Job Description

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. The Society offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403b with employer match, and paid days off.

Salary $45,000 minimum

Essential Functions

- Logistics and planning: Assist with event timelines, venue set up, and outside vendors, such as caterers;

- Administrative Support: Handle event inquiries, maintain attendee lists, process registrations, and prepare promotional materials;

- Day-Of Coordination: Serve as a forward-facing and welcoming representative of the APS during events;

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Requirements and Qualifications

- 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;

- Ideal candidate will have some experience organizing programs and events, or a demonstrated willingness to learn and evidence of aptitude to do so;

- 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.

There is no perfect candidate and the successful candidate may not have all of the above-listed skills. All interested are encouraged to apply.

Institutional requirements: Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.

Environmental/Physical Capabilities

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position operates in a professional office environment within the organization. The role frequently interacts with Members and grant and fellowship recipients, requiring extended periods of standing, often for multiple hours at a time. The role may also involve occasional walking, light lifting (up to 25 pounds), and repetitive motions such as typing or using office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter and a cv or resume

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The American Philosophical Society is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, religion or national origin. The APS values diversity and inclusion and encourages diverse applicants to apply. Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the U.S.