Daniel W. Dietrich II Fellow in Contemporary 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 Department of Contemporary Art welcomes applicants for the Daniel W. Dietrich II Fellow in Contemporary Art. In this role, the Fellow will assist on various aspects of planning and curatorial projects and programs, working closely with curators and staff in the Department of Contemporary Art under the supervision of the Curator of Contemporary Art and interim department head. These may include supporting exhibitions and installations, researching collection objects and acquisitions, and contributing to scholarship on and interpretation of works of art.

As the Fellowship is supported by the Daniel W. Dietrich II Fund for Curatorial Excellence, it seeks a candidate who embraces innovative curatorial experimentation, rigorous scholarship, and a capacity for bold and inventive thinking. Some projects may further the research, conservation, and presentation of the Dietrich Bequest, a distinctive American Art collection that includes works by Philip Guston, Eva Hesse, Agnes Martin, Paul Thek, and Cy Twombly. Other opportunities may include working with curators on installations, exhibitions, programs, and acquisitions as they pertain to the activities of the Department.

The Department of Contemporary Art encourages teamwork among its staff members and promotes collaboration with other curatorial departments as well as other departments across the organization. With a focus on international art from 1950 onward, the Department works across disciplines and media, bringing novel dialogues and new narratives into focus within our galleries and exhibition program. The ideal candidate possesses a broad base knowledge of contemporary art—its theories, histories, and current conversations—that would enable them to become a thought partner for the Department as well as a forward-thinking collaborator with museum colleagues as projects and programs are implemented.

This position requires balancing day-to-day responsibilities such as filing, correspondence, and scheduling with long-term planning of project coordination. As the Fellow will be fully integrated into the work of the Department and liaise with colleagues across the museum, the Fellowship provides professional training, mentorship, and exposure to a wide variety of experiences within a fast-paced Department in a large institutional setting.

International candidates are encouraged to apply.

Specifically, you will:

• Assist with planning for installations of contemporary art, including the presentation of works from the Daniel W. Dietrich II bequest as well as others.
• Work closely with curators of the Department to realize a robust curatorial program that promotes scholarship in the field and invites our audiences to experience and enjoy contemporary art.
• Support and contribute to both short-term initiatives and long-term research projects on collections, conservation, exhibitions, and acquisitions.
• Participate in Department and institutional initiatives, such as virtual programs and internal working groups
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• Master’s degree and previous museum or curatorial experience preferred, with a demonstrated interest in international contemporary art (1950 and after).
• A proven capacity to present complex ideas to both specialized/scholarly audiences and publics of diverse educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• An investment in the formation of new and original perspectives on art historical narratives in global contemporary art.
• Meticulous and efficient attention to detail
• A desire to apply energy and enthusiasm to the position as a key stage in developing a career path in museums and/or curatorial work.
• Adherence to professional standards of the contemporary art and museum fields while working both on site and, when necessary, virtually.
• An interest in supporting the museum’s many efforts and initiatives.
• Ability to receive productive feedback in order to improve upon communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• An interest in working closely with others to realize shared visions and goals.

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 John Alchin and Hal Marryatt Curator of Contemporary Art
• 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

• Uphold 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.
• Adhere to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Show respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Adhere to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline
The deadline to submit applications is March 31, 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.