1

Museum Development Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Museum Development information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$17K

$103.6K

$162.1K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in Pittsburgh, PA is $103,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $113,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Museum Development jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

For Museum Development jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Museum Development jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Museum Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,562 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$61K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title:
Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development
Reports to:
Senior Director of Experiential Learning & Partnerships
FLSA Status:
Exempt/Salaried
Classification:
Full Time
Compensation:
$61,500.00 - $65,000.00
The compensation listed reflects the anticipated salary for this position and may vary depending on factors such as skills, experience, education, and internal equity.
About the Museum
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. We forge connections with artists, community partners and neighbors to work on behalf of children, youth and families. We have a vision to transform education. We believe people of all ages can benefit from different types of learning experiences.
Benefits:
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account. Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays, and Floating Holidays). 403(b) Savings Retirement Plan. Life Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability. Free Museum membership. Parking at a discounted rate.
Position Summary:
The Director of Early Childhood Learning & Development provides strategic leadership for the museum's vision, philosophy, and practice related to learning and development for children from birth through age eight (8) and the adults who care for them. This position champions research-informed, play-based learning experiences that position the museum as a leader in early childhood education, family engagement, and informal learning.
Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director develops innovative learning experiences, cultivates strategic partnerships, and ensures that exhibits, programs, and professional learning opportunities reflect current research, equity-centered practices, and the developmental needs of young children. The Director serves as a thought leader and ambassador for the museum, representing the organization in local, regional, and national conversations about early childhood learning.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Essential Job Duties:
  • Develop and implement programming and engagement approaches for early childhood learning that align with the museum's mission, strategic priorities, and community impact goals.
  • Work with the Creative Experiences and Experiential Learning teams to shape the redesign of the Museum's early childhood area, the Nursery.
  • Identify emerging trends, research, and innovations in early childhood development and translate them into museum practice.
  • Activate the Museum's Nursery exhibit and other spaces with playful learning experiences, hands-on manipulatives, and programming for young children and families.
  • Implement expanded museum programming focused on reaching caregivers and childcare professionals.
  • Serve as an internal thought leader on issues related to learning, child development, and family engagement.
  • Collaborate with exhibit designers, educators, researchers, and community partners to create developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging museum experiences.
  • Ensure learning experiences support curiosity, creativity, kindness, problem-solving, social-emotional development, communication, and joyful play.
  • Integrate culturally responsive and accessible practices throughout educational offerings.
  • Translate research and evaluation findings into practical strategies that strengthen visitor experiences and organizational learning.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship for education staff and cross-functional teams.
  • Develop professional learning opportunities that strengthen practitioner knowledge of child development, facilitation, and family engagement.
  • Build and sustain partnerships with schools, early learning providers, universities, libraries, healthcare organizations, and community agencies.
  • Pursue opportunities for collaborative research, grant-funded initiatives, and thought leadership.

Additional Responsibilities:
  • Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources.
  • Support fundraising efforts through grant development, donor engagement, and program storytelling.
  • Ensure educational initiatives align with organizational priorities, operational capacity, and financial sustainability.
  • Participate on one Museum committee.
  • Act as Director on Duty periodically on weekends.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time based on business needs and in support of the mission of Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Job Qualifications:
Education:
  • Doctorate or other advanced degree in an early childhood related field preferred. Substitution of years of experience may be considered equivalent to formal educational training.

Experience:
  • 6-8 years of experience in a related educational setting required, including direct experience interacting with children and families.
  • Experience and enthusiasm for working with young children and families required; experience with teaching or administration in a museum setting a plus.
  • Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice in early childhood settings.
  • Strong problem-solving experience, flexible thinking, and ability to adjust expectations and actions with an open mind

Skills:
  • Must be dependable, adaptable, and a good communicator.
  • Highly organized with excellent communication skills.
  • Takes initiative and is able to work with a team but also work independently.

Physical Requirements & Equipment Usage:
  • Mobility: Ability to move throughout museum spaces to interact with visitors, staff, and partners.
  • Lifting and Carrying: May occasionally move furniture, equipment, and supplies weighing up to approximately 35 pounds.
  • Manual Dexterity: May use a variety of tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, and other equipment, as required to perform job duties.
  • Communication: The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, guests/visitors, and partners. Must be able to exchange accurate information.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
  • Duties are performed in a museum environment with regular interaction with the public, children, and families

Clearances:
  • FBI fingerprint results, PA Child Abuse History Certificate (Act 33), and PA State Criminal Record Check (Act 34) are required.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete our online application found at:
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic or trait protected by local, state, or federal law.