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Museum Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

Essential Duties Manages the museum operation, development, coordination, and promotion of museum programs; monitors time, people, equipment, and other resources for the department to ensure ...

Museum Educator

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development Requirements: Qualifications ... Our museum is a joyful space where curiosity is celebrated, diversity is welcomed, and families are ...

Continuous professional development and mentoring of new docents are integral to this position. The Museum Guide actively supports the museum's mission by promoting exhibitions and fostering a ...

New

The Curator leads research, collection management, exhibit development, and public engagement initiatives that enhance the museum's mission and visitor experience. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Continuous professional development and mentoring of new docents are integral to this position. The Museum Guide actively supports the museum's mission by promoting exhibitions and fostering a ...

New

Continuous professional development and mentoring of new docents are integral to this position. The Museum Guide actively supports the museum's mission by promoting exhibitions and fostering a ...

New

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Museum Development information

See salary details

$17.5K

$106.7K

$167K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in the United States is $106,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Museum Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Development jobs? Cities with the most Museum Development job openings:
What states have the most Museum Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 5% Full Time, 76% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,675 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Description:

Job Title:

Development Associate


Department:

Development


Reports To:

Senior Director of Development


FLSA Status:

Exempt


Position Summary:

The Development Associate provides critical administrative, coordination and operational support to The Health Museum’s development department. This role is essential to the smooth execution of fundraising efforts by coordinating schedules and meetings, ensuring accurate data and reporting, supporting moves management and campaign activity, and providing broad administrative support to the development and membership staff.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and takes pride in supporting the behind-the-scenes work that makes relationship-based fundraising successful.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following responsibilities outline key functions of this role. Other duties may be assigned.

Scheduling & Coordination

· Manage scheduling for development leadership, including donor meetings, Committee meetings, internal check-ins, and development-related appointments

· Coordinate calendars, meeting logistics, and follow-up actions

· Prepare agendas and materials, take meeting notes, and document next steps as needed

Moves Management Support

· Support the moves management process by tracking donor interactions, next steps, and timelines for all portfolio managers

· Prepare contact reports and ensure follow-up actions are documented in the CRM/database

· Assist with portfolio organization and donor meeting preparation as needed

· Conduct basic prospect research

Campaign Support

· Provide administrative and data support for fundraising campaigns, including tracking milestones and progress

· Assist with preparation of development materials, proposals, reports, and presentations

· Support development-related events, communications, and follow-up activities

Data Entry & Reporting

· Maintain accurate and timely donor, prospect, and fundraising activity records within the organization’s CRM/database

· Assist with data clean-up, list preparation, and basic prospect research

· Support accurate tracking of gifts, pledges, and stewardship actions, and generate timely gift and pledge reminders and acknowledgements

· Ensure the accuracy of routine reports and dashboards related to financial reporting, donor activity, pipeline progress, and campaign tracking, ensuring reports are distributed as needed and in a timely manner

· Meet periodically with other Altru users in the organization to ensure data integrity, and identify and troubleshoot issues or areas for process improvement, and receive CRM training

General Departmental Support

· Draft, proofread, and format correspondence and development/membership materials

· Maintain organized digital and physical files for the department

· Support internal reporting, board materials, and leadership updates

· Provide general administrative support for development and membership activities, and assist with special events or projects as assigned

Requirements:

Required and Preferred Qualifications:

Education & Experience

· Minimum of 2 years of experience required in fundraising, development, or nonprofit administration

· Preferred experience working with healthcare organizations and/or museums

· Excellent administrative, organizational and project management skills with high attention to detail and accuracy

· Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

· Familiarity with donor-advised funds (DAFs), foundations, and basic charitable tax receipting requirements preferred

Computer Skills

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

· Comfortable using virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

· Strongly preferred experience with Altru or other donor database systems/CRMs

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

· Leadership & Collaboration – Inspires and motivates others, fosters teamwork, and builds strong relationships with colleagues, donors, and volunteer leadership. Encourages a cooperative and mission-driven work environment.

· Achievement Orientation & Initiative – Results-driven and highly motivated, with a strong commitment to setting and achieving measurable goals. Proactively seeks improvements and takes ownership of responsibilities.

· Judgment & Decision-Making – Exercises sound judgment, makes timely and informed decisions, and includes key stakeholders in the decision-making process.

· Business Acumen – Understands financial implications of decisions, manages budgets effectively, and aligns work with strategic goals. Keeps up with industry trends and best practices.

· Project & Time Management – Manages multiple projects, sets priorities effectively, and meets deadlines. Coordinates project activities and communicates progress.

· Professionalism & Integrity – Demonstrates high ethical standards, credibility, and reliability. Maintains professionalism in all circumstances.