The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is a contemporary art museum, with an internationally-acclaimed Artists-in-Residence (AIR) program, located in Center City, Philadelphia. Founded in 1977, FWM encourages artists at all stages of their careers to experiment with new materials and new media in a veritable living laboratory. FWM is easily accessible via public transit and is steps from Reading Terminal Market and blocks from Chinatown and historic City Hall.
The Fabric Workshop and Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. FWM’s culture embraces diversity within the workplace, and outside, and welcomes all candidates to apply, without fear of discrimination.
To apply for a job opportunity at The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM), please follow the instructions for your desired open position listed below. For all general inquiries, email opportunities@fabricworkshopandmuseum.org.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Offers of employment are contingent upon the return of a satisfactory background check.
For information regarding applying for an apprenticeship, please visit the pages for High School Apprentice Training and Apprentice Training Program.
Employment Opportunities
Job Title: Executive Assistant
Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: Executive and Artistic Director
Starting Salary Range: $47,000–$49,000
Expected Hours of Work: Mon–Fri, 10:00 am–6:00pm*
*While standard business hours apply, candidates must be available for occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends to support events, programs, and meetings.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Assistant (EA) provides high-level administrative support to the Executive and Artistic Director (EAD) and serves as FWM’s primary liaison to its Board of Directors. Working at the center of the organization, this role operates in a fast-paced environment, requiring strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to stay several steps ahead. As part of a small and highly collaborative team, the EA approaches the role with a hands-on mindset and a willingness to contribute where needed.
The EA manages competing priorities to keep the Executive Office running smoothly under pressure. The role regularly engages with Board members, donors, artists, and cultural leaders on behalf of the Executive and Artistic Director, representing the organization with care while handling sensitive information with discretion.
Acting as a central connector, the EA works most closely with the core areas of Exhibitions, Advancement, and Finance/Operations. It also interfaces with the Studio, Education, and Marketing and Communications departments, as well as Visitor Services and Museum Facilities. In this capacity, the role extends the reach of the Executive and Artistic Director by ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and keeping the EAD informed, prepared, and able to act on key priorities across the museum.
DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Support
- Manages the Executive and Artistic Director’s daily calendar, executing complex scheduling for internal and external parties; acts as the primary point of entry for the Executive Office, protects dedicated blocks of focus time, and maintains real-time awareness of the EAD’s movements to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Prepares the Executive and Artistic Director for all commitments by compiling briefing materials and research; tracks the ED’s outstanding deliverables to ensure timely follow-up and adequate preparation time.
- Reconciles monthly expense reports and financial documentation, ensuring all items are coded accurately; coordinates all aspects of domestic and international travel.
- Drafts high-level correspondence and agendas, manages the administrative routing of documents for signature, and maintains the Executive Office’s internal administrative files.
- Handles sensitive institutional matters and confidential information with absolute discretion, serving as a model representative of the organization.
Board Liaison
- Acts as the primary administrative point of contact for the Board of Directors and committees; provides responsive support to trustees with discretion and sensitivity to their priorities and schedules.
- Manages and schedules the full yearly cycle of Board and committee meetings; directs all on-site and virtual logistics, including AV configuration, room setup, and meeting-specific hospitality.
- Drafts agendas and works with department heads to gather content for meeting materials; ensures all Board packets are proofread, formatted, and distributed to high professional standards and well ahead of schedule.
- Records and edits precise meeting minutes; provides active administrative assistance during meetings and tracks specific tasks and deadlines to ensure follow-up work stays on schedule.
- Maintains the annual Board directory, including biographies and contact information; manages secure archives for all official governance and Board records.
Cross-Functional + Operations Support
- Welcomes high-profile stakeholders, artists, and guests; ensures the museum is presentable for special visits and provides thoughtful hospitality for visitors to the Executive Office. Performs occasional light housekeeping in FWM’s administrative offices.
- Coordinates the logistical planning and execution of important events, receptions, and meetings, managing vendor relationships including catering and on-site support.
- Provides administrative and logistical support for the Executive and Artistic Director’s curatorial and institutional projects, tracking timelines and planning milestones to ensure coordination across all departments. Contributes to and leads special projects, as assigned.
- Oversees the organization-wide master calendar to ensure the facility and staff are operationally ready for incoming guests, including Artists-in-Residence, education tours, apprentice programs, and VIPs.
- Partners with the Senior Directors of Finance/Operations and Advancement to maintain and organize shared departmental files, ensuring institutional records, contracts, and financial documents are consistently archived and accessible.
- Provides administrative backup to the Senior Directors on specific tasks to ensure their work remains closely synced with the Executive Office.
- Develops a deep understanding of FWM’s history and mission to support daily operations and institutional projects.
- Performs other related duties within the scope of the role as assigned. As part of a small and highly collaborative team, this role approaches the work with a hands-on mindset and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position is a confidential role and has no supervisory responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES
- Anticipating Needs: Proactively identifies what the Executive and Artistic Director needs next, protects their time, and stays several steps ahead to keep priorities on track.
- Organization: Maintains a high level of order and precision; creates logical filing and tracking systems that ensure information is always accurate and easy to find.
- Communication: Demonstrates professional-level proficiency in English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills, producing polished materials with strong proofreading and attention to detail.
- Discretion: Maintains absolute confidentiality and uses strong judgment when handling sensitive financial, personnel, and leadership information.
- Adaptability: Welcomes change and organizational evolution; stays flexible and positive when priorities shift and is comfortable iterating on existing processes.
- Internal Coordination: Acts as a central link across the museum, ensuring the Executive, Advancement, and Finance/Operations offices stay synced and informed alongside other departments.
- Interpersonal Skills: Navigates high-pressure situations with a sense of humor and grace; builds authentic, professional relationships with staff, trustees, and guests.
- Integrity + Inclusion: Works ethically and treats all people with respect; maintains sensitivity toward diverse identities, including queer, disability, and historically underrepresented communities, while upholding the organization’s values in every interaction.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 3 years of experience supporting executive leadership, or 5 years of experience in high-level administrative roles.
- Professional-level proficiency in English with superior communication and proofreading skills.
- Experience in events and travel coordination and executing monthly expense reconciliation.
- Demonstrated history of working with Boards of Directors and a foundational understanding of nonprofit organizational infrastructure.
- Technical experience tracking project logistics preferably within a museum or arts setting.
- Advanced proficiency in the full Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with SharePoint and Microsoft preferred. Extensive experience with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams Meetings). Proficient in both Mac and Windows environments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Occasionally required to stand or walk.
- Continually required to sit.
- Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
- Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
- Continually required to talk or hear.
- Continually utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and/or use a keyboard.
- Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items up to 40 pounds.
- Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions
- Occasionally required to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information to opportunities@fabricworkshopandmuseum.org. Please include “Application: Executive Assistant” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview, and finalists will be asked to provide writing samples.
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FWM’s COMMITMENT
The Fabric Workshop and Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. FWM’s culture embraces diversity within the workplace, and outside, and welcomes all candidates to apply, without fear of discrimination. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Offers of employment are contingent upon the return of a satisfactory background check
Job Title: Visitor Services Assistant
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt
Department: Visitor Services
Reports to: Visitor Engagement and Program Coordinator, with additional oversight from the Exhibitions Manager.
Starting Salary Range: $16/hr
Expected Hours of Work:
- Weekdays (2 openings). Wed to Fri, 11:45 AM to 6:00 PM
- Weekends (1–2 openings). Sat to Sun, 11:45 AM to 5:00 PM
*Preference is given to candidates who are available to work occasional mornings, evenings, and weekends for special events, programs, and team meetings. The flexibility to occasionally cover weekend call-outs is also strongly preferred.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) seeks a highly reliable and welcoming professional to join our Visitor Services team. As the primary point of contact for the public, the Visitor Services Assistant (VSA) is essential to daily operations and ensures every guest enters a hospitable, accessible, and engaging environment. This role is ideal for someone genuinely enthusiastic about contemporary art who loves interacting with people. It requires exceptional customer service and verbal communication skills to facilitate a positive experience for broad public audiences and FWM’s many diverse communities. Because front-of-house operations depend heavily on consistent gallery coverage, dependability and regular availability for weekend and holiday season shifts are required.
Core Visitor Experience + Gallery Monitoring
- Actively welcomes guests, provides visitor information, and verbally informs visitors of museum rules and wayfinding.
- Maintains a visible presence in FWM’s galleries and public spaces, balancing friendly customer service with vigilant monitoring of
- safety and artwork security to ensure a positive, engaging experience for all audiences. Promptly communicates with supervisory staff regarding any changes in artwork condition, visitor compliance, or gallery environment.
- Stays up-to-date about FWM’s history, exhibitions, and programs to effectively share information with visitors.
- Addresses the needs of FWM Members, VIPs, and special visitors promptly, escalating difficult or sensitive issues to supervisory or security staff when necessary.
Daily Operations + Systems
- Serves as the primary greeter at the welcome desk or as an attendant stationed within the galleries, depending on daily scheduling needs.
- Opens galleries, places signage, and prepares public spaces for visitation at the beginning of the day, and performs closing duties at the end of the day.
- Operates the ticketing system to facilitate guest registration and assists onsite guests and callers with inquiries regarding admission, ticketing, donations, and cancellations.
- Reports any technical problems with ticketing systems or visitor information issues promptly to the Communications staff.
- Notifies staff promptly when their scheduled guests or appointments have arrived.
Communication + Team Support
- Communicates proactively with VSA supervisory staff to keep them informed of all visitor and gallery issues, and shares relevant updates during monthly staff meetings.
- Develops familiarity with staff members across all museum departments, including Education, Advancement, and Communications, to provide support as they interface with the public during daily duties and events.
- Keeps gallery checklists up to date and monitors inventory, reporting ordering needs to ensure gallery supplies remain fully stocked.
- Performs light housekeeping to maintain the professional appearance of all public and Visitor Services areas, immediately reporting urgent maintenance needs to facilities staff.
Events + Additional Duties
- Attends and assists with FWM special events, exhibition openings, public programs, and staff meetings.
- Performs other related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned by the Supervisor.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES
- Customer Focus. Enthusiastically supports visitors; responds promptly to needs and requests; actively seeks and incorporates feedback to improve service.
- Dependability and Punctuality. Is consistently at work and on time; cares about the impact of their presence on the visitor experience and front-line coverage; understands that reliable attendance supports the whole team and proactively communicates any necessary schedule changes.
- Interpersonal Skills. Approaches interactions with a diverse range of people with patience and tolerance; demonstrates the emotional intelligence to handle difficult situations gracefully; uses sound judgment to maintain professional boundaries and escalate stressful visitor interactions to supervisory, facilities, or security staff for a constructive close. Supports fellow team members during all gallery shifts and maintains a professional rapport with VSA colleagues and supervisors.
- Verbal Communication. Demonstrates an excellent command of the English language and strong verbal communication skills; speaks clearly and professionally with visitors and staff in all situations; practices active listening to fully understand inquiries; responds effectively to questions; participates constructively in staff meetings.
- Judgment and Problem Solving. Proactively asks questions when unsure of how to proceed and is capable of exercising sound decision-making in daily situations.
- Safety Awareness. Demonstrates a safety-first mindset by observing all security procedures; maintains vigilant situational awareness in the galleries and public spaces; promptly communicates potentially unsafe conditions to appropriate staff.
- Integrity and Inclusion. Works ethically and treats all people with respect; maintains sensitivity toward diverse identities, including queer, disability, and historically underrepresented communities, while upholding the organization’s values in every interaction.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in a reception desk, museum, gallery, or comparable customer service role is preferred.
- A genuine interest in contemporary art and a specific desire to support the exhibitions, mission, and community of The Fabric Workshop and Museum, paired with an appreciation for the unique dynamics and mission-driven priorities of a nonprofit arts environment.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and reliable email communication, with the ability and willingness to quickly learn retail Point of Sale (POS) and ticketing systems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS + WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Depending on the shift assignment, the physical demands of this role alternate between the welcome desk and the galleries.
- Frequently required to stand and walk while monitoring the galleries.
- Frequently required to sit while stationed at the welcome desk.
- Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
- Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, or crawl.
- Continually required to talk or hear.
- Continually utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and use a keyboard.
- Occasionally required to lift, push, or carry items up to 50 pounds.
The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TO APPLY
If you feel like you’d be a good fit for this position but are concerned that you might not be 100% aligned with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. Selected candidates rarely meet 100% of all qualifications for a position, and we do not want to miss the opportunity to meet an excellent candidate.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information to opportunities@fabricworkshopandmuseum.org and copy romeo@fabricworkshopandmuseum.org. Kindly include “Application: Visitor Services Assistant” in the subject line of your email.
After applications are reviewed, selected applicants will be contacted for interviews. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION
FWM’s COMMITMENT
The Fabric Workshop and Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. FWM’s culture embraces diversity within the workplace, and outside, and welcomes all candidates to apply, without fear of discrimination. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Offers of employment are contingent upon the return of a satisfactory background check
Internships
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) seeks students with an interest in Philadelphia’s arts and cultural community. Our interns are high school and college students who are interested in first-hand experience in the programming and administration of a contemporary art museum and collaborative workshop. Under the supervision of a staff member, interns assist with regular departmental activities and specific programmatic activities as assigned.
To support more equitable opportunities in the museum field, FWM offers only paid internships via designated funding from grants or an intern’s school.
Paid Internship Opportunities
There are currently no intern positions available. Please check back soon.
Please email general inquiries to opportunities@fabricworkshopandmuseum.org.