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Museum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winterthur Museum

Museum Guide

Winterthur, DE · On-site

$16.47/hr

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in ... research. Learning opportunities provided will focus on connecting a diverse audience ...

Campbell County, WY

Museum Curator

Gillette, WY

$33.87/hr

This includes, but is not limited to, administrative and technical work in historical and collections research, conceptual design, construction, installation, and exhibit maintenance. The Museum ...

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How much do museum research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum research in the United States is $26.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you get with museum research?

Museum research skills can lead to roles such as museum curators, collections managers, archivists, research analysts, and education coordinators. These positions often require knowledge of historical or scientific content, research methodologies, and familiarity with tools like databases and cataloging systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in museum research roles?

Professionals in museum research often encounter challenges such as managing large and sometimes incomplete collections, balancing research with curatorial responsibilities, and securing funding for in-depth projects. They also need to stay updated with current academic discourse while making their work accessible to the public. Collaboration with curators, educators, and external scholars is essential to ensure research supports exhibitions and educational programs, which can require strong communication and project management skills.

Is a museum research degree worth it?

A museum research degree can enhance knowledge of collections, research methods, and curation, which are valuable in museum roles. However, many positions also prioritize experience, internships, and skills such as cataloging and analysis over formal education alone.

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

To thrive as a Museum Researcher, you need a solid background in art history, anthropology, or related disciplines, usually with an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with research databases, collections management systems, and citation software is typically required, along with experience handling archival materials. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for interpreting artifacts and sharing findings effectively. These skills enable researchers to contribute valuable insights, support curatorial decisions, and enhance educational outreach within the museum setting.

What is museum research?

Museum research is the systematic investigation and study of objects, collections, and topics related to a museum's mission. This work helps uncover the historical, cultural, or scientific significance of artifacts and often informs exhibitions, educational programs, and publications. Museum researchers may analyze artifacts, study archives, collaborate with other experts, and publish findings to expand public knowledge and preserve heritage. Their work ensures that the information presented to the public is accurate and meaningful.
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Museum Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,835 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Director, Research & Prospect Management

American Museum of Natural History

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the Organization
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), founded in 1869 with a dual mission of scientific research and science education, is one of the world's preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, galleries for temporary exhibitions, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, including the Hayden Planetarium, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The Museum's scientists draw on a world-class permanent collection of more than 30 million specimens and objects, some of which are billions of years old, and on one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, the Museum offers two of the only free-standing, degree-granting programs of their kind at any museum in the U.S.: the Ph.D. program in Comparative Biology and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Earth Science residency program. Visit amnh.org for more information.
Position Overview
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) seeks a strategic and analytically rigorous Director, Research & Prospect Management to lead the Museum's research, prospect management, portfolio strategy, and pipeline development work in support of the Advancement team's fundraising priorities.
Reporting to the Vice President, Advancement Operations and Strategy, the Director will manage a team of two direct reports and serve as the Museum's primary resource for prospect and donor research, prospect strategy, and portfolio management. This role partners closely with colleagues across Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Principal Gifts, Corporate Relations, Advancement Events, and Advancement Services to ensure research and data consistently inform fundraising strategy.
The Director will have the unique opportunity to redefine the role in a more expansive and modern direction by strengthening portfolio review practices, deepening the use of modeling and data in assignment decisions, and building a more proactive, institution-wide approach to prospecting and pipeline development.
Responsibilities
Research & Analysis
  • In partnership with the Vice President, Advancement Operations and Strategy, develop and implement prospect research methodologies, standards, and best practices that support the Museum's fundraising priorities.
  • Produce narrative research profiles on donors, volunteer leadership, and other prospects, drawing on financial databases, 990 filings, and other holdings-related sources.
  • Provide thoughtful analysis and recommendations that help Advancement and Museum leadership understand the significance of research findings and determine appropriate next steps.
  • Bring a strong data and analytical orientation to the role, using metrics, trends, and modeling outputs to inform research priorities and decisions.
  • Monitor news and conduct reputational research on individuals and organizations connected to the Museum's fundraising efforts.
  • Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive research findings, determining what to include and how to communicate it professionally.

Prospecting & Pipeline Development
  • Lead proactive prospect identification efforts across Advancement to build and strengthen fundraiser portfolios and identify pipeline gaps and opportunities.
  • Partner with Advancement and Corporate colleagues to develop prospect pipelines for emerging Advancement priorities, strategic opportunities, leadership travel, and Museum events.
  • Build a more intentional system for leveraging Museum events, exhibition openings, and other institutional gatherings as prospecting opportunities, including attendee review, identification of high-potential prospects, post-event follow-up, and communication with the appropriate fundraising teams.

Committee Support & Volunteer Leadership
  • Serve as the Vice President's primary partner on the Committee on Trustees' work, managing the committee's prospecting and research needs from start to finish for each meeting.
  • Surface, assess, and track prospective candidates for Board and volunteer leadership consideration.
  • Partner with frontline fundraisers to build a pipeline of prospects for volunteer leadership groups across Individual Giving and Advancement Events.

Portfolio Strategy & Management
  • Oversee how prospects are segmented and assigned within Raiser's Edge NXT.
  • Strengthen portfolio reviews, establish clearer assignment criteria, and apply modeling and wealth screening data to determine portfolio fit.
  • Develop and refine moves management policies, portfolio review practices, and database-related processes.
  • Ensure fundraiser portfolios are appropriately sized and composed to support effective qualification, cultivation, and solicitation.

Data, Technology, and Innovation
  • Strengthen the use of data, modeling, wealth screening, and prospecting tools to inform research priorities, prospect strategy, and portfolio decisions.
  • Partner with Advancement Services colleagues to support effective use of Raiser's Edge NXT, modeling outputs, and other data sources.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and insight through updated workflows, tools, and research practices.
  • Stay current on trends and best practices in prospect research, prospect management, fundraising analytics, AI, and data-informed fundraising.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Manage and develop a team of two direct reports, a manager, and a coordinator, creating clear paths for growth, setting measurable goals, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
  • Partner with Advancement and Corporate colleagues by providing research, analysis, and recommendations that inform cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and portfolio management decisions.
  • Work closely with Advancement Services on database policy, process, and data maintenance.
Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in prospect research and portfolio management in a complex nonprofit, cultural, or mission-driven institution.
  • Minimum of 4 years of management experience, including demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing a team.
  • Experience using financial databases, reviewing 990s and other financial holdings, and producing high-quality research profiles.
  • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge NXT (strongly preferred) and wealth screening tools (such as iWave, LexisNexis, RelSci, or similar).
  • Comfort with analytics, Excel, and modeling outputs, with the ability to translate data into portfolio and prospecting strategy.
  • Experience with moves management systems, policy development, and portfolio review or assignment frameworks.
  • Strong writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, useful, and actionable research.
  • Strong analytical, research, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Genuine affinity for the natural world and the ability to engage authentically with the Museum's research, exhibitions, and scientific work.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Annual salary in the range of $140 - $165K. Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered are based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.
  • AMNH offers an extensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, Retirement Plans, and PTO. Learn more at amnh.org.
Application Process
Please submit application materials using the form below.
Orr Group
AMNH has retained the Orr Group to conduct this search. Please direct all inquiries, interest, and nominations to the Orr Group search team.
Jesse Bryan
Vice President
Orr Group
jbryan@orrgroup.com
About Orr Group
Orr Group is a strategic partner to nonprofit organizations, offering comprehensive fundraising and executive recruitment support that advances mission, maximizes philanthropic potential, and builds long-term sustainability. We specialize in the business of philanthropy, helping our partners drive results through data-informed strategies, embedded team members, and hands-on implementation.

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