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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

EIGENNET LLC

Be Seen First

Metadata Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

... museum collections, photographs, and archival materials. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the NIST Federal Point of Contact, Contractor Project Manager, and library staff across ...

EIGENNET LLC

Be Seen First

Metadata Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

... museum collections, photographs, and archival materials. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the NIST Federal Point of Contact, Contractor Project Manager, and library staff across ...

Usmd

Assistant Director

College Park, MD · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Knowledge of museum theory and practices, including collections management.Knowledge of collections management databases, cloud-based work management software (e.g., Trello, Asana), and Microsoft ...

Glenstone Museum

3rd Shift Security Supervisor

Potomac, MD · On-site

$75K - $88K/hr

Position Security Shift Supervisor Reports To Security Manager Schedule 5 days per week, 10:45 p.m ... Salary Range $75,000 - $88,000 per year An Introduction to Glenstone Museum Founded with the ...

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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 Conservator

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Collections Conservator
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Preserve Objects. Protect History. Shape the Future.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is seeking an experienced Collections Conservator to care for and preserve an exceptional Fine and Decorative Arts Collection at one of the nation's most significant historic sites.
This is an opportunity to do meaningful conservation work in a setting where history is not simply studied—it is experienced every day. The Collections Conservator will work hands-on with a diverse collection spanning paintings, prints, sculpture, furniture, metals, ceramics, textiles, and other historic materials, helping ensure these objects remain accessible and meaningful for generations to come.
The Collections Conservator will have an important role in both the hands-on treatment and long-term preservation of Mount Vernon’s collections. This position combines conservation treatment, preventive conservation, exhibition support, collections care, vendor and project management, and collaboration with curatorial and collections professionals.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound professional judgment, and a collaborative approach to the care of historic objects.
About Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.
Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.
The Historic Preservation and Collections Department plays a central role in that mission by preserving and restoring Mount Vernon to its 1799 appearance and caring for original, period, and reproduction objects that support the organization's educational mission.
What You'll Do

Conservation Treatment amp; Object Care
Perform and document conservation treatments on objects within the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
Assess objects and prepare them for exhibition, analysis, storage, and movement.
Apply accepted professional conservation practices and maintain treatment standards consistent with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Collaborate with curators and collections staff to determine appropriate conservation approaches and priorities.
Objects Conservation Lab
Manage the daily operations of the approximately 600-square-foot Objects Conservation Lab.
Organize and maintain conservation equipment, materials, and supplies.
Ensure appropriate health and safety practices are followed within the lab and during conservation activities.
Work safely and appropriately with conservation equipment and chemicals.
Exhibition amp; Loan Support
Provide exhibition conservation support for objects displayed throughout Mount Vernon, including the Museum and Education Center, Library, and Mansion.
Collaborate with exhibition designers, contractors, curators, and other Mount Vernon staff to ensure appropriate conditions for the display and care of artifacts.
Research and test exhibition materials to evaluate their suitability for use with collection objects.
Support the safe care and preparation of objects traveling to and from other institutions on loan.
Preventive Conservation
Monitor the condition of objects on display and in storage in collaboration with Collections Management staff.
Contribute to the development and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
Participate in planning for object movement and recommend appropriate methods for packing, handling, and rehousing artifacts.
Review materials used for packing and rehousing and recommend improvements or upgrades when appropriate.
Project amp; Vendor Management
Recommend, direct, and monitor conservation treatments performed by contract conservators.
Solicit proposals and evaluate estimates for conservation and collections care projects.
Select and manage vendors and contractors as needed.
Generate and manage project and operational budgets related to conservation activities.
Documentation amp; Collections Support
Maintain complete and accurate conservation documentation, including treatment proposals, treatment reports, photographic documentation, and invoices.
Assist curators with acquisitions as needed.
Coordinate analytical testing of objects with appropriate institutions or specialists.
Collaborate with curators and collections staff in training new team members in proper collections care and object handling.
Emergency Preparedness amp; Professional Engagement
Represent the Collections Department in institutional disaster and emergency preparedness activities.
Contribute to conservation education and professional development through activities such as hosting interns, giving presentations, and participating in professional organizations and activities as schedules permit.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced conservation professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent judgment, organization, and collaboration skills.
Required Qualifications

MA or MS degree in conservation from a recognized training program, with an objects specialization or another specialization relevant to the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
At least six years of museum experience in a similar position.
Solid knowledge of conservation and collections care practices.
Working knowledge of conservation laboratory equipment and chemicals.
Experience managing conservation or collections care projects and budgets.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
Flexibility and reliability, including the ability to work extended hours or beyond a normal work week when necessary.
Ability to work with collections management databases; experience with TMS is preferred.
Ability to successfully complete a security background check.
Ability to wear a respirator.

Compensation: $75,000-$90,000
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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