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Museum Search & Reference is focused on a singular task—finding the best leadership
for America’s museums.

EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTING FOR MUSEUMS. JUST MUSEUMS. 

WITH TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE, WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED ALMOST TWO HUNDRED MUSEUM DIRECTORS, CURATORS, EDUCATORS AND OTHER TOP TALENT.

What We Do

Museum Search & Reference was founded by Marilyn Hoffman, the Principal of Museum Search & Reference. Marilyn’s 18 years as a museum director uniquely prepared her to create an executive search firm solely dedicated to the museum field. Museum Search & Reference has successfully placed candidates in a wide variety of museums, large and small, in large cities as well as small communities.

 

Our Team

Our team of former museum directors and senior leaders knows the museum field inside out. We know the nuts and bolts of executive leadership, and the challenges of today’s job market. We are here to help.

Finding new leadership for museums is one part of the challenge. Finding the right leaders with vision to match the goals and aspirations of those museums is what distinguishes Museum Search & Reference.

 
 
 
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Museums are some of the busiest public spaces in America today.

To stay relevant, each museum must work within its mission to attract diverse audiences, keep up with technology, build and update space for programs and exhibitions, strengthen collections, and align educational opportunities with collection goals.

We at Museum Search & Reference recognize the multifaceted attributes museums look for in their leaders. We can help you identify professionals who want to work at your museum and who have experience with a broad range of activities: managing people and budgets, raising money, overseeing construction and renovation projects, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and inspiring audiences and staff without losing sight of your museum’s mission.

 
 

Our open searches:

 

We actively recruit for talent and experience, envisioning your success.

Museum Search & Reference has been successfully placing candidates at museums across North America since 2005. We work with candidates on behalf of our clients through a vetting process that is confidential, respectful, and flexible. We invite your inquiry about any of our open searches.

 
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Museums in the 21st Century are so much more than object repositories. They are the new community center, offering entertainment and education around authentic ideas about humankind and civilization. Museums are loaded with great ideas, discoveries and questions about who we are.

For Museums

If you would like more information about Museum Search & Reference, or would like to be contacted regarding a search, please complete the form, or contact us directly. All search inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

For Candidates

Museum Search & Reference welcomes your interest in our open positions, and we also encourage you to let us know if you would like to be placed on our contact list for future openings that may be of interest to you. Your inquiry is kept confidential and your contact information will not be shared with anyone.