The J.J Medveckis Curator of Arms & Armor

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.

The J. J. Medveckis Curator of Arms & Armor has primary responsibility for the care, utilization, and development of the Museum’s renowned holdings of European arms and armor from 1300 to 1800 and is expected to have expertise relevant to the collection. This individual is responsible for researching, developing, displaying, and interpreting a collection of more than 1,300 objects including complete suits of armor, equestrian equipment, shields, helmets, and weapons. The Medveckis Curator will have oversight of the Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Collection, a foundational gift which in 2027 will celebrate its 50th anniversary at PMA and the beginning of an exciting period of reinstallation, exhibition, and loans. As a member of the Museum’s curatorial staff, this position is expected to participate in all aspects of the work of the Museum to enable it to fulfill its mission and to maintain the highest standards of scholarship, connoisseurship, and professional practices in the field.

Specifically, you will:

Works under the direction of the Head of European Art and in cooperation with members of the museum’s executive, curatorial, education, marketing, communications, and administrative staff to achieve the mission of the institution and its strategic objectives.

Works closely with the museum’s conservation, collections management, and design and installation staff to ensure that the works of art are properly documented, conserved when treatment is needed, stored in a safe and accessible manner, and effectively displayed in the museum’s galleries for the enjoyment and education of the public.

Reviews and provides recommendations on loan requests received by the museum.

Conducts research on the collection and related topics. Utilizes this research for a variety of purposes— e.g ., the development of exhibitions and public programming, the enrichment of the museum’s collections database and the development of interpretive materials for use in the galleries and on social media, and for presentation in collection catalogues, scholarly articles, public lectures and symposia, etc.

Works collaboratively with learning & engagement staff on the development and production of interpretive materials related to the collection— e.g., object labels, introductory text panels, gallery and audio guides, videos, and other educational tools—and on content and presentational strategies developed for public programs and distance learning programs.

Organizes and/or coordinates special exhibitions, either individually or in collaboration with colleagues from the museum or peer institutions. This work should be understood as encompassing every aspect of the development and implementation of special exhibitions, from initial project planning and research to participation in budgeting and resource development, creation of an exhibition checklist, obtaining loans, the production of the catalogue, work towards the installation design and a marketing plan to promote the exhibition, and participate in the development and production of interpretive programs as well as social media and marketing materials that will accompany and promote the exhibition.

Identifies and recommends works of art in his/her area of responsibility to be acquired for the collection and provides supporting documentation and research ( e.g., the historical and aesthetic significance of the objects, their provenance, and their state of conservation) to justify their acquisition by gift or purchase. In accordance with institutional policies, periodically assesses the area of the collection for which s/he is responsible and makes recommendations for the disposition of works of art that should not be retained. Consults with museum’s library staff on acquisitions in her/his area of responsibility.

Demonstrates a commitment to engaging a range of audiences through giving scholarly lectures, making public presentations, and attending conferences. Dedicates time to teaching and training, as demonstrated by training guides and engaging with area universities.

Develops in consultation with the Department Head, a professional development plan that will enable him/her to keep up to date on scholarship and curatorial developments in the field and address any agreed-upon professional needs ( e.g., managerial training, communications skills, etc.)

Performs other duties as assigned by the Department Head and Chief Curator

Your background and experience include:

• Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred but not required)
• Minimum of seven years of cumulative curatorial and/or field-related experience
• Work that has had a transformative effect on the permanent collection through significant acquisitions, loans, reinstallation(s), and/or renovation(s)
• Development of exhibitions or installations that have made a lasting contribution to the field and have generated national and international recognition
• Excellence in writing and a regular record of scholarly publications in journals, edited volumes, and exhibition catalogues

Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $110,000.
• This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position reports to The Gisela and Dennis Alter Curator of European Painting, Curator of the John G. Johnson Collection, and Head of European Art
• 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:

• 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.