Administrative Assistant, Curatorial

Responsibilities for Art of the Islamic Worlds and World Faiths Initiative:

• Assists with interdepartmental requests for accessions, long-term loan objects, and gallery rotations
• Handles administrative tasks for catalogue production, such as scanning PDFs, compiling bibliographies, obtaining image reproduction rights, and
• Provides administrative support for Art of the Islamic Worlds Subcommittee meetings, galas, and special dinners, including:
• Set up and logistics (catering, reservations, notices/RSVPs, AV and work order requests)
• Compiling, printing, and circulating materials
• Working with Board Effect and EMS meeting management systems
• Compiling art purchase packets & coordinating approvals/signatures
• Attending the meetings, recording and compiling minutes and minute summaries
• Assists with maintaining files for accessions and curatorial records
• Coordinates all aspects of Curator’s travel; processes charges and reimbursements; maintains records: purchase orders; travel requisitions and arrangements; expense reports
• Provides general administrative support for the Art of the Islamic Worlds Curator, including
• Scheduling meetings
• Drafting documents and presentations, editing and proofreading PDFs
• Correspondence and mailings
• Reception/fielding queries
• Non-staff travel (approvals, forms, hotel requests, etc.)
• Participates in the organization of and attends special events outside of regular work schedule for patron groups and special exhibition programming
  

Responsibilities For Asian Art

• Provides administrative support for Asian Art Subcommittee meetings and annual vote night dinner, including:
• Set up and logistics (catering, reservations, notices/RSVPs, AV and work order requests)
• Compiling, printing, and circulating materials
• Working with Board Effect and EMS meeting management systems
• Compiling art purchase packets & coordinating approvals/signatures
• Attending the meetings, recording and compiling minutes and minute summaries
  

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Excellent organizational and clerical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Advanced computer skills, including Adobe and Excel; ability to learn new database systems
• Strong spelling, grammar, and writing skills
• Pleasant and professional manner and strong, positive and collegial work ethic
• Knowledge of digital trends, graphics, and photography a strong plus
• Interest in working in a museum environment
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• 2+ years administrative experience
• Experience working in a dynamic environment
  
  

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: Administrative Assistant, Curatorial

Reports to: Curator, Art of the Islamic Worlds & The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Curator of Asian Art

Classification: Non Exempt/Hourly

Schedule: 35 hour work week – 9 am to 5 pm

Pay Rate: DOE

Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

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
• Occasionally may be required to work overtime (with pay) with advance
• Required ability to handle multiple tasks
• Extensive computer
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests, and the general
• Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for extended periods of
• Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing
• 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 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: [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
• 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
  
  

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
  
  

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 a cover letter, your resume or CV, and 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.