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Museum Collections Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Victoria College

Collections Intern

Victoria, TX · On-site

$15/hr

The certification ensures that facilities meet current museum standards pertinent to the care and management of held-in-trust collections. About Our Institution Victoria College (VC) is a vital ...

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How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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.

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Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Director of Digital Collections

Director of Digital Collections

Elixir Technologies

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Director of Digital Collections. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Collections & Exhibits, the Director of Digital Collections is a vital member of the Collections & Exhibits team and works closely with collections, archives, library, marketing & communications, and education staff members. The Director of Digital Collections leads, coordinates, and collaborates on initiatives and activities designed to build digital collections that facilitate access to the Museum's artifacts, archives, and oral history holdings. The Director of Digital Collections will conceive and implement a strategy to expand the Museum's digital presence and make the Museum's extraordinary collections available in digital form.
Requirements
  • Survey the needs of the Museum and set goals for future digitization initiatives of Museum collections.
  • Supervise digitization staff, plan and implement digitization projects, and manage digital collections by establishing and documenting consistent standards, policies, and procedures, planning workflows, and setting priorities.
  • Maintain departmental database systems (NetX and KE EMu), troubleshoot technical issues, and remain up to date with software updates and bug fixes.
  • Troubleshoot the Museum's Digital Collection Website in collaboration with the IT department and lead the effort to redevelop the site as part of the broader initiative to redevelop the Museum's main institutional website.
  • Develop and enforce digital asset preservation standards and practices, managing the continued preservation of and access to the Museum's born-digital and digitized material.
  • Collaborate with the IT department to ensure database and multimedia servers are maintained, and develop an integrated preservation, storage, and disaster plan for digital assets in collaboration with IT leadership.
  • Facilitate the integration of digital media assets into DAMS from all Museum departments and work closely with IT staff and staff in departments across the institution to improve access to digital assets for daily use, special projects, and initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain security and access for users, and improve discoverability, searchability, shareability, usability, reliability, and integrity of digital assets.
  • Develop and update training documentation and provide functional support to KE EMu and NetX software users.
  • Develop and manage Digital Collection department budgets, contracts, project schedules and vendor relationships.
  • Actively participate in the development and preparation of sponsorship and grant proposals and reports, as well as other revenue-generating proposals, to support Museum digitization initiatives.
  • Conduct metadata audits and usage reports.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science, or a related field
  • At least five years of experience in a museum, archives, or library image archive, including experience with: database management, time-based media management, digital rights management, metadata standards and practices, and data migration
  • Strong technical skills and demonstrated knowledge of collections management systems (KE EMu preferred) and digital asset management systems (NetX preferred) as well as proven success in implementing workflows in a complex environment
  • Experience in leadership and administrative management of teams; including personnel management, project planning and management, and budget management
  • Positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, flexibility and commitment to collaboration, customer service, strategy and innovation
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills as well as strong organizational skills
  • Must be able to lift, carry and place objects on shelves, including overhead, up to 50 pounds without assistance
  • Ability to climb ladders up to 12 feet

In addition to offering competitive wages, the Museum's benefits package includes:
  • Medical insurance - 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • 401(k) - Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment
  • Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available
  • Long term disability insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year
  • Free parking
  • Tuition assistance and professional development
  • Employee assistance program

The National WWII Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.

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