Job Title: Exhibitions Programs Assistant

Position Type: Part-time (Wage/Hourly)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

Department: Education Programming

Pay Rate: $16.83 per hour

About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA's growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of world history.

Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris, and one of the nation's finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art.

Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post, VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission.

VMFA is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all.

About the Role:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) seeks an Exhibition Programs Assistant to support the Education Department in planning and delivering adult programs connected to major special exhibitions; most immediately, The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art (opening at VMFA November 2026) and the accompanying two-day conference, Reconsidering Impressionism (January 28–29, 2027).

General Information:

Reporting to the Education Programs Manager, the Exhibition Programs Assistant keeps exhibition-related adult programming organized, on budget, and running smoothly — with a primary focus on supporting the Adult Programs Coordinator on the Reconsidering Impressionism conference and the annual Paul Mellon Lecture.

• Track budgets, contracts, and VIP guest lists for exhibition dinners and programs.
• Plan and schedule program-related meetings.
• Keep Asana updated with programs and events for online content.
• Help write content for marketing, promotional, and social media materials, in partnership with the Marketing & Communications team.
• Support the Adult Programs Coordinator on function plans and work plans for programs.
• Build pre-show PowerPoints.
• Attend programs on-site, overseeing ticket taking and VIP seating.
• Partner with the Performing Arts Coordinator on select exhibition-related First Friday and Dance After Work events.

Please note that this is part-time position, averaging approximately 15 hours per week over approximately 32 weeks, aligned to the exhibition and conference timeline.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and general computer proficiency.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A willingness to learn, take initiative, and jump in wherever needed to support the team. 

Additional Considerations:

• Relevant experience in museum studies, art history, or a related field; prior experience supporting museum or event programs.
• Working knowledge of Asana or project management tools.

Special Instructions:

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm on the designated closing date at the top of the posting listed in PageUp.

Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance.

VMFA is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources Services

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum for recruitment related questions.

 Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. 

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.