Curatorial Assistant Modern and Contemporary Art

MFAH•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Curatorial Assistant will work with and support the Modern & Contemporary Curatorial Department on a wide range of activities to support exhibitions, collection management, scholarly research, community engagement, fund raising, and other related administrative requirements based upon given needs. The Curatorial Assistant will aid in the development, planning, and implementation of curatorial strategies and activities that relate all aspects of collection management and development, departmental and special exhibitions, research, and public service. The Curatorial Assistant is a vital inter-departmental liaison, working closely with colleagues across the museum, including but not limited to the departments of Learning and Interpretation, Registration, Exhibitions and Exhibition Design, Preparations, Graphics, Visitor Services, Development, and Marketing to help promote and contextualize the collections, exhibitions, special events, and board meetings, as well as on our website and in fundraising and marketing materials. This position also requires a willingness to work flexible hours, and to be public-facing while collaborating with the Museum’s board of trustees, our broader support base and general public, colleagues at other institutions, independent scholars, students, and artists. Assist in the hiring and supervision of interns, fellows, and volunteers.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge of the field, and a general knowledge of art history.
Broad museum knowledge.
Sophisticated research and writing skills.
Attention to detail, strong organization skills, computer experience required (PC Word, Power Point, and Excel training are available).
Highly developed administration and organizational skills, and demonstrated experience in project coordination, logistics, scheduling, project and expense tracking, and administration.
Experience processing information and working to tight deadlines.
Capable of setting priorities and working with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively and positively with all staff, donors, artists, and collaborators in a highly collegial environment, and at times high volume organization.
Reading knowledge of a language other than English.
Knowledge of and experience with curatorial resource care and basic preservation practices for objects, multimedia, images, and documents.
Interest and experience in cultural heritage work and community engagement.
An enthusiasm for the museum profession, the ability to work collaboratively, and to approach a broad range of tasks with a positive outlook.
M.A in Art History
A minimum of 2 years of museum or related curatorial experience required.

Nice To Haves

Must undergo and meet company standards for relevant criminal background and professional reference checks.
Ability to successfully handle and complete multiple tasks concurrently.
Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
Frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking, and reaching, 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.
Note: Many important Museum events happen outside a standard 9:00 to 5:00 schedule; must be willing to work flexible hours on these occasions.

Responsibilities

Draft written content, including collection reports, labels and interpretation materials, and other supporting needs for curatorial projects.
Provide research and related support.
Publish and lecture on curatorial projects, exhibitions, and collection objects.
Research modern and contemporary artists in relation to Museum projects.
Help coordinate curatorial needs for installations, subcommittee meetings, and other meetings.
Participates in scholarly activity outside the museum that promote our collections and exhibitions, as exemplified by attending professional meetings and/or engaging in professional development activities.
Ensure the stewardship of the collections, their care and preservation, at levels that meet or exceed disciplinary and/or Museum standards.
Coordinate collections management operations, working with the curators to develop and meet short- and long-range objectives; seek and implement efficiencies where feasible.
Respond to verbal and written requests, including inquiries from the general public, as well as departmental correspondence regarding loans, accessions, and donations.
Research and publish/lecture on specific museum objects.
Research and prepare acquisition reports for new acquisitions objects.
Facilitate and guide exhibition content development with curators and the department of Learning and Interpretation.
Collaborate with Exhibition department as project manager for specific exhibitions.
Secure rights and reproduction permissions and obtain images for catalogues and didactic copy.
Interface with support group members, recruit new members, and help develop programs.
Present objects for funding to subcommittees; work with support community as asked.
Assist in public programs and educational and outreach activities, including the development of outreach materials, exhibitions (temporary and permanent), and direct participation in public outreach events as directed.
As needed provide public tours and informal classes.
Assist in develop marketing and public relation materials for the department, exhibitions, and special projects.
Assist with social media posts and press interviews (written and televised).
A willingness to learn the history of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and to engage with other arts organizations in the city.
Lead visiting scholars and dignitaries through the collection and offer informal talks.
May also be tasked with travel to view artworks, exhibitions, or visit artists’ studios as needed or requested by curator.
May represent department or Museum at functions, gatherings, and interviews.

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 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.
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.
Metro commuter subsidy available upon request