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Museum Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Presents programs which are developed by the Museum. Any changes to these programs must be approved by the Director of Programs. Requests for changes should be submitted in writing to the Director of ...

Presents programs which are developed by the Museum. Any changes to these programs must be approved by the Director of Programs. Requests for changes should be submitted in writing to the Director of ...

Museum Educator

Akron, OH · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Background in education, child development, museum studies, or related fields * Experience working with children in educational, museum, or informal learning settings * Strong communication and ...

Museum Educator

Atlanta, GA

$18.35 - $19.35/hr

Strong teaching skills and basic understanding of childhood developmental levels * Technology set ... museum education, after school programs, and/or camp counseling) preferred * 1-2 years face-to-face ...

Audiences include school groups, community groups and Museum visitors of all ages. * Assist with the development and launch of innovative free and fee-based visitor experiences that serve visitor ...

Museum Educator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.35 - $19.35/hr

Strong teaching skills and basic understanding of childhood developmental levels * Technology set ... museum education, after school programs, and/or camp counseling) preferred * 1-2 years face-to-face ...

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

Museum Director

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and best practices in the field. Establish sound working relationships and leadership roles in museum professional organizations ensuring best ...

The Burke Museum has an outstanding opportunity for a Development & Membership Coordinator. Under the direction of the Membership Manager and the Annual Giving & Stewardship Manager, the Development ...

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Museum Development information

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$17.5K

$106.7K

$167K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in the United States is $106,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Museum Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Museum Development often encounter challenges such as securing consistent funding, balancing donor relations with institutional goals, and effectively communicating the museum's mission to potential supporters. To address these, it’s important to build strong relationships with donors, stay informed about grant opportunities, and collaborate closely with curators and leadership to align fundraising strategies with the museum’s vision. Flexibility, clear communication, and ongoing professional development are key to navigating these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Museum Development vs Museum Education Coordinator?

AspectMuseum DevelopmentMuseum Education Coordinator
Primary FocusFundraising, grant writing, and strategic growthDesigning and implementing educational programs for visitors
Required CredentialsTypically a background in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fieldsOften a degree in education, museum studies, or related areas
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, with some travel for outreach and eventsOn-site at museums, schools, or community centers
Industry UsageCommonly found in museums focusing on growth and sustainabilityCommon in museums emphasizing visitor engagement and education

While Museum Development focuses on fundraising and strategic growth to ensure the museum's sustainability, Museum Education Coordinators concentrate on creating educational programs to engage visitors. Both roles are vital but serve different aspects of museum operations, often working together to enhance the museum's overall mission.

Which museum jobs pay the most?

Senior roles in museum development, such as Museum Director or Chief Curator, tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures depending on the institution's size and funding. Positions requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills generally offer higher compensation within the museum field.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In museum development, high-paying roles such as senior fundraising managers or development directors can earn around $10,000 or more per month, especially with extensive experience and successful grant writing or donor relations. These positions often require strong communication skills, networking, and knowledge of fundraising tools, but may not always require a formal degree if complemented by proven results and industry expertise.

What is Museum Development?

Museum Development refers to the process of supporting and enhancing museums through fundraising, strategic planning, audience engagement, and resource management. Professionals in this field work to secure financial support, build partnerships, and implement programs that increase a museum's impact and sustainability. Their efforts help ensure that museums remain accessible, relevant, and able to fulfill their educational and cultural missions. Museum development staff often collaborate with curators, educators, and community leaders to create lasting value for both the institution and the public.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles related to museum development are rare, but senior executive positions such as Museum Directors or Chief Development Officers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require strong fundraising skills, strategic planning, and management expertise, typically found in large or well-funded institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Museum Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Museum Development, you need strong fundraising, grant writing, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in arts administration, museum studies, or nonprofit management. Familiarity with donor management systems (such as Raiser’s Edge), CRM platforms, and fundraising software is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for securing financial support, building community partnerships, and ensuring the museum’s long-term sustainability.

What does a museum programmer do?

A museum programmer develops and implements educational and public programs, such as tours, workshops, and special events, to engage visitors and enhance their understanding of exhibits. They often collaborate with curators and educators, utilize program planning skills, and may require knowledge of museum collections and audience engagement strategies.
More about Museum Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Development jobs? Cities with the most Museum Development job openings:
What states have the most Museum Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 80% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,675 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Executive Director of Museum Development

Executive Director of Museum Development

Colby College

Waterville, ME

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Colby College rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionDepartment:College Advancement and CampaigningPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:

All interested candidates, nominations, and inquiries can be directed toMercedes Chacon VanceandJevon WaltonatColbyCollegeEDMD@wittkieffer.com, or apply here via Wittkieffer.

ALL applicants must apply via Wittkieffer, and any submissions via the Colby website will not be considered.

Colby College (Waterville, Maine) and the Colby College Museum of Art seek an experienced, strategic, and inspirational Executive Director of Museum Development. The Executive Director will lead the planning and strategic execution of fundraising efforts that support current programming, as well as near-term plans for a transformational capital project and significantly expanded programming.

Colby's Dare Northward campaign is one of the single largest campaigns at a liberal arts college in history. After surpassing the original goal of $750M in November 2023, the Board of Trustees voted to extend the campaign to $1B to support the people, programs, and facilities that will position the College as one of the preeminent liberal arts colleges in the world. With an anonymous nine-figure gift to the sciences, Dare Northward has surpassed $1B and looks to complete its investments in financial aid, the sciences, and a Colby Museum expansion project.

The Colby College Museum of Art, including the Lunder Institute of American Art, continues to be one of the College's greatest assets. As one of the best college art museums in the country, the Colby College Museum of Art is renowned in the fields of American art and contemporary art. It remains at the forefront of its peers through an incredible collection, ground-breaking exhibitions, unique partnerships, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. The Colby arts ecosystem also includes the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, Greene Block & Studios, and the Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Located in downtown Waterville, the Schupf Art Center includes the Colby Museum's Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art, and the Greene Block + Studios is the home to the Lunder Institute of American Art.

Following the adoption of a new strategic plan, the Carolyn Muzzy Director of the Museum, Jacqueline Terrassa, and the Museum Board of Governors are actively planning future growth opportunities for both capital projects and enhanced programming. Achieving this vision will require a comprehensive fundraising initiative.

The Executive Director will be responsible for all aspects of fundraising and donor engagement for the museum. The new leader will be an experienced, senior advancement professional with a compelling combination of fundraising, campaign oversight, and program/personnel leadership experience and achievement. The ideal leader will demonstrate a personal track record of considerable success cultivating major and principal gifts and developing fundraising plans and driving success through individual and collaborative efforts.

Colby seeks an executive who has outstanding organizational and communication skills and demonstrated experience leading, managing, and continuously assessing and identifying opportunities to leverage visibility to secure philanthropic support. The selected candidate will have a record of success leading a comprehensive advancement program of similar scope and complexity. At least 10 years of envisioning, shaping, and implementing a successful philanthropic program, preferably with experience or familiarity with art and art communities, including demonstrated responsibility for initiating and closing major and principal gifts and leading a high-level fundraising initiative. The Executive Director will be a champion of the arts and understand and embody institutional values of honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile found at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Colby College in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Mercedes Chacon Vance and Jevon Walton

ColbyCollegeEDMD@wittkieffer.com

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions based on the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding

Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.


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