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Museum Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Buyer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative ... programming * Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high-quality product imagery and ...

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Buyer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative ... programming * Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high-quality product imagery and ...

Alena Museum

Fund Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

Alena Museum is a cultural place keeping arts nonprofit that produces original content to tell the ... Experience with cultural programming, and Black History. * Senior leadership experience ...

Alena Museum

Fund Development Director

Oakland, CA

Alena Museum is a cultural place keeping arts nonprofit that produces original content to tell the ... Experience with cultural programming, and Black History. * Senior leadership experience ...

Alena Museum

Fund Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

Alena Museum is a cultural place keeping arts nonprofit that produces original content to tell the ... Experience with cultural programming, and Black History. * Senior leadership experience ...

MUSEUM ASSOCIATES

Manager of Film Programs

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Minimum 5 years of experience in film curation, programming, or arts administration in a museum, cinematheque, festival, or comparable institution * Demonstrated experience managing budgets of $450 ...

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Museum Programming information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$87.8K

$147K

How much do museum programming jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum programming in California is $87,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum programmer do?

A museum programmer develops and coordinates educational and public programs, such as tours, workshops, and special events, to engage visitors and enhance their experience. They often collaborate with curators, educators, and community groups, and may use tools like event management software to plan and promote activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Programming position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Museum Programming, you need a background in education, art history or museum studies, combined with strong project management and event planning skills. Familiarity with database systems, digital marketing platforms, and ticketing or registration software is often required. Excellent communication, creativity, and relationship-building abilities are critical soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure the effective development, promotion, and execution of engaging programs that fulfill the museum's educational and community outreach goals.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired for museum programming roles can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in arts, history, or education, along with experience in event planning, education, or curation. Strong communication skills, knowledge of museum collections, and familiarity with programming tools can improve chances, but the hiring process varies by institution and position level.

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

In the field of museum programming, high-paying roles such as museum directors or senior curators can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially in large institutions or with extensive experience and advanced degrees. These positions often require strong leadership skills, a deep knowledge of art or history, and experience managing budgets and staff.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In museum programming, high salaries of $10,000 or more per month are uncommon without advanced education or extensive experience. Typically, roles in this field focus on event planning, educational programs, or community outreach, which usually offer lower compensation. Achieving such high earnings generally requires specialized skills, certifications, or managerial positions beyond entry-level roles.

What is a Museum Programming job?

A Museum Programming job involves planning, developing, and implementing educational and cultural programs for museum visitors. This includes organizing events, workshops, lectures, and interactive experiences that engage diverse audiences. Museum programmers collaborate with educators, curators, and community partners to create meaningful experiences that align with the institution's mission. They also evaluate program effectiveness and seek opportunities for innovation.

What typical responsibilities do Museum Programming professionals handle on a day-to-day basis?

Museum Programming professionals are responsible for designing, coordinating, and evaluating educational programs, workshops, and public events that engage diverse audiences. This role often involves collaborating with curators, educators, marketing teams, and external community partners to develop content that aligns with the museum's mission. Daily tasks may include scheduling, communicating with facilitators or speakers, managing program logistics, and collecting feedback from participants. If you enjoy multitasking, creative problem-solving, and making cultural experiences accessible to the public, this could be a highly rewarding career path.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Programming jobs in California? The most popular types of Museum Programming jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Programming jobs in California? For Museum Programming jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Programming jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Programming jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Museum Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Museum Programming job openings:
Museum Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Programming job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,782 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Buyer

Buyer

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling.  Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum's collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas's filmmaking career. 
 
Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, cafe, retail store, and community spaces. 
 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Lucas Museum seeks a highly motivated Buyer to join the Revenue & Engagement team in support of the opening and ongoing operations of the Museum's retail store. Reporting to the Director of Retail & Product Licensing, this role will lead the sourcing, development, and procurement of merchandise that reflects the Museum's mission, exhibitions, and storytelling approach. 

The Buyer will support the identification and evaluation of vendors, support licensing and product development initiatives, and ensure timely procurement and delivery of goods. This role will also leverage sales and inventory insights to inform buying decisions, optimize product assortment, and support overall retail performance. The Buyer will partner cross-functionally with Curatorial, Marketing, and Retail teams to create a compelling and cohesive visitor experience. 

Responsibilities
Retail Strategy

  • Partner with the Director of Retail & Product and Revenue & Engagement team to support the launch of the Museum's retail store, including licensing strategy, vendor onboarding, & contributing to development of standard operating procedures 

  • Collaborate with Curatorial and internal stakeholders to identify product development opportunities tied to exhibitions and collections 

Buying & Product Development 

  • Develop exclusive, mission-aligned products in collaboration with internal teams, ensuring accuracy, quality, and integrity of source materials 

  • As directed by the Director of Retail, support supplier selection and negotiation processes, including product, pricing, and terms evaluation 

  • Support development of unique product assortment strategies, including category mix, pricing architecture, and buy quantities 

  • Source and purchase merchandise that complements exhibitions, programs, and the Museum's collection 

  • Serve as a key point of contact for product development, licensing, and branded merchandise initiatives, including familiarity with contracts and licensing requirements 

  • Identify and explore new product categories to enhance the retail offering and visitor experience 

Inventory, Planning & Performance 

  • Ensure timely ordering, delivery, payment and issue resolution with vendors 

  • Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and product trends to inform buying decisions and optimize assortment to maximize profit 

  • Support forecasting and replenishment decisions by identifying high-performing items and potential stock risks 

  • Monitor inventory flow and timing to align with exhibition openings, seasonal changes, and key Museum events 

  • Identify risks and opportunities in sales and inventory performance and recommend adjustments to buying strategy 

  • Generate reports and insights to support Revenue & Engagement leadership in decision-making 

Vendor & Relationship Management 

  • Support Retail leadership with sourcing, evaluating, and onboarding vendors, wholesalers, and licensing partners aligned with the Museum's brand and mission 

  • Support Retail leadership with identification and onboarding of new and diverse suppliers to expand product offerings 

  • Establish and cultivate relationships with vendors and licensing partners to support long-term retail growth 

Merchandising & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Stay informed on retail and museum merchandising trends through research, trade events, and industry engagement 

  • Partner with Retail and Marketing teams to support product launches, promotions, and campaigns tied to exhibitions and seasonal programming 

  • Collaborate with creative partners to ensure high-quality product imagery and storytelling for in-store and digital channels 

  • Communicate product knowledge and merchandising direction to store teams to support visual presentation and sales 

Qualifications

  • Background in business administration, economics, or related field preferred

  • 5+ years of experience in a purchasing role, preferably for an arts & cultural institution or prominent consumer brand 

  • Knowledge of intellectual property principles as it relates to retail inventory management 

  • Comprehensive knowledge of commodities 

  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Core Competencies
  • Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision. 
  • Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible. 
  • Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders. 
  • Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity. 
  • Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely. 
$83,000 - $97,000 a year
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
 
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
 
*
 
MISSION AND VISION
 
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society. 
 
VALUES
Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.
 
People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.
 
Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.
 
Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results. 
 
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
 
Narrative Art:
Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration. 
 
Community:
Connect to a broad and diverse public.
 
Operational Excellence:
Create a healthy and durable institution. 
  
All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.
 
Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates' education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).
 
 
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