Public Programs Specialist

The MFAH Department of Learning and Interpretation (L&I) engages intergenerational audiences, students, and diverse communities in Houston with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions of world art. The Public Programs area of L&I works with staff across the Museum to better reach and engage audiences through traditional lectures, concerts, and tours, and to grow new audiences through innovative participatory programming.

The Public Programs Specialist supports the creation and implementation of a Public Programs strategy that prioritizes diverse community participation and inclusive, interactive, and immersive programming. This position also supports the assessment of program performance, including the engagement of new audiences, in alignment with the leading-edge audience engagement research conducted by MFAH in collaboration with Slover Linett. This position works directly with speakers, artists, and performers to plan and implement full seasons of public programs at the Museum.

Responsibilities:

• Working with the Manager of Public Programs, participate in planning of public programs with curatorial and L&I staff, interpreting the Museum’s special exhibitions and permanent collections
• Book speakers, artists, and performers for a variety of public program formats, including lectures, concerts, participatory programs, and festivals.
• Participate in organizing annual festivals at MFAH, creating inclusive access to the Museum and its campus through lively performances, vendor management, and participatory activities.
• Develop strong, collaborative relationships within L&I, as well as Curatorial, Marketing, AV, Special Events, Accounting, and Guest Services, and other staff across the Museum, to coordinate logistics for public programming.
• Build and maintain these working relationships with MFAH departments and staff to help ensure a welcoming environment at the Museum for public program presenters and participants.
• Coordinate with Marketing staff to assist them in promoting public programs widely.
• Prepare speaker agreements, purchase orders, and other administrative tasks, as needed.
• Assist with the development and tracking of audience engagement research, including evaluation of visitor satisfaction for all public programs to determine which are most effective in engaging first-time and repeat visitors of various profiles.
• In collaboration with staff in L&I, help to strengthen and develop strategic alliances with neighboring and community arts organizations, and creative entrepreneurs to build sustainable relationships that would lead to new audiences and new community arts programming onsite.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Hands-on knowledge of best practices in planning and implementing cultural and/or arts programming
• A creative, energetic, and accountable individual, who is collaborative and team-oriented
• An outgoing and generous member of the team; one who shares information easily, listens as well as gives advice, and respects the abilities of others, and has a high level of emotional intelligence
• Strong and persuasive communication skills, written and expressed
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with MS Office suite, and propensity to learn Museum’s web-based accounting and room reservation systems.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as program schedule demands
• Strong attention to detail with high accuracy for project deliverables, self-starter, and skilled in conflict resolution

Education and Experience:

• Minimum B.A. degree in an area such as Humanities, Visual and Performing Arts, or Communications, with M.A. preferred
• 2 or more years’ experience working in museums, cultural organizations, or other relevant settings
• Some experience with program evaluation and audience research beneficial
• Bilingual skills preferred

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 some individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely for an applicant to meet 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