Makeba Clay Diversity Fellow

Application Deadline: July 20^th 

Fellowship Stipend: Up to $22,000 (September 7^th, 2026-July 30^th, 2027) 

The Makeba Clay Fellowship is a paid nine-month long, part‐time fellowship which combines museum priorities with each fellow’s interests to gain hands-on experience in all facets of the museum. The fellowship is a hybrid position, and fellows must reside in the Washington DC area.

OVERVIEW: In 2021, The Phillips Collection celebrated its centennial. This historic moment ushered in a period of reflection and encouraged thoughtful considerations on how we move into the future. To that end, in 2021 we launched the Phillips Collection Institutional History Project (IHP). As this project has evolved, we’ve recognized the need to understand and uncover more about artists in the permanent collection surrounding diversity and accessibility (i.e., ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, etc.).

We are seeking a fellow to support the continued advancement of this project over the next year. The 2026-27 fellow will build on and add to the research and critical thinking about the museum’s history, including the philosophical underpinnings and aesthetic vision of Duncan Phillips and his wife, Marjorie Phillips. As well as assisting in other areas of the museum’s operation, other activities may include working on possible upcoming exhibitions and across other departments. The fellow will have the opportunity to develop and present a DIDS (Diversity Intergroup Dialogue Series) session on a diversity topic of their choice. The fellow will also compile data on artist demographics to inform an institution-wide ongoing project leading to a final presentation before the Board of Trustees. Since these projects are research-based, the fellow will work closely with archival information collected through the museum library. 

The fellow will work closely with the ICCR department but also receive mentoring by other departments such as curatorial and library. Other responsibilities might include attending ICCR meetings, assisting with community programs (after hours), etc. 

ELIGIBILITY: Successful applicants will demonstrate how they will contribute to inclusive practices that could include overcoming a disadvantage or other impediment to succeed in the museum field. 

Ideal candidates include students currently enrolled in graduate studies or higher at a university or recent graduates. We will consider undergraduate juniors and seniors with strong research, methodology, and writing skills.

QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires advanced research skills, strong communication skills, an interest in interdisciplinary approaches, and an interest in both local DC history and art history. We encourage applicants with backgrounds in history, cultural history, art history and related disciplines to apply. We also encourage interdisciplinary scholars to apply. Candidates must also have a demonstrated interest and commitment to pursue a career in the museum field, whether through coursework or professional experience.

Candidates must display the following:

• Academic promise (minimum of a 2.5 GPA)
• Availability for, and commitment to, engaged participation in all aspects of the Fellowship program 
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Be on site for at least 3 days a week

Please submit a résumé, cover letter, transcripts, a writing sample, and 2 letters of recommendation. The application can be found on our website: phillipscollection.org. If possible, we prefer to receive the letters of recommendation together with the rest of your materials. If a recommender insists that the letter of recommendation remains confidential, please ask them to send the letter to with your name in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Employment at The Phillips Collection is “at-will.” The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer and administers all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.