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Museum Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Museum of Science and Industry

Manager, Events

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Manager, Events, is responsible for managing all aspects of events in support of the Museum's mission and Development goals. The primary responsibility of this position is to help strategize and ...

Field Museum

Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$63K - $65K/yr

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum has aimed to connect us all to the ... development for each appeal. * Analyze appeal results, renewal and upgrade rates, donor response ...

Field Museum

Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$62K - $81K/yr

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum has aimed to connect us all to the ... development for each appeal. * Analyze appeal results, renewal and upgrade rates, donor response ...

Field Museum

Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$62K - $81K/yr

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum has aimed to connect us all to the ... development for each appeal. * Analyze appeal results, renewal and upgrade rates, donor response ...

Museum of Science and Industry

HR Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring ... Ensure project plans and timelines are developed, track progress, and review tasks to meet ...

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All JobsMuseum Development JobsMuseum Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Museum Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18K

$109.9K

$172K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in Chicago, IL is $109,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,300.00 and $120,000.00 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Museum Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,891 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Museum Experience Facilitator

Museum Experience Facilitator

Arlington Heights Park District

Arlington Heights, IL

$15 - $16/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Arlington Heights Park District rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 833 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

In this position you will be responsible for teaching and facilitating all educational, historical, interpretive, recreational, craft and History Camp programs to all youth, family, adult, school aged and Scout audiences at the Historical Museum. Position is approximately 20-25 hours a week, including weekends and some evenings.


The Arlington Heights Historical Museum (AHHM) is located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and offers an important opportunity to create and implement all levels of programming that engage the public and collaboratively interpret the development, history, and culture of this thriving suburban community.


The Arlington Heights Historical Museum's mission is to serve the residents and visitors of Arlington Heights by providing a vibrant, dynamic space for engaging with Arlington Heights history that inspires curiosity in and connection to our local and global community.


Ways we accomplish this:

-Ethical & thoughtful collection and preservation of Arlington Heights history;
- Interpretation & exhibition that enrich lives, foster curiosity, and inform the future;
- Engaging and entertaining programs & events that fulfill and inspire;
- Preservation and maintenance of the Muller & Banta houses, Coach house, Soda Pop Factory building, and grounds of the Museum complex.


Part-Time Wages

Museum Experience Facilitator - Job Description


JOB SPECIFIC INFORMATION

  • Leads educational, recreational, and interpretive programs for various audiences, including families, youth, and Scouts.
  • Conducts historical tours and delivers educational content related to museum exhibits.
  • Assists in planning and organizing activities for camp groups and large/small group programs.
  • Ensures participant safety by supervising activities, enforcing rules, and administering first aid as needed.
  • Prepares, sets up, and cleans program materials while maintaining a clean work environment.
  • Communicates concerns to leadership and collaborates with volunteers to support programming.


SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

  • Currently enrolled in or completed coursework in Museum Education, History, Historic Preservation, or related fields (degree preferred but not required).
  • One to two years of experience instructing educational or recreational programs, preferably in a museum, classroom, or informal education setting.
  • Experience working with or supervising school-aged children in educational, childcare, or camp settings.
  • CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain through Park District).
  • Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training will be considered.


BENEFITS WE OFFER

  • PTAC Membership to ARC
  • Discounts on some programming
  • KinderCare Discount


AHPD OVERVIEW

The Arlington Heights Park District (AHPD) is a public park and recreation agency located in Arlington Heights, Illinois-one of the largest communities in Chicago's prestigious northwest suburban corridor. Our mission is to enrich the community by providing fun, accessible and impactful recreation and facilities for every age and season. However you choose to recreate, we have something for you. We aim to serve everyone equally and fairly across our 29 facilities-including five community centers with outdoor pools, Arlington Ridge Center, two tennis clubs, two public golf clubs, Lake Arlington, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Senior Center-and 58 parks across 716 acres of land. In our 95-year history, we have earned multiple distinctions recognizing our high-quality standards of excellence, including three National Gold Medal Awards, maintaining a Moody's AAA bond rating for nine years, and receiving multiple awards for fiscal responsibility.


The Arlington Heights Park District commits itself to diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a mutually respectful, multicultural, and equitable environment.

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