Responsibilities:
- Provide administrative support to the curatorial department for activities relating to the collection, exhibitions, and general office administration (including filing, archiving, drafting/editing documents & correspondence, submitting interdepartmental request forms, mailings, supply orders, and reception/fielding queries)
- Meeting arrangements (departmental & subcommittee): handle all logistics and preparation for set-up including room reservations, audio-visual needs, catering, meeting notices, RSVPs, preparing and compiling agenda/meeting packets, and minute composition & distribution.
- Travel arrangements (for multiple curators and non-staff visitors)
- Process purchase orders, travel requests, and expense reports via AX accounting system (for multiple curators and vendors)
- Acquisitions: under the direction of the curatorial administrator, work with curators to generate, compile, edit, copy, and route gift/purchase paperwork for necessary meetings, approvals, and processing.
- Assist curators with the organization of events related to exhibitions, symposia, fundraising, patron groups, etc. (as needed, and in conjunction with hosting department)
- Submit artwork requests related to movement, photography, framing, conservation, etc. (as needed)
- Maintain internal curatorial staff distribution lists and assist with maintenance of curatorial SharePoint site and other reference resources.
- Special projects as assigned by curatorial administrator
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Must demonstrate extreme attention to detail and exceptional proofreading abilities
- Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required
- Knowledge of the The Museum System AND Sharepoint preferred
- Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills combined with a professional, welcoming demeanor and good organizational abilities
- Enthusiastic by nature with a desire to be part of a cultural organization
- Desire to work as a team member and project a positive attitude with a “Can Do” spirit
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in (appropriate field of study) preferred or an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
- Two or more years of experience providing administrative support.
- Detail oriented, organized with proven ability to successfully multi-task
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and preference for collaboration with proven success working with others
- Ability to consistently apply good judgment and make good decisions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times
- Proven analytical and problem solving abilities
- Organized with a proven ability to juggle multiple projects at once
The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600 employees and 1,000 docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 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 70,000 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.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Work will primarily be performed in an office environment. Work will involve extended sitting and computer use. 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.
- Occasionally may be required to work overtime (with pay) with advance notice.
- Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
- Extensive computer usage.
- Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
- Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time.
- Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.
- 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.