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Museum Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Registrar

Stockbridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The position coordinates and implements standards in the creation and maintenance of the collections management system; disseminates information as needed to museum staff, researchers, and members of ...

The position develops and implements collections management standards, policies, and procedures. The Registrar also helps educate museum staff, students, and other interested parties in best ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

This position is located in the Collections Management Unit, Museum Collections and Operations, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture (USMC ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

This position is located in the Collections Management Unit, Museum Collections and Operations, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture (USMC ...

Curator 3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.5K - $7.0K/mo

Processes new acquisitions and related paperwork in accordance with the Museum's Collections Management Manual. Assigns accession numbers and maintains accurate accession logs. Maintains master files ...

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

... collections. * Establish schedules and methods for providing assigned museum collection services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources ...

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

... for collections. Establish schedules and methods for providing assigned museum collection services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$58.7K

$109K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in the United States is $58,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $65,500.00 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.

More about Museum Collections Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs? Cities with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Collections Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Collections Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,722 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Registrar

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Our Mission
The Norman Rockwell Museum illuminates the power of American illustration art to reflect and shape society, and advances the enduring values of kindness, respect, and social equity portrayed by Norman Rockwell.
Equity Goals
NRM embraces the values of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion to create a successful workplace and a more equitable society. Our mission embodies these values. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of identities, experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the more successful the organization, its employees, and our work in the world will be. Norman Rockwell Museum is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to equity and inclusion. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Norman Rockwell Museum is a drug-free workplace.
The Position
Reporting to the Chief of Curatorial Affairs, the Registrar is responsible for all aspects of acquisitions, loans, and exhibition travel arrangements. The Registrar also serves a vital role on a team that includes the Archivist and Collections Manager, and the Director of Exhibitions and Collections. Together, this team organizes all aspects of archives and collections care, housing, and conservation needs, as well as the physical movement of any works in the Museum's care. The Registrar also participates in any object-related aspects of the development and installation of exhibitions including but not limited to condition checks, inventories, and handling. The Registrar also assists in the oversight of rights and reproductions as it relates to collections or exhibition needs.
The Registrar creates and maintains all legal documents, histories of use and physical histories of permanent collection objects; processes artworks and accessions objects into the permanent collection. The position coordinates and implements standards in the creation and maintenance of the collections management system; disseminates information as needed to museum staff, researchers, and members of the public regarding museum collections. The position also provides oversight and documentation of traveling exhibitions and/or objects. The registrar also initiates and oversees inventory processes, maintains and evaluates insurance for the archives and collections, and establishes and maintains important relationships with shipping vendors, insurance agencies, and legal advisors.
Other Responsibilities Include:
  • Creates and updates computerized records in EMu/IMu.
  • Ensures and oversees safe packing and transport of artworks to and from the Museum, including permanent collections and works on loan. Acts as a courier and oversees others working in that capacity for loaned artworks and traveling exhibitions. Serves as a liaison to couriers and staff from partner organizations.
  • Maintains insurance, appraisal, and other records relating to the collections and exhibitions.
  • Organizes necessary conservation interventions for collection and potential loan objects in consultation with the Archives and Collections Manager.
  • Creates and maintains loan agreements for objects on long-term loan to the Museum. Issues certificates of insurance.
  • Conducts regular permanent collection inventories; maintains internal and external records relating to object movement.
  • Assists with all aspects of the Museum's exhibition and traveling exhibition program and in the arrangement of complex international and domestic loans, as well as overseeing and assisting with packing and shipping of objects on loan, including condition reports. Acts as a courier for objects on loan.
  • Oversees image reproduction rights for Museum publications, catalogues, and interactives; works with rights holders and licensees to provide photographic material from the museum collections; works with staff to schedule and obtain photography of collection objects; maintains records and produces reports.
  • Works with the Curatorial team to develop and execute Museum exhibitions and installations of permanent collection objects.

Requirements
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Experience and Education
Must have a B.A. in art history, museum studies, library science, or equivalent, plus a minimum of five years progressively responsible experience as a registrar in a collecting institutional setting. Familiarity with managing temporary/traveling exhibitions, loan contracts, budget preparation and management, copyright and photo reproduction issues, insurance indemnity, courier duties, shipping, international forwarding and customs, and all aspects of complex international loans and traveling exhibitions. Knowledge of collection automation and database utilities.
Masters in some aspect of collections management, museum studies, library sciences, or other humanities field preferred.
Other Factors
MATHEMATICAL and COMPUTER SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Must be able to understand and use highly technical computer equipment and systems, in particular a variety of databases, and be familiar with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel and Word as well as position specific programs such as Silverfish, Adobe Suite of Programs and basic CAD skills.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve complicated and practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.
COMPETENCIES
Exhibits excellent decision-making skills, judgment and adaptability. Maintains a customer service orientation and is a team player.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands
Regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities include color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Responsibilities include on-call with the ability to respond to various situations essential.
Work schedule includes travel time with occasional nights, weekends, holidays and evenings as needed.
Work Environment
Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Salary Description
$75,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience