service assistant

philanthropy manager

curator

development coordinator

program assistant

Philadelphia Museum of Art

If you love art, this can be the best place for you to work and you'll be with people with similar interests. 
Unfortunately, its structure is extremely hierarchical and if you don't have an advanced degree in the arts or other aspects of the museum, such as fund raising or public relations, you will be trapped in your department with little chance for advancement even for positions you would be able to do. 
This is especially true if you're hired for a "front line" position, i.e., one that entails dealing directly with the public. These include Visitor Services, the Museum Store, the restaurant, maintenance, and security. The only department of these I saw a significant number of people get promoted out of in my twelve years of working there was Visitor Services, and even those promotions were to administrative assistant positions.
For an institution that is all about individual self expression and creativity, the culture at the museum is surprisingly straight-laced. If you're 22 and you want to wear a nose ring or dye your hair an unconventional color, forget about it. They don't want to risk upsetting the geriatric visitors and members who may one day bequeath a substantial amount to the museum. In fact, there's often a push from those in charge to remind front line staffers who's boss by having them wear unattractive uniforms.

Initially, I was ecstatic to be hired at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA)! However, as most employees will attest, the novelty wears off very soon. Why? Because of medocre senior management, miserly board of trustees, an almost nonexistent corporate communication, low employee morale (no reward programs), lack of clearly defined policies, and their  reputation for job termination at will. 
The atmosphere was mostly unfriendly, discouraging and sometimes downright hostile. As an amateur artist, I was thrilled to be working alongside fellow art lovers, but the backbiting, passive-aggressive behavior of many was so disappointing. Often times, as an IT Manager, I was caught in the crossfire of interdepartmental fighting. Every department head or curator was allowed to act independently of the museum. Pushback by spoiled adults was commonplace. Many times in emails or phone calls I heard "Who said you could do that?" or "My Curator said we don't have to comply...". I've never worked at such an immature and uncooperative institution. 
Yes, the building is majestic. The Art... extraordinary. But the workforce was, is, and always will be unbelievably dysfunctional. PMA... the WORST career move of my life!! Glad I got out after 5 years. Never be back even to visit...

Pros:
-Hourly, entry, and mid-level employees tend to come from a variety of interesting backgrounds. I liked most of my co-workers, to the point where it was depressing to see so many funny, kind, smart people who love art get ground into a powdery lump of despair.
-The art, obviously.

Cons:
-MANAGEMENT. I had red flags about my manager given to me when I was offered my job, but I figured it wasn't anything different from office politics from older jobs. Shame on me -- management was mean, abusive, name-calling, sabotaging, and loved to belittle staff to make them either admit their own (non) mistakes or see them squirm. Treated all staff like personal slaves and constantly bullied hourly employees to work overtime on weekends/nights without giving them pay (so, non-existent HR to boot). I'm fairly certain that there was some dubious/downright illegal scheduling going on. You are an underling who means nothing to the institution, and management will go out of the way to take credit for your successes or throw you into the fire for any (perceived and/or minor) mistakes.

Working at a renowned institution can be a conversation topic that invites curiosity and respect. However, as an employee you quickly access a workplace that's highly disorganized, dysfunctional and downright discouraging. As a middle manager, I thought I had job security and mutual respect among peers. That quickly eroded with the hiring of an Associate Director that immediately seemed to resent my years of knowledge and experience. Toward the end of a harrowing 4-5 months, I had feelings of being back in the 7th grade facing the school bully. It was THAT bad. The stress was nearly unbearable, and I feared I was nearing a complete nervous breakdown. As an art lover, I feel sad every time I pass by that beautiful museum elevated above the parkway. If only people knew how difficult it was (is) to be an employee of that place. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The amazing people I had the opportunity to work with was by far the best part of working for the Pma. They should pay them better!

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The stress of having to go on strike to get better pay.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Everyone was great except the lies pass down by senior management.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
The building was so big tool you 20 minutes to get anywhere, but lots of running around troubleshooting problems.

This was a telemarketing position working in their membership department. Some of the workers there have been around for many years so they are experienced in meeting their goals and talking to people over the phone. 

While there is a stress on making goals for the month, the management is very understanding and very kind when days are slow. The training is rather fast, as they have no script for people to learn. They would rather people figure out their own way of talking over the phone. 

Everyone there is wonderful. I would have stayed longer if the commute time wasn't so out of the way for me.

Working at the museum was a great experience.  It is in the middle of a major city and the environment was always a new learning experience.  If anyone is interested in increasing their knowledge of well known works of art, I would highly recommend that they choose to be employed here.  Being employed with their help desk was always something different and gives the ability to interact with all of the employees that are there.  Each day was interesting and fun to go to!

Museum operated much differently than other businesses I've worked at. Many curators and staff act independently of each other rather than as a united organization which creates frustration. 
Accomplishing tasks was difficult due to minimal processes in place. 
Co-workers were mostly great, but employee turnover is high due to low pay. Average employee remains less than 2 years. 
I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and constant visitor presence.

Working for PMA is a tug in both directions. It is the most interesting and beautiful institution in the USA in my opinion. However, working within the Development Department is extremely stressful and quite a thankless job. You are not praised for your work you are only ridiculed for the minimal mistakes you make. I absolutely love this institution I have been here twice. Once in the 90s and again after I returned from 15 years in NYC.

I loved my time at the PMA. While pay was not really high enough to justify the workload, my colleagues were great and the work was interesting. I was lucky to have excellent managers during my entire 4 years there. 

My least favorite part of the company was the low pay and lack of vacation time.

My favorite part was the ability to work with priceless art objects and among world-renowned scholars.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Service assistant 14 salaries reported	$18.60 per hour
Philanthropy manager 11 salaries reported	$60,034 per year
Curator 6 salaries reported	$96,784 per year
Development coordinator 5 salaries reported	$19.71 per hour
Program assistant 4 salaries reported	$18.00 per hour

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