The MFAH's Department of Learning and Interpretation develops programs, materials, and other opportunities that engage intergenerational audiences and students with the Museum's collections and exhibitions of world art. The Museum's volunteer Docent Program is administered through the Object-based Learning area of Learning and Interpretation. Over 45,000 students and adults participate in docent-led tours each year. The docent corps consists of 154 volunteers who lead gallery experiences during the week, evenings, and weekends. MFAH docents lead tours that encourage visitors of all ages to respond to and reflect on original works of art in the Museum's permanent collection and exhibitions.
The tour program assistant is the primary scheduler for docent-led tours, and assists with training materials for all of the docents. This position works to ensure that the docent program is functioning at a high level of logistical organization.
Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the day to day operations of the tour program, including scheduling of all docent tours and organizing of groups in lobby for school tours
• Work with Managers in Department of Learning and Interpretation to coordinate details related to docent education, including making relevant research materials available for docent use, reserving rooms and A/V, copying training materials for distribution
• Maintain communication within the Museum (Security, Guest Services, Membership, ) regarding scheduling and coordination of tour schedules and docent education
• Maintain mailing lists, and compile statistics related to numbers of visitors participating in tours
• Maintains excellent relationships with School Tour District Partners
• Collaborates with Senior Specialist, Docent Programs and Object-based Learning Specialist on special requests from teachers
• Attends docent committee meetings with Object-Based Learning team
• Maintain, and organize supplies for the docent program
• Coordinate administrative, marketing, and other support for Access and public tours.
• Process all purchase orders and interoffice paperwork
• Serves as the primary staff member responsible for docent newsletters and correspondence, communicating regularly and effectively with docents about opportunities and assignments.
• Maintains docent records, including availability, preferences, special requests, and docents on leave of absence.
• Processes bus scholarships
• Available to work some weekends and evenings, as needed
• With Senior Specialist, Docent Programs, coordinates docent recognition events
• Other administrative tasks and duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Event coordination and/or scheduling skills strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, organization, speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide front-line customer service skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, working effectively and efficiently under pressure and paying great attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, take initiative, and problem solve.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; openness and eagerness to always train in this domain
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) desired

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field (Humanities; Art History, Museum Studies, Art Education or Administration ) preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Previous office work experience highly valued
• Previous experience working with volunteers highly valued

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: Tour Program Assistant
Reports to: Senior Specialist, Docent Programs
Classification: Nonexempt/Hourly
Schedule: 35-hour work week - 9 am to 5 pm
Pay Rate: Please see "Compensation" below
Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Work will primarily be performed in museum offices, conference rooms and galleries. 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 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, and walking throughout the work day.
• Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.

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 women and 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:HR@mfah.org
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. All programs include substantial MFAH contribution.
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices. Includes substantial MFAH contribution.
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coveragethrough a vision program, with MFAH contribution.
• 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

Work & Life balance is important! The MFAH providesa generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• 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.

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 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. A salary range for this role has been set but we know additional factors may be considered in extending an offer including (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, candidate experience and unique qualifications, 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.