Curatorial Assistant, Photography

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 departments collection in tandem with the Associate Cataloguer and the Registrars 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 departments patron group Photo Forum and other department-sponsored events
• Liaise with and disseminate information about department activities to other departments
• Manage digital content for departments 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 Museums 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 1000 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 70000 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 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 Museums 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

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 coveragethrough 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 providesa 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 applicants 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:

1. Cover letter
2. 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.

Required Experience:

Junior IC