 rated museums


Job description

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country, and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.
The CURATORIAL ASSISTANT is a vital member of the Visual Arts department team, supporting exhibitions, acquisitions, and other department activities. The Curatorial Assistant is responsible for a range of curatorial and support tasks including assisting curators with exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing exhibition related correspondence and image rights; assisting with the coordination of catalogues, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition-related copy; and loan requests. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant may have the opportunity to periodically generate original programs and exhibitions, and will act as a liaison, on behalf of the institution, with artists, collectors, dealers, lenders, and staff involved in exhibition planning and production. The start date for this position is January 11, 2027.
WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Exhibition Support
  • Provide curatorial assistance to curators in the planning and organization of exhibitions, including scholarly research and logistical support in the preparation of checklists; loan requests; image rights; exhibition catalogues; didactic materials; interpretive labels; grants and fundraising narratives; and other exhibition-related materials.
  • Serve as curatorial liaison with artists and Walker staff about exhibition progress, sharing information, coordinating plans, and attending relevant meetings.
  • Provide coordination and support to collection presentations and traveling exhibitions organized by other institutions.
  • Conduct periodic travel for general work in the field and research on exhibitions and acquisitions as assigned.
  • Participate in budget and planning processes and meetings related to exhibitions.
  • Make presentations on exhibitions to staff and board.
  • Present tours, lectures, trainings and other presentations related to exhibitions and the Permanent Collection to Educators, donors, touring groups, professionals, and special guests.
  • Periodically lead on selected Collections presentations from conceptualization to realization, as assigned.
  • Periodically oversee presentation of collection works in office or public spaces, as assigned.
  • Participate in donor and community relations through attendance at Walker events, including receptions, public programs, collector events, and openings.

Acquisitions and Collections Support
  • Participate in acquisition discussions with the Executive Director, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs and Visual Arts curatorial team. Make periodic presentations of proposed acquisitions at Acquisitions Committee Meetings, as assigned.
  • Support curators by contributing research on incoming works of art, drafting acquisition write ups, and assisting with administrative details around the incoming acquisitions process.
  • Support curators with deaccessions research, write deaccession rationales on works being proposed by curators for deaccession from the collection. Support Curator of Visual Arts and Collections Strategy and Visual Arts Administrator on the administration of Acquisitions meetings and follow up.
  • Assist in the details of the presentation of our collection online (including image coordination, planned projects, online collections records and related texts).
  • Participate in meetings with Marketing and Social Media colleagues related to use of Permanent Collection works in Walker social media channels.

Departmental Support
  • Assist, as needed, with coordination and hosting for artist/curator visits.
  • Conduct general research on artists, as assigned.
  • Contribute online content related to the Visual Arts program for the Walker's Reader.
  • Participate with regular attendance at local arts events, conduct studio visits with local artists.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU
Minimum Requirements
  • Minimum B.A. in art history, museum studies, or a related field, some experience in the field, such as at a museum or nonprofit preferred.
  • Specialization in contemporary (post-1960) art preferred. Passion for contemporary art and culture.
  • Excellent research skills with the ability to conduct both directed and independent research.
  • Strong written and verbal skills; demonstrated ability to write for and speak to general audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to be part of a team and work across multiple departments.
  • Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a demanding and fast-paced work environment; flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities with proven ability to meet multiple deadlines.
  • Well-organized, detail oriented, and proactive, with high level of accuracy, and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with staff, trustees, artists, arts professionals, and the public.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Sketchup, and other standard computer programs.
  • Availability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as appropriate.
  • Fluency in English. Foreign language skills (written and verbal) are also desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to sit at a desk for long periods of time.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The salary for this role $45,000 annually. The start date for this position is January 11, 2027.
BENEFITS: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution; paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.
Walker's DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.
Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.
E-Verify Participation Notice Walker Art Center participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
  • Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)

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