Exhibition Programs Assistant

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), located in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, renowned for its diverse and expansive collection. VMFA's encyclopedic holdings include more than 50,000 works of art that span 6,000 years of world history, making it a vital cultural and educational institution. Among its prized collections are the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest Art Nouveau collection outside of Paris, and one of the nation's leading collections of American art. The museum also boasts significant collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism and Postimpressionism, British sporting art, modern and contemporary art, as well as distinguished South Asian, Himalayan, and African art. Recognized as the 11th-best art museum in the U.S. by The Washington Post, VMFA is unique in being a state-supported, privately endowed institution that is open 365 days a year with free general admission. Its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art to encourage the study of the arts and enrich the lives of the citizens of Virginia and beyond.

The VMFA is currently seeking a part-time Exhibitions Programs Assistant to join its Education Programming department. This position offers a non-exempt hourly wage of $16.83 and averages approximately 15 hours per week over roughly 32 weeks, aligned with the timing of exhibitions and special conferences. Reporting to the Education Programs Manager, the Exhibitions Programs Assistant will provide crucial support in the planning and delivery of adult programs connected to major special exhibitions, notably the upcoming "The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse" exhibition and its associated two-day conference, "Reconsidering Impressionism," scheduled for early 2027. The assistant will play a key role in helping organize and ensure the smooth operation of exhibition-related adult programming, focusing especially on collaboration with the Adult Programs Coordinator for events such as exhibition dinners, VIP functions, and the annual Paul Mellon Lecture.

This role requires a high level of organization, communication, and collaboration skills. Responsibilities include tracking budgets, contracts, and guest lists; planning and scheduling meetings; maintaining updated program information on project management platforms like Asana; assisting with marketing and promotional content in coordination with the marketing team; preparing materials such as PowerPoint presentations; and providing on-site event support. The assistant will also work alongside the Performing Arts Coordinator to support select exhibition-related events like First Friday and Dance After Work. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering world-class educational programs that engage diverse audiences and foster appreciation for fine arts. Candidates passionate about museums, education, and arts programming will find this role rewarding, offering valuable experience in a prestigious cultural institution while supporting important public-facing events that elevate the museum's mission and community impact.