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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Makes final decisions regarding programming, collections management policies and educational programs; gives lectures to local organizations, businesses, and schools pertaining to the museum, the ...

Makes final decisions regarding programming, collections management policies and educational programs; gives lectures to local organizations, businesses, and schools pertaining to the museum, the ...

... manager of any issues. KEY DUTIES: * Embody excellent visitor service skills to welcome and include visitors, and to inform them of the museum's layout, collections, exhibitions, and events.

Museum Collections Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$31.3K

$59.3K

$110K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Wisconsin is $59,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $66,100.00 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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Manager jobs in Wisconsin? For Museum Collections Manager jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,271 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Museum Director

Brown County

Green Bay, WI • On-site

$95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Brown County (Wisconsin) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation/conservation of relevant and significant objects of art, history, and science from or used in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; interprets collections and educates residents through exhibits, programming, research, and publications. Assumes overall responsibility for the museum's community relations. Essential Duties Manages the museum operation, development, coordination, and promotion of museum programs; monitors time, people, equipment, and other resources for the department to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.

Collaborates with the Neville Public Museum Foundation Board and its Executive Director to coordinate, promote, and market museum programs, exhibitions, educational opportunities, community partnerships, and other plans to align with the goals and objectives of the department. Plans, develops, presents, and implements the annual budget; monitors expenditures and controls expenses for the department; enforces cost control measures, eliminates redundant systems, and establishes and implements departmental cost measurements to ensure compliance with budget limitations. Develops and implements annual work plan which outlines goals and objectives of the department based upon the needs of Brown County; coordinates the work performed by the department and ensures projects are completed in a timely manner.

Interviews, selects, supervises, plans, coordinates, and assigns the work of staff and (specified contracted employees) develops their potential, monitors, and evaluates their performance and work output to maintain efficiency and quality of work; participates in and makes decisions concerning grievances and discipline; participates in contract negotiations. Plans long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department; monitors, reviews and communicates the implementation phases of the department's strategic plans to ensure that long-range goals and objectives are met. Develops, communicates, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and standards for the department; conducts staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, budgets, strategies, and plans for the department; ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.

Serves as the primary liaison between the County, the Museum, local museum organizations, and the Museum Foundation. Represents the Museum at public events and functions, acts as its spokesperson to the media, and approves all news releases. Participates in local, state, and regional committees and engages with local cultural organizations on the Museum's behalf.

Consistently projects a positive and professional image of the Museum. Researches, develops, and implements alternative sources of revenue including grant proposals, special events, endowment, and ensures compliance with grant requirements. Plans, develops and implements marketing and advertising strategies to promote the Museum and its programs.

Prepares oral and written reports on Museum activities, budget and personnel to County Executive, boards, and committees in an accurate and complete manner; works with joint county/corporation committee to formulate long-range goals and provide for implementation. Plans exhibit scheduling with curators; makes final decisions as to yearly exhibit schedule. Makes final decisions regarding programming, collections management policies and educational programs; gives lectures to local organizations, businesses, and schools pertaining to the museum, the exhibits, programs, and related subject matters; answers public inquiries; maintains up-to-date knowledge and awareness of topics of interest in museum administration and programming; maintains current information regarding museums and ensures museum is practicing within compliance and accepted form.

Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, workshops and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED: General office equipment Computer Minimum Qualifications Required Education and Experience: Bachelors Degree from an accredited university or college in Business or Public Administration, Museum Studies or related field. Five (5) to seven (7) years of executive level experience in market analysis and fund development designed to meet the organization's strategic plan or carry out the organization's mission; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Wisconsin Driver's License. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of museum operations including collections, exhibits, education, and programming. Knowledge of basic management principles and techniques.

Knowledge of accounting and budgeting. Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding non-profit organizations and museums. Knowledge of public relations.

Knowledge of planning and marketing. Knowledge of governmental structures. Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to make verbal and written presentations. Ability to effectively manage people.

Ability to write grants. Ability to research and compile information. Ability to market and promote the museum.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Intermittent standing, walking, and sitting; occasional driving.

Using hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls. Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching, and grappling. Communicating orally in a clear manner.

Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes. Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions. Brown County is an E-Verify employer.

Click the links below for more information. https://www.browncountywi.gov/i/f/files/Human-Resources/E-Verify%20Participation%20Poster(1).pdf https://www.browncountywi.gov/i/f/files/Human-Resources/IER%20Right%20to%20Work%20Poster.pdf


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