Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director and Robert and Elizabeth Nanovic Chief Curator, this position is responsible for administrative and program support for the Portland Museum of Art’s (PMA’s) Learning and Interpretation, Curatorial, Registration, and Preparatory departments to ensure successful execution of curatorial, exhibition, and educational programs in support of the PMA’s mission.

Department/Division: Art and Education
Reports to: Deputy Director and Robert and Elizabeth Nanovic Chief Curator
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Performs administrative duties and provides support to the Deputy Director and Robert and Elizabeth Nanovic Chief Curator, including clerical and communication tasks for the Learning and Interpretation, Curatorial, Registration, and Preparatory departments. Tracks program statistics, provides data entry, copy editing, schedules and prepares for meetings, and maintains division archives.
  • Provides support to the Associate Educator for Youth Learning and the Peggy L. Osher Director of Learning and Interpretation in management of K-12 school tour program, including scheduling of school tour programs; maintaining online scheduling system for school tours and volunteer docents; communication with classroom teachers; oversight of weekly correspondence; and support for tour logistics, all with a high level of coordination between the PMA’s staff and docent volunteers.
  • Performs administrative duties and provides support as needed for the PMA’s tour program, including communication with Protection Services and Visitor Experience staff to coordinate programs such as admissions, Winslow Homer Studio tours, group tours, and docent training programs. As assigned, greets and provides orientation for tour groups ranging from pre-K to college students, acquaints them with the PMA’s guidelines, and works with Protection Services and Visitor Experience staff to ensure successful visits.
  • Manages calendar and travel schedule, as well as travel planning, for Deputy Director and Robert and Elizabeth Nanovic Chief Curator. Coordinates travel for visiting scholars, and others as assigned, including exhibition curators and Barnet Scholar’s Weekend invitees.
  • Maintains the calendar and schedules use of the Peggy L. Osher Art Study and Collection Committee Conference Room by members of the public as well as internal constituencies and performs administrative responsibilities related to the room.
  • Fields and responds to inquiries, both public and internal, regarding the collection, artists, acquisitions, exhibitions, programs, and general curatorial and educational matters.
  • Effectively provides ongoing support to keep office supplies replenished and office space organized, and troubleshoots to keep equipment in good working order. Serves as the division’s resource for navigating the PMA’s equipment, procedures, and communications systems.
  • Provides administrative assistance in other areas of the museum as needed, and serves as a resource to train and guide new support staff throughout PMA.
  • Fosters relationships and builds philanthropy with patrons at the PMA, as defined by displaying behavior that welcomes all individuals contacted during work. This may include answering questions, utilizing approachable body language such as smiling and making eye contact, thanking people for visiting the PMA, and other open and engaging behavior daily.
  • Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
  • Complies with all Portland Museum of Art safety rules and procedures.
  • Regular attendance at the workplace is required.
Education and Experience: 
Bachelor’s Degree with at least one year experience in administrative support or customer service experience, including experience working with volunteers. Museum education and/or gallery experience preferred.
Qualifications: 
  • Flexible and creative problem-solver; ability to multitask, organize work, and meet deadlines with careful attention to detail and a commitment to quality in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
  • Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with coworkers and a variety of individuals contacted in the course of work.
  • Proven written and oral communication skills, including ability to adhere to PMA brand charter and style guide, and ability to communicate effectively with constituents in person, over the phone, and via email.
  • Ability to operate computers and assigned software, including Microsoft Office and database applications.
  • Available to work evening and weekend hours as needed.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Working Conditions: 
  • The majority of work is performed in a museum or gallery setting or in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, and other office equipment. Work involves extended sitting, computer use, small muscle tasks, and extended periods of standing and/or walking. Weekend and evening hours required.
Terms: 
The Art and Education Assistant position is a full-time, full-benefits, hourly, non-exempt, employment-at-will position.
To Apply: 
Please email cover letter, résumé, and completed PMA Application for Employment (available at website), aea.pma.122017@portlandmuseum.org. Job applications will be accepted electronically only and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Job applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The Portland Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, status as a whistleblower, marital status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.