Barra Fellow in American Art

Philadelphia, PA
Full Time
Curatorial
Experienced
We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

How You Will Contribute

This fellowship is generously endowed by The Barra Foundation in honor of Robert L. McNeil, Jr., with additional support provided by the Robert L. McNeil Endowments for American Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Barra Fellow works full time in the Department of American Art, assisting four days a week in ongoing department research and exhibition projects, with one day reserved for personal research, writing, or travel. 

Candidates should propose a thesis or area of research interest in American art, including Indigenous and Latin American traditions, that can take advantage of the resources of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other area libraries and institutions. Priority will be given to those with projects relating to the museum’s current focus on the 2026 reinstallation of the later American galleries (c. 1840-1950), and to students from the Philadelphia region. Fellows will have library privileges at the PMA and the University of Pennsylvania. At the conclusion of the term, the Barra Fellow will be expected to give a presentation about their work and submit a paper reflecting work done during the residency.


Specifically, you will:
 
  • Assist with departmental research and planning for the reinstallation in 2026 of the American collections c. 1840-1950
  • Conduct research on proposed topic, with an end-of-term lecture and paper to be presented
  • Research and catalogue the collection, prepare written justifications for potential acquisitions, respond to queries about the collection, assist with exhibitions, publications, collections assessments, and other projects related to curatorial duties as assigned by curatorial staff
  • Perform other duties as assigned


Your background and experience include:
 
  • Master’s degree in art history or a related field required
  • Graduate experience beyond an M.A. degree is preferred
  • Prior experience in a museum environment or similar art institution
  • Technical proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office suite and experience with collection management software
  • Prior experience with The Museum System (TMS) is preferred

Position and Compensation Details
 
  • The salary for this position is $43,888.
  • This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
  • This position reports to The Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Senior Curator of American Art, and Director, Center for American Art
  • This is a 2-year term position beginning at the commencement of the Fellowship.
  • Physical requirements:
    • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.


Institutional Requirements
 
  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
  • Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
  • Maintains confidentiality.
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.


Application Timeline

Applications are due by November 1, 2024.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.


What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
 
  • Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
  • Discounted guest tickets for admission
  • Discounts on gift memberships
  • Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
  • Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
 
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

 
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