Coordinator of Interpretation, Special Projects

Philadelphia, PA
Full Time
Mid Level
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

The department of Interpretation at the Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks a full-time Coordinator of Interpretation, Special Projects (two-year term) in the Division of Learning and Engagement. Charged with the task of making art engaging and accessible to broad audiences, the department oversees all interpretation initiatives for special exhibitions and the museum’s permanent collection and is situated at the intersection of art, content, and visitor experience.
Reporting to the Head of Interpretation, the Coordinator, Special Projects supports the interpretation of American art. A primary focus of this position will be an upcoming reinstallation and exhibition of the Museum’s American art galleries from 1850-1960, with particular attention to administering the audio tour, advisory group and other interpretive materials for this American art exhibition and reinstallation.


Specifically, you will:
 
  • Work closely with the Head of Interpretation to advance the interpretive goals on the American Art reinstallation and exhibition, along with small projects as assigned.
  • Collaborate with curatorial staff and others to create interpretive planning documents that outline institutional goals, visitor outcomes, and interpretive strategies for the museum’s collection, galleries, and special exhibitions.
  • Bring an innovative and creative approach to the development of new interpretive strategies and tools, including audio tours, digital interactives, videos, printed material, tactile tools, response rooms, and other means of engagement.
  • Review gallery texts and the content of interpretive tools to ensure they are engaging, accessible, and relevant to visitors with a range of interests, needs, and learning styles
  • Collaborate with audience research staff to evaluate projects and content, and to inform the development of new offerings based on data and visitor feedback.
  • Work as the administrative point of contact for Interpretation projects in support of the American Art reinstallation, including managing communication with external and internal stakeholders, organizing logistics of virtual and in person meetings, working with other staff to manage agendas, payments, and other responsibilities.
  • Assist as needed in coordinating, administrating, reporting, and archiving institutional Interpretation initiatives.
  • Work in collaboration with staff from various departments, including curators, editors, educators, designers, and the interactive team, and external stakeholders as needed.
  • Contribute to the development of procedures, policies, and practices for the Interpretation Department.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Your background and experience include:
 
  • A strong understanding of how visitors experience museums
  • A keen interest in American art from 1850-1960
  • Knowledge of and experience with the interpretation of artworks
  • Have 2-4 years of experience working at a museum or similar setting, preferably in an interpretation, education, or curatorial department
  • An enthusiasm for collaboration and relationship building among staff and stakeholders
  • The ability to clearly and effectively communicate with wide-ranging audiences through writing and other media
  • The ability to coordinate and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
  • Familiarity with current research on interpretation and visitor engagement
  • The ability to work independently on assigned tasks with little direct supervision
  • Creative approaches to problem solving
  • Proficiency with MS Office, and the ability to learn other content management systems as needed
  • Graduate degree or equivalent relevant experience (a plus)


Position and Compensation Details
 
  • The salary for this position is $46,956.
  • This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week for a two-year term.
  • This is a two-year term position beginning July 14, 2025, and ending July 14, 2027.
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
  • This position reports to the Head of Interpretation.
  • 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.


Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 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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