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Museum Manager Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Columbus Museum Of Art

Museum Store Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

Museum Store Manager Department: Retail Operations Reports To: Senior Director of Museum Projects Salary Range: $53,000- $55,000 FLSA Status: Exempt (full-time) Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM ...

Columbus Museum Of Art

Museum Store Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

Museum Store Manager Department: Retail Operations Reports To: Senior Director of Museum Projects Salary Range: $53,000- $55,000 FLSA Status: Exempt (full-time) Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00AM ...

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How much do museum manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum manager in Ohio is $16.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.84 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum manager do?

A museum manager oversees the daily operations of a museum, including staff management, budgeting, and ensuring the safety and preservation of exhibits. They coordinate educational programs, develop policies, and work with curators to maintain the museum's collections and visitor experience.

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, project management, and familiarity with collections management software can enhance prospects. Advanced roles may require a master's degree and relevant professional experience.

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 highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying job at a museum is typically the Director or Executive Director, who oversees operations, strategic planning, and fundraising. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and funding.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Museum Manager, salaries reaching $300,000 annually are uncommon and typically occur in senior leadership roles or large institutions with extensive budgets. High-paying museum executive positions, such as Director or Chief Curator, may approach this level with significant experience, advanced degrees, and successful fundraising or administrative skills. Most museum management roles tend to have lower base salaries, but compensation can increase with additional responsibilities and institutional size.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Manager, and why are they important?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Manager jobs in Ohio? For Museum Manager jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Manager jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Manager jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Museum Manager jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Museum Manager job openings:
Museum Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Manager job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,433 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Museum Store Manager

Columbus Museum Of Art

Columbus, OH • On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Museum Store Manager

Department: Retail Operations

Reports To: Senior Director of Museum Projects

Salary Range: $53,000- $55,000

FLSA Status: Exempt (full-time)

Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM, plus additional hours as needed including some weekends and holidays.

Prepared/Revised Date: 07/2026

______________________________________________________________________


Job Summary:

The Museum Store Manager leads the daily operations and long-term scaling of the CMA Museum Stores—both onsite and online. This role oversees merchandising, product development, brand alignment, and financial performance, ensuring the stores enhance the visitor experience and support the museum’s mission. The Manager collaborates closely with several colleagues across curatorial, publications, marketing, finance, and other museum departments to create a retail program that reflects the museum’s vision, values, audiences, and strategic goals.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

  • Support the vision, strategy, and creative direction for the Museum Stores, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and brand identity at each location.
  • Partner with cross departmental teams on exhibitions, programming, marketing initiatives, and visitor experience initiatives among others.
  • Drive new retail initiatives that expand audience engagement, support museum storytelling, and strengthen the museum’s market position.


Merchandising & Product Development

  • Oversee and coordinate product development, including artist collaborations, custom merchandise, and exhibition related items.
  • Curate merchandise selection that reflects the museum’s mission, diverse audiences, and community values.
  • Ensure compelling visual merchandising through strategic placement, signage, rotating displays, and instore campaigns.

Retail Operations & ECommerce

  • Manage inventory planning, purchasing, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations to maintain strong margins.
  • Oversee and scale the online store, ensuring a seamless digital shopping experience and consistent brand presentation.
  • Implement systems and processes that improve operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and customer service at both locations: CMA Museum Store and Bookshop at The Pizzuti.


Financial Management

  • Develop and manage annual operating budgets, revenue forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
  • Monitor performance metrics (e.g., sales, margins, inventory turns, ecommerce KPIs) and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Ensure the stores contribute to institutional revenue goals and overall financial sustainability.


Team Leadership

  • Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse, customer focused retail team.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and creative work environment.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and evaluation to meet store and ecommerce goals.


Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 4–6 years of progressive experience in retail management, museum retail, or specialty merchandising and product development.
  • Demonstrated success in retail operations, merchandising, and team leadership.
  • Strong communication, administrative, and organizational skills.
  • Experience with ecommerce platforms, POS systems, and retail analytics.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with diverse audiences.
  • Knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and vendor negotiation.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle for weekly travel between sites.


Performance Expectations and Evaluation

  • Achieve or exceed annual revenue and profitability targets.
  • Maintain high standards for product quality, merchandising, and customer experience.
  • Deliver store produced products on time and to professional standards.
  • Contribute to a welcoming, mission aligned visitor experience.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, creativity, and commitment to continuous improvement.


Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must be able to talk and hear. Must be able to lift, push or pull up to 50lbs. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Work Environment: Environment is generally quiet with occasional moderate noise.