Director of Events and Dining

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a world-renowned cultural institution dedicated to inspiring and engaging diverse audiences through its extensive collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Located in Philadelphia, it serves as a major art hub, welcoming visitors from across the globe to experience its acclaimed galleries, iconic architecture, and rich history. The museum is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and actively seeks a diverse workforce to embody and uphold its core organizational values. It prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum sector. This underscores the museum's dedication to creating an environment that is welcoming, collaborative, and reflective of the communities it serves.

The Director of Events and Dining is a pivotal senior leadership role within the museum, tasked with overseeing the facility's revenue-generating dining services, private and public event management, and overall hospitality experiences. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Operations, this position requires a strategic thinker and dynamic leader capable of steering the events and dining operations towards operational excellence, financial sustainability, and brand integrity in alignment with the museum’s mission. The director acts as the museum's principal liaison with a third-party food and beverage provider, ensuring the delivery of top-tier experiences that delight museum visitors, clients, and event guests alike. This role demands seasoned judgment, exceptional professional standards, and the ability to operate independently while fostering strong partnerships across museum departments and with external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include leading the strategic vision and execution of all event and dining programs with accountability for financial performance and brand consistency. The Director will manage the entire lifecycle of events—from initial inquiry to flawless execution—ensuring seamless coordination and compliance with museum policies and regulatory standards. They will oversee space utilization, risk management, safety compliance, and the preservation of museum assets throughout all events and hospitality operations. In addition, the Director is responsible for developing and managing an annual operating budget and marketing plan in close collaboration with Finance and external partners. This includes monitoring revenue streams, controlling expenses, analyzing profitability, and delivering comprehensive financial reports and forecasts.

The Director of Events and Dining is expected to mentor and lead cross-functional teams, champion an inclusive culture of excellence, and serve as a polished ambassador representing the museum at high-profile events with donors, clients, and dignitaries. This full-time, exempt role requires a physical presence at the museum's location and offers a $125,000 salary. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality, event management, or facility operations, preferably within cultural or nonprofit environments. Strong financial acumen, vendor management skills, and a record of revenue generation are essential. The museum supports its employees with a comprehensive benefits package and various museum-related perks, making this an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about cultural institutions and exceptional guest experiences.