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Museum Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Alena Museum is a cultural place keeping arts nonprofit that produces original content to tell the ... In this role, you will support the high-level development of our organization through strategic ...

Alena Museum is a cultural place keeping arts nonprofit that produces original content to tell the ... In this role, you will support the high-level development of our organization through strategic ...

Alena Museum is a cultural place keeping arts nonprofit that produces original content to tell the ... In this role, you will support the high-level development of our organization through strategic ...

Includes the development of digital programs and videos Contribute articles to the Museum newsletters and scholarly publications. Research and prepare content for grant applications. Advise the ...

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA · On-site

$79K - $96K/yr

Includes the development of digital programs and videos * Contribute articles to the Museum newsletters and scholarly publications. * Research and prepare content for grant applications. * Advise the ...

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Museum Development information

See California salary details

$17.3K

$105.3K

$164.8K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in California is $105,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,300.00 and $115,000.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Museum Development jobs in California? For Museum Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,278 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

$3.5K - $5.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

MUSEUM TECHNICIAN - MONTEREY DISTRICT / MONTEREY STATE HISTORIC PARK / MONTEREY, CA
Reporting location for this position will be Monterey State Historic Park with duties and responsibilities throughout the Monterey District.
The Museum Technician will be an integral part of the Monterey District's Cultural Resources Program. Under the direction and supervision of the Museum Curator II, the Museum Technician will work with the District Museum Curator II, Museum Curator I and Seasonal Maintenance Aids to assist in the management of all museum collections across the Monterey District. Duties will generally include housekeeping, collections documentation, artifact preventive conservation and maintenance, acquisition of preservation and housekeeping supplies, and record keeping.
Training and development assignments may be considered.
This position is designated as not telework eligible.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid class C driver's license and a clean driving history. You must answer the questions addressing your driver's license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver's license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
This is a uniformed position, and the employee must comply with all applicable Departmental uniform and grooming standards.
State housing is not available. For more information on the position, please contact Sara Gray at 831-574-9337 or Sara.Gray@parks.ca.gov.
This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
Working in the interior and exteriors of historic structures around historic artifacts. Exposed to cleaning products, dust, mold, and waste from rodents and other pests.
Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receives a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The percentage of the temporary salary reduction and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are determined by the position's assigned bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not reflect the temporary salary reduction. For additional information regarding PLP 2025, please click here .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • MUSEUM TECHNICIAN
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-520836
Position #(s):
549-720-2870-001
Working Title:
MUSEUM TECHNICIAN
Classification:
MUSEUM TECHNICIAN $3,535.00 - $5,001.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Monterey County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA/SURPLUS Applicants: You must check the SROA/Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA/Surplus letter as an additional document.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 6/28/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Attn: Classification and Hiring
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento , CA 94296-0001
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Services Division
Classification and Hiring
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento , CA 94296-0001
Monday through Friday except weekends and state holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Must be able to read and write English, follow instructions, and work independently.
Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Ally Hostetter
(831) 647-6277
ally.hostetter@parks.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 549-720-2870-001 and the Job Control # JC-520836 in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are applying" section on the STD. 678.
Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements:
  • List Eligibility - Successfully complete the civil service exam for Museum Technician. Click here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
  • Transfer Eligibility - Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
  • Reinstatement Eligibility - Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

  • In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.
    Equal Opportunity Employer
    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.