Project Manager, MFAH World Faiths Initiative

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston•Houston, TX

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The MFAH World Faiths Initiative (WFI), funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. over a five-year period, seeks to activate themes of religion, faith, and spirituality in the Museum’s encyclopedic collections through innovative programming and reimagined displays. Focusing on the many expressions of faith in our collections will honor the diverse communities of Houston and inspire connections across cultures and beliefs. The Museum is seeking candidates for this position who are committed to the important work of fostering greater understanding among all faiths and a sense of unity within Houston’s richly diverse population. The candidate will offer expertise in religious and cultural studies, critical to the goals of this extended grant, expanding the Museum’s capacity to present topics of religion, faith, and spirituality within the context of its encyclopedic permanent collections, as well as to extend the Museum’s commitment to inclusivity, with particular focus on faith traditions and religious freedom. This extension will touch on the areas of curatorial practice, conservation, learning and interpretation, and staff training.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.A. in a humanities or social sciences field, with expertise in religious and cultural studies preferred
Ideally have five years’ work experience at a museum, university, or relevant organization.
Broad knowledge of world religions and knowledge of art and/or cultural history
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with various museum departments, staff, university and other external partners, and volunteers
Accessible and inclusive oral and written communication skills with diverse audiences are essential
Motivated team player with the ability to meet deadlines combined with enthusiastic interest and willingness to work in a museum
Excellent organizational and computer skills; keen attention to detail
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, with occasional standing, and walking.
Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.

Responsibilities

Work closely with WFI co-directors to implement all aspects of WFI initiative; this will include research and writing, as well as management and coordination.
Bring expertise in religious and cultural studies to all aspects of the WFI initiative.
Coordinate with internal MFAH staff in curatorial departments, learning and interpretation, conservation, publications, and human resources to ensure that projects adhere to scope, schedule, and budget.
Coordinate with community partners at universities and faith organizations to partner on programming and interpretation.
Manage all aspects of MFAH interdepartmental coordination, communication, and production of WFI initiative deliverables, including public programming, label writing, interpretive digital assets, and scheduling and coordination of staff and docent sensitivity training.
Work with WFI co-directors, curators, Learning and Interpretation staff, and conservators to bring religious content and inclusive, culturally responsive practices into the fabric of the WFI at MFAH.
Perform other duties as necessary to support the implementation of the WFI initiative.
Participate in planning at the outset of each year of the grant, and adjust scope and schedule as needed.

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 time away from work such as your well-deserved vacation, illness of short duration, and any other personal reason. 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 PLUS one floating holiday to be used for any holiday not recognized by the Museum’s holiday schedule.
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