Museum Manager Job Description
The Museum Manager oversees daily museum operations, event rentals, and mission-critical systems and databases. Reporting to the Executive Director, this full-time position collaborates with ABM staff, volunteers, and interns to support the museum’s public spaces. The position strengthens the museum’s long-term sustainability by improving admissions, expanding contributed and earned revenue, and ensuring smooth operational support.
Core Responsibilities
● Support public-facing and front-of-house operations
● Develop and manage event rentals
● Operate and maintain core museum systems
● Support fundraising activities
Specific Goals and Responsibilities
● Coordinate daily logistics for tours, visitor experiences, and special programs
● Welcome and check in visitors, provide wayfinding support, and manage museum shop sales
● Prepare reports on admissions, memberships, donors, and visitor demographics
● Convert event rental leads into bookings and manage the museum facility during events
● Respond to rental inquiries and coordinate contracts and event setup
● Manage formal agreements for event rentals
● Handle invoicing, reporting, and payments for event rentals
● Coordinate, plan, and set up receptions, lectures, event rentals, and other special events for museum visitors
● Support fundraising through email campaigns, donor cultivation, grant writing, and campaign development
● Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant proposals, including supporting data analysis
● Lead docent tours as needed
● Assist with cataloging and processing new acquisitions in ABM’s collection database, including loan agreements and condition reports
● Create promotional content and marketing materials for museum programs across the website, print materials, and social media
Required Skills
● Bachelor’s or master’s degree in museum studies, business administration, history, education, or a related field; equivalent work experience considered
● At least one year of museum experience performing similar responsibilities and contributing to institutional goals
● Ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public
● Composure, diplomacy, creative problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills
● Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly in multiple formats and speak comfortably to groups
● Familiarity with CRM databases, ticketing and event software, cataloging systems, productivity tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and basic social media and email platforms
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple projects
● Commitment to supporting a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) framework
● Graphic design skills and familiarity with tools such as InDesign and Photoshop preferred
● Experience with WordPress and website management preferred
Working Conditions, and Physical Environment
● Ability to commute to downtown San Francisco and work on site in an open office environment
● Ability to work at a computer workstation and front-of-house check-in desk
● Ability to safely handle museum objects and operate tools and machinery
● Ability to lift heavy objects and perform similar physical tasks during the workday
● Ability to stand for extended periods while leading tours or group activities
● Ability to climb stairs to access the administrative office
● Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with flexibility for evening special events and event rentals
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Previous experience in a museum or similar work environment.
Experience:
- Museum: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
