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$28K

$98.1K

$148K

How much do national building museum jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for national building museum in the United States is $98,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between National Building Museum vs Architect?

AspectNational Building MuseumArchitect
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials required; focus on education in architecture or related fieldsProfessional license required; degree in architecture, internships, licensing exams
Work EnvironmentMuseum setting, public exhibitions, educational programsDesign studios, construction sites, client meetings, office settings
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, cultural institutions, educational organizationsArchitecture firms, construction companies, private clients
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The National Building Museum focuses on architecture education, exhibitions, and public outreach, often working in a museum or cultural setting. Architects, on the other hand, are licensed professionals who design buildings and oversee construction projects. While both roles relate to architecture, their work environments, credentials, and industry functions differ significantly.

What types of projects or events might I work on as a staff member at the National Building Museum?

As a staff member at the National Building Museum, you may have the opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects such as curating exhibitions, coordinating educational programs, managing large-scale public events, and supporting community outreach initiatives. The museum's collaborative environment means you'll often work alongside curators, educators, event planners, and facility managers. This role offers unique opportunities to engage with the public, develop project management skills, and gain experience in museum operations, all of which can support your professional growth in the cultural sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Professional at the National Building Museum, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Professional at the National Building Museum, you typically need a background in museum studies, history, architecture, or a related field, along with experience in curation, education, or collections management. Familiarity with museum management software, digital cataloging systems, and exhibit design tools is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and attention to detail help you engage visitors and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills ensure the creation of impactful exhibits, smooth museum operations, and meaningful educational experiences for the public.

What is the National Building Museum and what does it do?

The National Building Museum is a cultural institution in Washington, D.C., dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. It offers exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that engage visitors of all ages in understanding the built environment. The museum is housed in a historic building and serves as a hub for discussions on how buildings and public spaces shape our communities and lives.

Is the National Building Museum part of the Smithsonian?

The National Building Museum is not part of the Smithsonian Institution. It is an independent museum dedicated to architecture, design, and urban planning, and it operates separately from the Smithsonian network of museums and research centers.

Is it difficult to get a job in a museum?

Getting a job in a museum, such as at the National Building Museum, can be competitive and often requires relevant education, experience, or specialized skills in areas like history, architecture, or education. Positions may also require familiarity with museum operations, customer service, or conservation, and some roles may need specific certifications or degrees. The difficulty varies depending on the position and the applicant's qualifications.

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 leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and budget.

What skills are needed to work at a building museum?

Working at a building museum typically requires strong knowledge of architecture, history, or design, along with excellent communication and customer service skills. Familiarity with exhibit curation, educational programming, and basic technical skills such as using presentation tools or maintenance equipment can also be important depending on the role.
What cities are hiring for National Building Museum jobs? Cities with the most National Building Museum job openings:
What states have the most National Building Museum jobs? States with the most job openings for National Building Museum jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Building Museum jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Building Museum jobs are:
National Building Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Building Museum job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,146 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
Director Institutional Giving

Director Institutional Giving

National Building Museum

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.


Position Summary

The Director of Institutional Giving is responsible for leading and managing the National Building Museum's institutional fundraising program, with a primary focus on foundation, corporate, and government support. This position plays a critical role in sustaining and growing philanthropic revenue by overseeing the full lifecycle of institutional giving, including proposal development, grants management, funder stewardship, reporting, and strategic prospect development.


Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement, the Director will manage a portfolio of institutional funders and oversee a complex calendar of proposals, reports, renewals, sponsorship deliverables, and deadlines. The Director will serve as the Museum's lead grant writer and institutional fundraising manager, partnering closely with colleagues across the enterprise to translate programs, exhibitions, education initiatives, and organizational priorities into compelling proposals, sponsorship opportunities, and funder communications.


While the role is focused on managing and strengthening the Museum's existing institutional partnerships, the Director will also help identify and cultivate new opportunities for support, particularly through foundation partnerships, corporate foundations, and corporate sponsorships. The Director manages and mentors the Manager of Foundation Relations and Manager of Corporate Giving.


This position is ideal for a highly organized and collaborative fundraising professional with exceptional writing skills, strong project management abilities, and experience managing multiple institutional relationships and deadlines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Institutional Fundraising and Strategy

  • Lead the execution of the Museum's institutional giving strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and revenue goals.
  • Manage a portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funders, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, renewals, and reporting.
  • Identify and pursue new institutional funding opportunities that align with the Museum's mission, programs, and strategic initiatives.
  • Support the continued growth of the Museum's corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and membership efforts.
  • Partner with the AVP of Advancement to implement institutional fundraising strategies and align funding opportunities with organizational priorities.
  • Ensure the timely execution of all institutional fundraising activities, including proposals, reports, stewardship plans, sponsorship deliverables, grant compliance requirements, and funder communications.

Proposal Development & Grant Writing

  • Lead the development, writing, editing, and submission of compelling grant proposals, sponsorship requests, letters of inquiry, and institutional communications.
  • Translate complex programs and initiatives into clear, persuasive narratives tailored to funder priorities.
  • Collaborate closely with program, finance, and leadership staff to gather content, budgets, metrics, and supporting materials for proposals and reports.
  • Oversee institutional fundraising calendars and ensure timely completion of all submissions and deliverables.

Grant Management & Stewardship

  • Oversee the administration and management of institutional awards and grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and organizational policies.
  • Develop and maintain systems to track proposal deadlines, reporting schedules, grant deliverables, sponsorship benefits, and award requirements.
  • Work collaboratively with Finance and Program teams to track grant implementation, expenditures, and outcomes.
  • Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and thoughtful reports that demonstrate organizational impact and strengthen long-term funder relationships.
  • Ensure institutional partners receive strong stewardship and ongoing engagement opportunities that deepen investment in the Museum's mission.

Relationship Management

  • Manage relationships with foundation representatives, corporate partners, government agencies, and other institutional funders, ensuring exceptional stewardship and engagement throughout the funding lifecycle.
  • Coordinate and participate in funder meetings, site visits, presentations, and stewardship activities.
  • Represent the Museum externally with professionalism, responsiveness, and strong relationship management skills.

Team Leadership & Operations

  • Lead, mentor, and support the institutional giving team, fostering a collaborative, organized, and high-performing environment.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and editorial oversight on proposals, reports, sponsorship materials, and funder communications.
  • Ensure strong internal coordination and accountability across institutional fundraising activities and timelines.
  • Utilize Humanitru CRM donor database and other systems to maintain accurate records of proposals, grants, funder interactions, and institutional revenue tracking.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in institutional fundraising, with a strong record of securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
  • Demonstrated expertise in grant writing and proposal development, with the ability to craft clear, compelling, and funder-aligned narratives.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience managing multiple deadlines, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
  • Experience overseeing grants management, compliance, reporting, and institutional stewardship processes.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
  • Ability to think strategically while also managing day-to-day execution and operational details.
  • Experience with donor databases and grants tracking systems.
  • Comfort with digital grant portals and submission platforms and experience navigating government and foundation portals.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word for drafting high-quality proposals, Excel for managing budgets and grant tracking, and PowerPoint for creating compelling funder briefings and presentation materials.

What We Offer

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, short and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Paid vacation and sick days
  • 403 (b) plan with match
  • Museum Shop discounts
  • Free on-site parking

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