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Museum Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$210K - $235K/yr

Responsible for future staffing plans, project allocation, professional development, and operating budgets. Coordinate the examination of photographs and time‐based media for the Museum's extensive ...

Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$210K - $235K/yr

Responsible for future staffing plans, project allocation, professional development, and operating budgets. Coordinate the examination of photographs and time‐based media for the Museum's extensive ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Collaborates with design and development. May engage in direct production activities as needed ... Museum experience is essential. * Demonstrate proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and carpentry ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18K

$109.9K

$172K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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:
Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,891 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

$210K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Conservator in Charge – Department of Photograph and Time‐Based Conservation The Conservator in Charge is responsible for the conservation of the collections of photographs and time‐based media in all museum departments, leading a team of five conservators and an administrator. Primary Responsibilities Lead, mentor and inspire a team of conservators, an administrator, fellows, and interns. Responsible for future staffing plans, project allocation, professional development, and operating budgets. Coordinate the examination of photographs and time‐based media for the Museum's extensive loan and exhibition schedule, including installations throughout the permanent collections. Responsible for the conservation of photographs and time‐based media throughout the museum's collections. Advise on decisions relating to the Museum environment, installations, capital projects, exhibitions, acquisition and storage that involve photographs and time‐based media art. Undertake treatment and study of works. Coordinate and oversee the examination of photographs and time‐based media artworks that enter the museum through acquisition, gift, and loan, including loan exhibitions. Coordinate and enhance the department's donor programs. Encourage and support research, publishing, and innovative approaches that reflect the latest advances in the field. Liaise with all other relevant departments, including Conservation & Science, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Registrar, Digital, Buildings, Publications, Education, Design, and Development. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Master's degree in conservation, or the equivalent, with an emphasis on the examination and treatment of photographs and time‐based media. Demonstrated leadership and management skills in an active museum conservation department with wide‐ranging responsibilities. Demonstrated achievements in conservation treatments, independent research, and publications relating to the conservation of objects and the technical history of artist's materials and techniques. Minimum of ten years' experience in the conservation of photographs or time‐based media, including experience with a major museum collection preferred. Broad understanding of modern conservation practice and its integration with the historical study of objects, proficiency in laboratory methods and familiarity with analytical instrumentation. Excellent record in conservation ethics, philosophy and practice and the use of analytical instrumentation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Broad recognition within the field, including internationally. Commitment to encouraging diversity in the field and to supporting interns and fellows. A demonstrated ability in teaching and training emerging professionals. Compensation Pay Range: $210,000.00 – $235,000.00 / Annually. Location At time of employment, employees are expected to be located within commuting distance of the Museum. "Commuting distance" means that they are located in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania (the "Tri‐state and PA" areas). Benefits Medical, dental, vision and life insurance. 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match. Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays. Long‐term disability coverage. Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre‐tax income for eligible health care expenses). Commuter benefits (pre‐tax income for parking or mass transit expenses). Free financial‐planning services. Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs. 25% discount for staff in Museum shops. Subsidized staff cafeteria. Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions. Equal Opportunity The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay‐off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr