1

Museum Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Tax Manager

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Manages client relationships by monitoring client needs and building value into professional services. * Participates in business development. * May assist with client billings to ensure they reflect ...

Manage a varied caseload of patients with acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions, including ... The Museum of Art holds a remarkable Grant Wood collection in the painter's own hometown region.

As a Case Manager with Child Support Services, you'll be responsible for complex case management ... Museum, live theater, snow tubing, casino gaming, farmers markets, rock climbing, and major ...

Registered Nurse (RN) Part-time

Cherokee, IA · On-site

$32.69 - $47.42/hr

Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Museum Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$16

$24

How much do museum manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum manager in Iowa is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.78 and $17.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum manager?

To excel as a Museum Manager, you need a background in museum studies, art history, or a related field, along with experience in collections management and exhibition planning. Familiarity with collection management software, budgeting tools, and compliance with museum standards is typically required. Leadership, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing staff, engaging the public, and building partnerships. These competencies ensure the museum's operations run smoothly, its collections are preserved, and its mission is successfully promoted to diverse audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by a museum manager, and how can they be addressed?

Museum Managers often face challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need to deliver engaging exhibitions and programs. They must also ensure collections are preserved and accessible to the public while complying with regulatory standards. Effective communication and collaboration with curators, educators, and administrative staff are essential for successful project execution. Staying adaptable and proactive in seeking grant opportunities, community partnerships, and innovative visitor experiences can help address these challenges and support the museum's mission.

What is the difference between Museum Manager vs Curator?

AspectMuseum ManagerCurator
Primary RoleOversees museum operations, staff, and budgetsDevelops exhibits, conducts research, and manages collections
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in museum studies, management, or related field; experience in administrationBachelor's or master's in art history, archaeology, or related field; specialized knowledge
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, museum floors, staff meetingsExhibit development areas, collections storage, research spaces
Employer & Industry UsageFound in museums, cultural institutions, historical sitesPrimarily in museums, galleries, and research institutions

While both roles are essential in museums, a Museum Manager focuses on overall operations and administration, whereas a Curator specializes in collections, research, and exhibit development. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to get into museum management?

To become a museum manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, art, or a related field, along with experience in museum operations or curation. Developing skills in leadership, budgeting, and public engagement, as well as gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles, can help advance into management positions. Some roles may require a master's degree or professional certification in museum management or related areas.

What does a museum manager do?

A museum manager oversees the daily operations of a museum, including staff management, budgeting, and ensuring the preservation and display of collections. They coordinate exhibits, develop educational programs, and ensure compliance with safety and conservation standards, often using management software and possessing relevant certifications. Their role involves leadership, organization, and a strong understanding of museum policies and procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Museum Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Museum Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Museum Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,274 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Facilities Manager Position

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Cedar Rapids, IA

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is seeking a fulltime Facilities Manager to oversee the museum building and the nearby Grant Wood Studio, as well as the grounds for both. Wage range: $20-$25 / hour

Job Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and monitor all facility systems and equipment daily, responding to and resolving problems where and when appropriate.
  • Identify and develop a plan for maintenance, repair and annual upkeep.
  • Develop goals for planning and prioritizing large-scale maintenance and repair efforts.
  • Maintain exterior landscaping, including weed control, mulching, watering, and spring/fall clean up of all planting beds. Coordinate spring plant donations with Noelridge Greenhouse and spring planting schedule with the Cedar Rapids Garden Club. Water interior Quarton Atrium plantings weekly and oversee monthly maintenance of those plants with Pierson’s Flower Shop and Greenhouses.
  • Working in partnership with the Business Manager, Curator, and Executive Director to prepare for emergencies through risk management planning, coordinate safety training for all staff to include fire safety, fire extinguisher, and evacuation procedures. Serve as a member of the Emergency Response Team.
  • Manage annual department budget, keeping records of expenditures, repairs and maintenance on all buildings and properties.
  • Manage vendor contracts for all facility systems, HVAC, boilers, compressors, fire alarm, timed control systems, fire suppression system, elevators, security systems, etc. Maintain preventative maintenance schedules, work forms, and bids for services. Request bids, proposals, and information for all facility repairs and present cost proposals for approval to the Business Manager, Executive Director, and the Building Committee of the Board of Trustees as necessary. Schedule approved repairs, oversee work completed, and record all repairs in maintenance repair logs. Strong procurement and negotiation skills. Prepare and maintain an emergency list of vendors to be contacted in the event of specific building emergencies.
  • Manage vendor service contracts and schedules for janitorial; services, snow removal, landscape care, waste disposal, plant care, etc. Prepare and provide written instructions for cleaning the facility to janitorial personnel. Order janitorial supplies.
  • Knowledge of security practices, systems, and procedures. Maintain the security systems ensuring that they are in proper working order. Responsible for regular security updates of both software and hardware to keep the security system working properly. Set and reset alarms as needed. Respond to alarm calls during the day and outside regular museum hours. Prepare and maintain Emergency Call Lists and provide those to the security monitoring company, security services, police, fire department, and other service contract personnel. Prepare and provide written procedures for contract guard services, including facility opening/closing instructions, facility monitoring, emergency procedures, etc. Communicate regularly with the guard on duty. Maintain hand-held radios used by security and staff. Maintain the security of all facility access cards and keys. Issue access cards and keys to designated staff and maintain the log of all keys issued and returned, conducting a regular annual inspection.
  • Protect and maintain original architectural blueprints of the facility, storing them properly, and providing copies of sections to vendors as needed.
  • Maintain catalogue and inventory of facility paint colors, light bulbs, and other facility supplies.
  • Maintain log of purchases and warranty information on products, services, and supplies.
  • In coordination with the Registrar and Curator, track and record temperature and humidity levels in the galleries and adjust the mechanicals as may be necessary to maintain proper levels.
  • Assist the Curatorial department by lighting the new installations and exhibitions.
  • Setup and take down for facility rentals, programs, exhibition receptions, Board meetings, and other functions as scheduled. This requires coordination with co-workers and includes setup of AV equipment, projectors, tables, chairs, etc., as needed, as well as take-down and clean up after the events, including trash removal and vacuuming.
  • Ability to address day-to-day and long term responsibilities independently, convey professional, positive manner at all times.
  • Resolve issues and concerns showing flexibility and cooperativeness. Supportive of colleagues in all areas of museum operations.
  • Knowledge of OSHA and other environmental regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Three to five years’ experience in plant management, experience with demonstrable skills in outside contractor supervision and facilities management.
  • Background in mechanical engineering.
  • Knowledge in addressing and resolving issues and situations which are potentially hazardous or which may cause loss to the Museum.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Welcome and embrace differences among employees and visitors.
  • Perform effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the Museum’s stated Mission and Values.

The Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, safety, and security of the museum's facilities and grounds. This role involves overseeing contractors and vendors to ensure the museum's facilities are well-maintained and meet operational needs. Three to five years’ experience in plant management desired.

For a detailed description of responsibilities, visit www.crma.org for more information.

Review of applications will begin immediately.

To apply, submit letter of interest, resume, and list of references to: Sean Ulmer, Director, CRMA, 410 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401 or click apply now to email us today.


Benefits include health and dental benefits, term life insurance, short term and long-term disability, one week paid sick time, as well as two weeks accrued paid vacation. There is also the opportunity to participate in the Museum’s retirement plan.


recblid 1qovtj4aeeq7jiotzmt63fb8szoby3