Constance E. Clayton Curatorial Fellowship

Date Posted
Close Date
Industry
Nonprofit
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Job Type
Full-Time

Philadelphia Museum of Art

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 Constance E. Clayton Curatorial Fellowship provides upcoming or recent M.A. graduates in Art History or related fields the opportunity to gain professional experience in preparation for a career as a curator.  The Fellowship offers a foundational learning and development opportunity for an individual from a traditionally underrepresented group in the museum field.  Working under the direction of a museum curator, the Fellow will receive a comprehensive introduction to curatorial practice in a large art museum. The Fellow will be mentored by a select committee of the museum’s senior staff who will serve as a resource for the Fellow’s professional development and provide opportunities to connect with other mentors and leaders in the Fellow’s field of interest. 

Specifically, you will:

  • Conduct research on proposed topic, with an end-of-term lecture and paper to be presented
  • Engage in a broad range of departmental activities such as:
  • Catalogue individual works of art
  • Research and write justifications for potential acquisitions
  • Respond to queries about the collection
  • Assist with exhibitions, publications, collections assessments, and other projects related to curatorial functions as assigned by curatorial staff
  • Perform a variety of departmental administrative tasks as needed and other duties as assigned
  • Support initiatives to care for, develop and expand the museum’s collections to enhance the presence and contributions of underrepresented artists and their works
  • Participate and attend regular meetings of the African American Collection Committee
  • Participate in quarterly progress reporting and advisement with the Deputy Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Your background and experience include:

  • Master’s in Art History or related field from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or any other accredited college or university
  • Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
  • A strong interest in pursuing a curatorial career in a museum setting
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully with others—museum staff, volunteers, and diverse public constituencies—to achieve institutional objectives
  • Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
  • Familiarity with collection management software is a plus

Position and Compensation Details

  • The salary for this position is $42,000
  • The position includes an annual stipend for research and travel
  • 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 head of the curatorial department in which the Fellow is placed.
  • This position begins on September 18, 2023 and ends August 29, 2025
  • 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
  • Able to move items up to 10 pounds
  • COVID-19 vaccination required.
  • 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

The deadline to submit applications is April 7, 2023. 

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.

How to Apply

Please submit an application online at the link below:

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