Powel House Site Managers

The Powel House Site Managers are employees of the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks (PhilaLandmarks). We are seeking two individuals to live in and manage the daily operations of the house museum.

What is PhilaLandmarks?

PhilaLandmarks is an organization that maintains and preserves four historic house museums in the Philadelphia region. Our mission is to inspire people to engage with history and build community by preserving our unique historic sites and by providing relevant historical, educational and cultural programming. For over ninety-five years, we have played a significant role in the historic preservation movement in Philadelphia by restoring, furnishing and presenting these distinguished house museums to the public.  

The team and your contribution:

Our team is comprised of collaborative, like-minded, kind people who enjoy the intimacy of a small organization and share a belief that historic preservation illustrates the value of what endures in our society. We believe in inspiring people to learn about history and sharing our historic sites with the communities surrounding them. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will manage the day-to-day operations of one of Philadelphia's most charming busy historic house museums, the Powel House. 

We are looking for two mission-driven individuals who are able to work independently but will also thrive within our tight-knit dynamic team. The ideal candidate is already integrated into Philadelphia’s arts & culture community, and has proven success in effectively communicating across generations. They are open-minded, flexible, hospitality/event focused, outgoing, and unafraid of physical dexterity (ex: moving tables, yard work). Ideal candidates thrive in unstructured environments where patience and helpfulness are a benefit. Strong event management background and/or hospitality background is preferred. 

Seeking to fill the role with a starting date of January 15th, 2027 (or earlier, if feasible). 

Site Manager Primary Duties Include:

Open the house museum for public tours and manage a volunteer docent base to give tours and/or provide tours themselves. The house is open on weekends in March (Sat 11-4pm and Sun 12-4pm), April through November (Thu 11-4pm, Fri 11-4pm, Sat 11-4pm, Sun 12-4pm) and December (Sat 11-4pm and Sun 12-4pm). The house is open for tours by appointment only in January and February.

Manage the scheduling of the house calendar

Collaborate with PhilaLandmarks staff and vendors to coordinate private event rentals, house fundraisers and programming events

Work and be on site for the duration of private event rentals, house fundraisers and programming events

Yard work (cutting grass, shoveling snow, raking leaves, picking up acorns, weeding, general daily cleanup of sidewalks)

Coordinate contractor and vendor access to the property

Answer emails and phone calls daily

Attend monthly house and staff committee meetings

Provide support for fundraising activities, programs and events (Garden Party, Holiday Party)

Special tours on non-open days when available

Perform walkthroughs with booked rental clients before their private event

Open for occasional evening meeting rentals

Occasionally required to be able to lift up to 60lbs

Time Commitment 

Work may be shared between the two individuals with the majority of the responsibilities designated to a primary site manager and additional support provided when necessary by their partner. 

We are looking for a 2-4 year commitment.

Compensation and Living Privileges 

The site manager is required to work and is compensated ($75-$500 per event range) for the private rental events, fundraising events and programs. The frequency of events and programs change annually and are typically busier in the spring and fall months. 

Site managers will have on site living privileges, and all utilities (except personal cell phone and cable tv) are included. One bedroom two floor apartment, historic box winder stairs, private kitchen, private bathroom with shower, basement storage.

No dogs allowed; cats permitted.