Curatorial Assistant, Photography

MFAH•Houston, TX

17h

About The Position

Reporting to the Curator of Photography, the Curatorial Assistant plays a central and fundamental supportive role in the daily activities of the department and works closely with the Curators and varied departments in the Museum. Being a collaborative thinker and worker is vital to this role. The curatorial Assistant person engages with most departments in the museum and the public. Responsibilities Exhibitions – 40% Work with photography curators on all exhibitions at the museum (both permanent collection installations and special exhibitions.) Coordinate logistical aspects of exhibitions and installations with various departments including Exhibitions, Conservation, Imaging, Matting and Framing, Graphics, Registration, Design and Production, Preparations, AV, Lighting, Learning and Interpretation, and Marketing. Maintain and distribute updated checklists. Prepare letters about works on exhibition for artists, donors, and galleries. Assist the curators with writing and proofing of wall texts and label copy; hang exhibition labels during installation. For special exhibitions, work with curators and registrars to prepare loan forms. For exhibitions with a catalog, coordinate with Publications, secure image rights, and prepare biographies, bibliographies, checklist, chronology, or additional content as needed. Schedule and direct the production of installation photography of all exhibitions. Maintain multi-year calendar of rotations and exhibitions in consultation with the Exhibitions Department. Collection – 40% Assists with cataloguing department’s collection in tandem with the Associate Cataloguer and the Registrar’s office and maintains data standards in TMS. Ensures accuracy of information about eh collection in print and online publications. Field general inquiries about the collection and department activities. Assist other departments with photography-related questions for their exhibitions and acquisitions. Work with Curators and Collection Cataloguer on deaccessions. Other Duties – 20% Assist curators and Administrative Assistant with events for the department’s patron group, Photo Forum, and other department-sponsored events Liaise with and disseminate information about department activities to other departments Manage digital content for department’s webpage. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Broad knowledge of art history, with specialized knowledge of the history of photography and of photographic techniques. Advanced research skills and clear, lucid writing style. Ability to learn collection storage system and to lift boxes weighing up to 25 pounds. Strong organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail, with ability to consistently meet deadlines while working on multiple projects. Advanced computer skills and ability to learn the Museum's collection database system (TMS). Education and Experience M.A. in Art History or related field preferred. Previous museum experience preferred. About the MFAH 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. Position Available Title: Curatorial Assistant, Photography Working Conditions and Physical Demands Work is primarily performed in office, gallery, collection storage, and exhibition spaces Regular interaction with artworks, artifacts, and archival materials , requiring care and adherence to handling and conservation protocols Standard business hours are common; however, evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required for exhibition openings, events, installation periods, donor activities, or travel Work may involve standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing ladders , and occasional lifting of light to moderate objects (often with assistance or equipment) Use of computers and specialized collection management systems for research, documentation, correspondence, and recordkeeping Exposure to varying environmental conditions , including temperature- and humidity-controlled storage areas, dim lighting, or dust Collaboration with registrars, conservators, educators, designers, installers, and external lenders High levels of attention to detail and concentration required when researching, writing, handling objects, and managing loans Work may involve deadlines and time-sensitive projects , particularly around exhibition schedules and publication timelines Adherence to ethical standards , institutional policies, and professional best practices (e.g., AAM, AAMD guidelines) Periods of intensive work during exhibition planning, installation, or major acquisitions With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the 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. 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, 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. Equal Opportunities for All The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our mission and organizational excellence. We welcome all applicants whose skills, experience, and perspectives prepare them to succeed in this role and support the Museum’s work in serving a broad public. MFAH is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, and without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fair and consistent employment practices and to maintaining a professional, respectful workplace for all employees. We recognize that no candidate meets every qualification listed in a job description. If your background and experience align with many of the responsibilities and requirements of this position, we encourage you to apply. MFAH is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process, interview process, perform essential job functions, and access the benefits and all other privileges of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation may be directed to the Human Resources Department at [email protected] 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 eleven 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! ) Roth IRA also available! 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 courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art. Metro commuter subsidy available upon request 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. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, and 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: Cover letter Resume 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.

Requirements

Broad knowledge of art history, with specialized knowledge of the history of photography and of photographic techniques.
Advanced research skills and clear, lucid writing style.
Ability to learn collection storage system and to lift boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
Strong organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail, with ability to consistently meet deadlines while working on multiple projects.
Advanced computer skills and ability to learn the Museum's collection database system (TMS).
Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks.
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, 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.

Nice To Haves

M.A. in Art History or related field preferred.
Previous museum experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with photography curators on all exhibitions at the museum (both permanent collection installations and special exhibitions.)
Coordinate logistical aspects of exhibitions and installations with various departments including Exhibitions, Conservation, Imaging, Matting and Framing, Graphics, Registration, Design and Production, Preparations, AV, Lighting, Learning and Interpretation, and Marketing.
Maintain and distribute updated checklists.
Prepare letters about works on exhibition for artists, donors, and galleries.
Assist the curators with writing and proofing of wall texts and label copy; hang exhibition labels during installation.
For special exhibitions, work with curators and registrars to prepare loan forms.
For exhibitions with a catalog, coordinate with Publications, secure image rights, and prepare biographies, bibliographies, checklist, chronology, or additional content as needed.
Schedule and direct the production of installation photography of all exhibitions.
Maintain multi-year calendar of rotations and exhibitions in consultation with the Exhibitions Department.
Assists with cataloguing department’s collection in tandem with the Associate Cataloguer and the Registrar’s office and maintains data standards in TMS.
Ensures accuracy of information about eh collection in print and online publications.
Field general inquiries about the collection and department activities.
Assist other departments with photography-related questions for their exhibitions and acquisitions.
Work with Curators and Collection Cataloguer on deaccessions.
Assist curators and Administrative Assistant with events for the department’s patron group, Photo Forum, and other department-sponsored events
Liaise with and disseminate information about department activities to other departments
Manage digital content for department’s webpage.

Benefits

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
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 eleven 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.
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.
Roth IRA also available!
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 courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art.
Metro commuter subsidy available upon request