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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation

VA · On-site

Museum Curator & Manager of Outreach New Kent, VA Cumberland Estat e is an expansive rural property ... Help develop programming and publications regarding our collections and structures including ...

City of Alexandria, VA

Museum Technician PT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.67 - $32.85/hr

N/A Part-time Museum Technician The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is ... Experience with Proficio or other archaeological database for cataloguing, collections management ...

City of Alexandria

Museum Technician PT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.67 - $32.85/hr

Part-time Museum Technician The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered ... Experience with Proficio or other archaeological database for cataloguing, collections management ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Assists the Site Manager and Site Specialist with all aspects of museum operations, including event rentals and collections management. * Works independently and as part of a team, with regular ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Assists the Site Manager and Site Specialist with all aspects of museum operations, including event rentals and collections management. * Works independently and as part of a team, with regular ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$58.2K

$108.1K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Virginia is $58,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $64,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Manager jobs in Virginia? For Museum Collections Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:
Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,218 per year, or $28 per hour.

Assistant Collections Manager

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Assistant Collections Manager
Part-Time
General Description:
The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time, non-exempt position that shares with the other Assistant Collections Managers, the responsibility for the cleaning and monitoring of George Washington’s Mansion and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center outside of public hours. These responsibilities include the general cleaning of exhibition spaces and the specialized handling of collections objects, many of which belonged to George Washington and his family. The ACM also assists in maintaining collection documentation and assists members of the collections department with special projects, such as object inventories, exhibition installation, and movement of the collections. This position reports directly to the Collections Manager.
Compensation:
Starting compensation for this position is $20.00/hour.
Expected Hours:
This position is 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day/week, 8 hours/day.

Essential Duties:
  • Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Dependencies and the occasional cleaning of other outbuildings.
  • General Cleaning
  • Vacuums traffic areas; Rotates shutters according to schedule.
  • Specialized Dusting/Vacuuming
  • Dusts a variety of types of historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and other fragile object types, using methods approved by the conservation profession. Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of dusting.
  • After a training period, assists with monitoring the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of hygrothermographs and HOBOs.
  • Assists with ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in the exhibition areas. Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
  • Assists collections staff with collections management activities such as maintenance of accession and loan files, the accession of artifacts, proper documentation of incoming and outgoing objects, inventories, object numbering, and object re-housing projects.
  • Assists collections staff in the movement of objects, both on the estate and off-site. Serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans of artifacts. Under the Collection Manager’s supervision and according to department procedures, carefully handles and packs artifacts for transit.
  • Researches and enters collection object information into collections management database system.
  • Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and traveling exhibitions and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
  • Works closely with interpretation and security staff to monitor the safety of objects displayed in the Mansion, Museum, and Outbuildings. Reports damage, according to departmental policies, to the Conservator and files report with Collections Manager. Serves as an active member of the collections department emergency response team.
  • Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas where objects are displayed. Ensures the safety of collections objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
  • Works with Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collections objects.
  • Carries out additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation or a related field.
  • Prior museum experience highly preferred, especially in the dusting and handling of fragile, valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
  • Knowledge of methods of historical research, museum practices, and basic collections care.
  • Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
  • Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
  • Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties, like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
  • Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks and various other equipment preferred.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
  • Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally including possessing a current, valid driver’s license.
  • Dependability, reliability, and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
  • Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.
Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet, climate-controlled, and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus. The role may require standing, walking, crawling, or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation, as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Monthly employee events
  • Employee referral program
  • Flexible work schedule
  • On-site Library
  • Discount on Public Event Tickets
  • Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
  • Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
  • Free parking
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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