Exhibition Assistant for Art and Design in the 1940s

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Published on 18 June 2024

Overview

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Type: Part-Time
Department: Curatorial
Level: Mid-Level

Commitment to Diversity

The Philadelphia Museum of Art values diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The museum ensures equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Exhibition Details

In April 2025, the museum will open an exhibition on art and design from the 1940s, led by Jessica Smith, Director of Curatorial Initiatives. The curatorial team includes Elisabeth Agro, Dilys Blum, and Amanda Bock.

Role and Responsibilities

The Exhibition Assistant will:

Research and prepare the exhibition checklist.
Maintain object and exhibition records in paper and in the Museum’s Collections Database, TMS.
Assist with coordinating art loans.
Aid the curatorial team with exhibition tasks and potentially a related publication.
Communicate across departments.
Help with installation design, draft exhibition didactics, correspond with artists’ estates, develop public programs, and assist with media efforts.
Work with curators and the Publishing Department on publication projects, including liaising with authors and designers and managing image rights.

Specific Duties:

Collaborate with the Manager of Curatorial Affairs on the exhibition package.
Arrange loans and permissions.
Maintain the TMS exhibition module and “object packages.”
Research and develop bibliographic references.
Draft interpretative labels for artworks.
Assist curators with inter-departmental coordination.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Background and Experience

M.A. in art history or equivalent.
Museum experience and object-based research.
Knowledge of early 20th-century art.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collection management software, preferably TMS.

Position Details

Hourly Rate: $19
Part-Time (20 hours/week), Non-Exempt
One-year term ending Summer 2025
Physical requirements include remaining stationary, using computers, moving items up to 10 pounds, and accessing various museum areas.
Background check required after a conditional job offer.

Institutional Requirements

Uphold professional museum standards and ethics.
Maintain confidentiality and respect for diversity.
Adhere to museum protocols and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged.

Employee Benefits

Free general admission for employees and immediate family.
Discounted guest tickets, memberships, and museum store purchases.
Special staff tours and presentations.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement savings with museum match, and paid time off.