"Spiegel Wilks Fellow"

Job Description Summary

The Spiegel Wilks Fellow in the Department of Public Engagement and Research contributes to shaping the intellectual direction of ICA's public engagement initiatives, connecting the Institute's exhibition and programmatic work to the research and teaching mission of the University of Pennsylvania. The Fellow will cultivate academic and community partnerships, develop research-driven programs, and help integrate contemporary artistic practices into broader conversations about art, ideas, and society. This two-year fellowship (with the option of a third year at the discretion of the Director of Public Engagement) offers a unique opportunity for an emerging scholar or cultural practitioner to engage deeply in curatorial and public-facing research within a leading contemporary art institution.

The Public Engagement & Research Department designs and implements a multidisciplinary platform for public programs, interpretive initiatives, community partnerships, and academic engagement at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). Through lectures, workshops, performances, and community-led programs, the department advances ICA's mission to be a launchpad for contemporary art and ideas. Its work deepens audience engagement, fosters research, and strengthens connections across ICA's diverse publics, both onsite and online. The department also oversees visitor services management, including the collection and analysis of data related to ICA's in-person and virtual audiences. Together, these efforts expand ICA's role as a civic resource, amplify its research mission, and enhance its impact within the University of Pennsylvania and the broader Philadelphia community.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as an active partner in shaping the intellectual content of ICA's public programs.
• Collaborate with curators, artists, and the Director of Public Engagement to develop themes, topics, and participants for lectures, conversations, and performances that expand ICA's research mission.
• Manage and maintain relationships with invited artists, speakers, and cultural organizations, including coordination of travel, accommodations, honoraria, and related logistics.
• Facilitate undergraduate Student Board (ICASB) meetings and the Visiting Artist Lecture Series in partnership with the Director of Public Engagement and Research.
• Support opportunities for Penn students to engage directly with artists, curators, and visiting scholars.
• Build and sustain connections across the University of Pennsylvania and with external academic and cultural institutions.
• Collaborate on developing rigorous and interdisciplinary methods of inquiry through programming, publishing, and academic courses that advance ICA's role as a site for research and teaching.
• Coordinate culminating presentations or symposia related to annual research themes and contribute to documentation, evaluation, and dissemination of public engagement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively across ICA departments as needed, contributing to other public programming or special projects.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Have excellent writing, research, and communication skills.
• Be highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with excellent time management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Be a self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in ICA's mission and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Possess 1-2 years of related experience in a cultural institution, university, or nonprofit setting.
• A degree and/or course work in art history, cultural anthropology, design, or a related field preferred.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Suite, and project management software.

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Provost's Center

Pay Range

$21.15 - $28.84 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.