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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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

$65 - $70/hr

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 ...

Embedded Shishya

Museum Specialist

Suitland, MD · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Specialized experience includes providing collections management work for a historical museum or ... cultural institution, managing and preserving collections, using and maintaining a collection ...

New

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 ...

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All JobsMuseum Collections JobsMuseum Collections Manager JobsMuseum Collections Manager Jobs in Washington

Museum Collections Manager information

See Washington salary details

$35.1K

$66.5K

$123.5K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Washington is $66,508.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $74,200.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,508 per year, or $32 per hour.

Collections Manager

Museum of the Bible, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Date: 08/14/2026
Job Title: Collections Manager
Division / Department: Curatorial - Collections
Location: Washington DC
FLSA: Exempt
Schedule: Full-Time
Reporting Manager: Senior Collections Manager
Travel: Approximately 25%
Salary: $65,000-$70,000. Depending on Experience
Salary adjusted to local market rates*
POSITION SUMMARY
The Collections Manager will support the Collection Management Team in the record keeping, care, and handling of Museum of the Bible collections and is responsible for the care, storage, movement and documentation of objects from Museum special collections.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Coordinate collections management projects in the DC office by serving as project manager for the DC Collections Management Team and collaborating with the Registration, Curation, Digitization, Conservation, and Exhibition Teams.
  • Maintain collections records including object documentation, condition reports, location changes, insurance records, and collection inventories for collections.
  • Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards
  • Move objects to and from storage as required for preparation, exhibit, conservation, photography, loan, and routine maintenance/rotation; packing collections objects; and serving as object courier as needed.
  • Collaborate with curatorial and exhibit staff in installation and de-installation of permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions and events.
  • Maintain appropriate storage conditions for collections, working collaboratively with conservators to preserve and care for collections via implementation of IPM, security procedures, and regular cleaning and maintenance of collections storage areas.
  • Collaborate with the Conservation Team to complete weekly checks of permanent collection objects in the galleries, including location verification and general condition checks. Follow up on incident reports.
  • Positively communicate with other Museum departments, curators, donors, vendors, lenders, and other museum professionals, as well as the public, in a professional manner.
  • Uphold policies and procedures and assist with developing and revising these policies and procedures.
  • Lead special projects as assigned.
  • Champion the Museum of the Bible's mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and MA in museum studies or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Five years of work experience in museum registration or collection management.

Skills
  • Thorough knowledge of operations, services and activities of a museum collection management policy.
  • Thorough knowledge and implementation of museum collection management duties including: documentation, accessioning, deaccessioning, collection storage, object handling, photography, fine arts insurance, preservation, record-keeping, exhibit installation, collection transportation methods, and pertinent laws, codes and regulations.
  • Experience with historical manuscript, book, and ephemera collections preferred.

Abilities
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to successfully create and implement strategic planning.
  • Thorough knowledge of and efficient mastery of software and databases including applications such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and collections management database systems.
  • Knowledge of current registration and collections management best practices, procedures, and operations.
  • Object handling skills.
  • Familiarity with conservation concepts, procedures and terms. Skill and awareness concerning the sensitive handling of objects, including current best practices in packing, crating, and transportation of objects.
  • Ability to work successfully as part of a team; excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and attend to multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Able to work evenings and weekends as needed, travel to the Museum as needed, and be flexible in context of a changing schedule.
  • Stand for extended periods of time and lift 50 lbs.

Pay Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year

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