The Curatorial Assistant position reflects the departmental activities, exhibitions, publications, and special projects of the curators of the department of Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design.
• Conducts original research on collection objects and maintains departmental research and artist files
• Researches possible acquisitions including provenance, exhibition history, and market prices
• Assists with exhibition and permanent collection rotation preparation including researching artists, designers, and objects; creating and maintaining checklists and research files; catalogue organization; writing label copy, and installation
• Works with registrar’s office on collection documentation, photography, and shipping
• Works with Curators and Learning and Interpretation Department on exhibition and gallery interpretation and education programs
• Works with conservators on collection assessment
• Assists with departmental meetings with trustees and advisory committees
• Assists with activities of the departmental support group, The Design Council, including attending events and promoting membership in the group
• Conducts tours of exhibitions and collection
• Provides guidance, mentorship and support to interns
• Performs other duties as necessary
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
• Candidate should have strong research, computer (Word, Access, Excel), editorial, and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a team desirable
• Strong interpersonal skills required
Education and Experience:
• M.A. in Decorative Arts or Art History with a focus on decorative arts, craft and design after 1900
• One-year museum curatorial experience preferred
• Foreign language skills desirable
Mission
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, serves as a welcoming and inclusive place for all people, connecting the communities of Houston with diverse histories of art spanning 5,000 years and six continents. Through our permanent collections, special exhibitions, learning and interpretation programs, studio instruction, publications, conservation and scholarly research, we strive to inspire appreciation and understanding of the broadest spectrum of human achievement.
Organization
The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 80,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.
Position Available:
Title: Curatorial Assistant, Decorative Arts, Craft & Design
Department: Curatorial (Decorative Arts, Craft & Design)
Classification: Exempt
Schedule: 35-hour work week
Compensation: DOE
Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Work will primarily be performed in an office and museum gallery environment. Work will involve extended sitting and computer use. Some local travel may be required. With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will include:
• Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks, in addition to any mandatory licensing requirements. • May be required to work overtime with advance notice. • Extensive computer usage. • Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others. • Frequent sitting, occasional standing and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time, depending on the project or task.• May be exposed to or required to handle sensitive and confidential information
Equal Opportunities for All
At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org
Benefits:
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:
• Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
• Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:
• Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.
Other Benefits
• Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
• MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
Compensation:
Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. We acknowledge additional factors may be considered in extending an offer including (but are not limited to) ancillary responsibilities of the job, education, candidate experience and unique qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.
Application Procedure
Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include a cover letter, your resume or CV, and if you prefer, a list of references will be accepted but not required at this early stage in the process. Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.