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Museum Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KidZone Museum

Floor Manager

Truckee, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Stay informed about developments in children's education and museum practices Qualifications * Live within the Reno/Truckee/Tahoe area. * High school diploma required; coursework or degree in ...

KidZone Museum

Floor Manager

Truckee, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Stay informed about developments in children's education and museum practices Qualifications * Live within the Reno/Truckee/Tahoe area. * High school diploma required; coursework or degree in ...

MUSEUM ASSOCIATES

Project Conservator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Collaborates with curators, researchers, and other museum staff to coordinate conservation efforts ... professional development. Benefits * The expected hourly rate for this Los Angeles, CA based ...

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Buyer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museum's mission, exhibitions, and ...

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Buyer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museum's mission, exhibitions, and ...

Hiller

Vice President, Development

San Carlos, CA

Reporting to the President & CEO and working closely with the museum's Board of Directors, the VP of Development is responsible for the successful implementation of all aspects of Hiller Aviation ...

Hiller

Vice President, Development

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Reporting to the President & CEO and working closely with the museum's Board of Directors, the VP of Development is responsible for the successful implementation of all aspects of Hiller Aviation ...

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All JobsMuseum Development JobsMuseum Development Jobs in California

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 job categories do people searching Museum Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Development job openings:
Museum Development jobs near you
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.
Floor Manager

Floor Manager

KidZone Museum

Truckee, CA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

KidZone Museum is a busy interactive children's museum in Truckee, CA. Our mission is to inspire learning through creative play and discovery. We are hiring for a Part-Time Floor Manager. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys working with people and thrives in an energetic, enriching, and creative environment. www.kidzonemuseum.org
See attached full job description. Apply online. Please attach resume and cover letter.
Position Overview
The Floor Manager plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day museum operations while supporting a positive, educational, and safe experience for children and families. This position supervises staff and sales, oversees activities, interacts with visitors, and maintains a clean, safe, and engaging environment.
Apply online. Resume and cover letter highly encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
Supervision and Team Management
  • Supervise and lead museum staff, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures
  • Provide training, guidance, and support for front desk, POS, and floor operations
  • Build and manage staff schedules to meet operational needs
  • Lead all front desk operations
  • Handles HR administrative responsibilities
  • Ensures staff are well trained

Daily Cash Handling Procedures
  • Manages accurate sales receipts, reporting and records
  • Supervises museum sales, bookings, event ticketing and reporting

Visitor Engagement and Experience
  • Interact with visitors to ensure a positive, educational experience
  • Address visitor inquiries, concerns, and feedback with a customer-focused approach
  • Monitor and enforce safety protocols to maintain a secure environment

Activity Coordination
  • Coordinate and oversee educational activities, workshops, and events
  • Work with the education team to ensure programs align with museum goals and age appropriateness
  • Facilitate or assist with hands-on activities and demonstrations

Exhibit and Facility Maintenance
  • Monitor exhibit and play-area conditions for cleanliness and safety
  • Report maintenance or safety issues promptly and coordinate resolution

Team Collaboration
  • Collaborate with education, fundraising and administrative teams
  • Participate in regular team meeting

Training and Development
  • Support training programs to ensure staff understand exhibits, programs, and safety procedures
  • Stay informed about developments in children's education and museum practices

Qualifications
  • Live within the Reno/Truckee/Tahoe area.
  • High school diploma required; coursework or degree in education, child development, or related field is a plus.
  • Two Years of supervisory experience in a museum, or in retail operations
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children and families
  • Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of safety protocols and ability to enforce them consistently with staff and customers
  • Friendly, approachable demeanor and commitment to child-centered learning
  • Ability to move throughout the museum and lift up to 30 lbs
  • Basic computer competency, including Google Workspace, POS systems, and constituent software
  • Availability on some weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English is a preferred

Note: As a small museum, we help each other with various roles that may not be part of individual job duties
Because this role works directly with children, employment is contingent upon a cleared post-offer background check under California's Fair Chance Act.
The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply