Exhibition Assistant

Philadelphia, PA
Temporary
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 Philadelphia Museum of Art is seeking a highly organized and energetic individual to join our busy Special Exhibitions Planning team as an Exhibition Assistant for an upcoming contemporary art exhibition. The Exhibition Assistant will perform a variety of tasks that organize and track exhibitions in various stages.


Specifically, you will:
 
  • Assist with research and preparation of exhibition materials and publication for the exhibition team (curators, registrars, conservators, exhibition designers, etc.).
  • Develop and maintain TMS exhibition module and “object packages” with up-to-date information, including display requirements and loan conditions.
  • Assist in obtaining publishable photographs and permissions for works in the exhibition and publication.
  • Research and develop up-to-date bibliographic references for all works in the exhibition.
  • Communicate object information and installation plans to the exhibition team as needed (registrars, conservators, exhibition designers, etc.).
  • Help coordinate the work of the Conservation departments in preparing works of art for exhibition.
  • Draft tombstone labels for artworks in the exhibition.
  • Attend all work meetings and assist curators with inter-departmental coordination.
  • Coordinates communication between Deputy Director and Curator.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Your background and experience include:
 
  • Prior experience conducting research
  • Strong skills in communication, organization, and time management
  • Measurable experience with attention to details
  • Prior experience working with teams
  • Technical proficiency with personal computers and standard office equipment; fluent with Microsoft Office platform (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)
  • Prior experience with collection management software; experience with TMS (The Museum System) preferred.
  • B.A. or equivalent, with a preference for degrees in art history or museum studies


Position and Compensation Details
 
  • The hourly rate for this position is $19.00.
  • This position is Full-Time, Non-Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
  • This position reports to the Interim Deputy Director and Chief Curator.
  • This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art locations.
  • This is a 16-month term position, beginning June 2nd, 2025, and ending October 2nd, 2026.
  • 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 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


 
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