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Museum Manager Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Museum Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

May assist with special event crowd and or vehicle management. Key Job Elements: If assigned to ... Free admission to the museum * Casual Monday * Free on-site parking Organizational Relationships:

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Museum Manager information

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 Springfield, VA? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Manager jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Manager jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Museum Manager jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Museum Manager job openings:
Museum Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Manager job openings in Springfield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.
Museum Manager

Museum Manager

National Inventors Hall of Fame

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$63K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Museum Manager will facilitate the day-to-day operations of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum and store. This position will be responsible for interfacing with the USPTO, running the NIHF Museum, coordinating museum store sales, and delivering exceptional guest service. The position will also support other recognition programs.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Leads and mentors on-site staff in the use of proven techniques to properly service guests, run the museum and exhibits, promote sales, and effectively address any issues.
  • Provide leadership, communication, coaching, and development to the Museum Associate team, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
  • Interview and train high quality Museum Associates, as needed.
  • Coordinates with staff at headquarters to achieve museum responsibilities.
  • Coordinates with USPTO regarding special events, VIP visitors, and other matters.
  • Demonstrates superior guest services and professionalism to ensure a positive museum experience for visitors.
  • Provides on-site interface for USPTO.
  • Maintains a thorough understanding of all levels of the daily museum and retail operating procedures, ensuring that exhibits and other systems are in good working order and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and process documentation.
  • Responsible for daily accounting, receiving merchandise, operating reports, and tracking of all purchases and sales. Maintains appropriate visual merchandising and product display, promotional planning and implementation, and inventory control for increased store profitability to meet museum store sales goals.
  • Identifies opportunities to promote the NIHF and museum as a destination for area schools, visitor bureaus, and hotels.
  • Develops a well-versed and current knowledge of the offerings of the NIHF, museum, and store, demonstrating a high level of professional courtesy in all interactions with visitors and co-workers.
  • Schedules, leads, and/or manages group tours.
  • Work closely with Ohio staff to plan and execute museum installations, providing hands-on support throughout the year.
  • Coordinates on-site museum events and meetings for NIHF or other partners.
  • Participate in physical lifting, climbing (ladders), and other hands-on museum maintenance.
  • Conduct minor hands-on exhibit repair and maintenance under guidance of Ohio-based facilities and IT staff.
  • In coordination with Ohio office, manage and track all artifact loans and purchases.
  • Ensure appropriate on-site care and handling of all artifacts on display at NIHF Museum.
  • Support needs related to NIHF Inductee content, such as the organization, documentation, and transcription of Inductee interviews; as well as provide writing support for NIHF Musuem exhibits.
  • Coordinate and provide support for NIHF recognition programs, such as the annual Induction event and the Collegiate Inventors Competition, and Museum and special projects.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Adept verbal and written communicator with a demonstrated comfort level in speaking publicly
  • Must possess solid computer skills
  • Ability to problem solve and work independently
  • Must be able to work efficiently under pressure
  • Self-directed, motivated, flexible
  • Ability to interact with all levels of professional contacts, including executives, civil servants, inventors, scientists, members of the public
  • Ability to regularly work in the office and attend in-person meetings
  • Ability to communicate effectively via email, chat, phone, and in-person meetings
  • Requires regular, reliable, and on-time attendance
Credentials and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, history, history of technology, marketing, or related areas
  • Master’s degree in history, history of technology, or related areas preferred
  • 3+ years of management, retail, and/or related work experience required
  • Museum/specialty retail background with an understanding of specialty retail concepts
  • Proven experience in cash management and budgetary accountability
Special Requirements
  • This position requires coverage for monthly Saturday operating hours as needed and occasional attendance at special events outside of normal hours.
​Salary
  • $63,000-$72,000
Why Join the National Inventors Hall of Fame?
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy top-tier medical, dental, 100% employer paid vision, and insurance plans, along with flexible spending accounts to help pay for any out-of-pocket medical expenses.
  • Company-Paid Benefits: NIHF contributes 100% to provide life and disability coverages.
  • Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 401(k) plan with up to a 4% employer match and 100% vesting upon initial contribution, ensuring your financial stability and growth.
  • Generous Time Off: Take advantage of paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end closure from December 24th through January 1st to recharge.
  • Additional Support: Access Critical Illness, Hospital, and Accident Supplemental Income plans for extra peace of mind.
  • Pet-Friendly Perks: Protect your furry friends with our pet insurance plans.
  • Thriving Work Environment: Be part of a great team environment with ample opportunities for growth and a culture that prioritizes professional development.

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