Programs Assistant

American Philosophical Society • Philadelphia, PA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 and, today, the oldest and most distinguished learned society in the U.S., seeks a mission-aligned and detail-oriented Programs Assistant to support planning and day-of execution of public programs, signature special events, and private event rentals. The Society is engaged in many major programmatic initiatives coinciding with the U.S. Semiquincentennial—the Programs Assistant will serve as key support staff for the Society’s 2026 events, which include a major international conference, a monthly lecture series in Philadelphia, and additional one-off events and programs. This is an on-site, full-time, term-limited (12-month) position with benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, but open to graduate students and beyond interested in exploring work at a cultural institution
• Early career, entry-level to five years’ experience
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a positive attitude
• Must be comfortable working with the public
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in all work
• Strong communication skills: written and verbal
• Familiarity with MS Office and Zoom set-up
• Demonstrated ability to be creative, flexible, adaptive to change, and to successfully collaborate and work effectively within and across organizational boundaries in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Dependability in adhering to schedules and availability for early mornings, daytime, evenings, and weekends with schedules that vary based on the event calendar
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made

Nice To Haves

• Some experience organizing programs and events, or a demonstrated willingness to learn and evidence of aptitude to do so

Responsibilities

• Assist with event timelines, venue set up, and outside vendors, such as caterers
• Handle event inquiries, maintain attendee lists, process registrations, and prepare promotional materials
• Serve as a forward-facing and welcoming representative of the APS during events
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• health insurance
• dental
• life insurance
• short- and long-term disability
• 403b with employer match
• paid days off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level