Assistant curator

Responsibilities :

This position reports to the Wortham Curator of Latin American Art and encompasses the full scope of activities, function, and special projects of the Department of Latin American Art.

These include : permanent collection, accessions, exhibitions, research and interpretation, fundraising and activities of departmental support group.

Permanent Collection

• Responsible for preparing agenda and supporting materials for quarterly Sub-Committee meetings. These responsibilities include : reviewing and correcting minutes of previous meeting before submitting them to the Curator's and committee's approval;
• updating accessions wish list; research and writing (with Curatorial Assistant) texts about objects being considered for acquisition;
• preparing Power Point presentations of objects for the consideration of the committee; formally presenting works to the committee, as needed;

reporting on the activities and program of the Latin Maecenas and / or other department related business, as needed

Participates in monthly curatorial meetings and quarterly Collections Committee meetings; attends Exhibition Committee meetings when necessary;

reports on business pertaining to Latin American department, as needed

• Participates in LatinoArt Fund quarterly committee meetings and assists with the preparation of agenda and supporting materials for these meetings;
• researches artists and works for the consideration of this committee; prepares Power Point presentations of objects to be considered;

travels with the committee as needed

Participates in curatorial planning meetings for the installation of the collection in the Kinder building; researches and provides materials as needed;

oversees installation as needed

• Recommends works for acquisition to the Curator
• Acts as liaison with artists, galleries, lenders, and donors involving works for acquisition, gifts, or loans
• Researches and writes Request for Purchase Forms (RFPs) for potential acquisitions or gifts to the collection; manages CERs and related paperwork
• Works with Registrar's Office to oversee collection records in TMS; approves object information for Website
• On-going collection research and updating of information (with Curatorial Assistant) in object files and TMS
• Researches and writes label copy for works on display, as needed
• Coordinates (with Learning and Interpretation Department) formal and informal talks and tours of artists and works in the collection
• Answers inquiries regarding permanent collection works, specific artists or Latin American art in general

Exhibitions

• Contributes to the conception, organization, budgeting, planning, and installation of both in-house and temporary exhibitions
• Organizes thematic or in-house exhibitions when conditions allow
• Researches, writes, and assists with the production of catalogues, books, exhibition brochures, articles, and other curatorial publications (in coordination with the Publications Department)
• Assembles and updates exhibition checklists; maintains exhibition files
• Serves as liaison between Department and lenders, as needed
• Submits photography requests and supervises all aspects of exhibition-related photography; provides Registrar's office with information on loan requests
• Prepares exhibition summaries for museum approval process and attends exhibitions planning meetings; gathers materials and prepares exhibition packets for potential venues
• Provides PR and Marketing Department information on artists and works in in-house or temporary exhibitions; reviews copy and obtains images for publicity
• Provides information on artists and works in in-house or temporary exhibitions to Development Department for grant-writing purposes
• Works with education department and / or community groups on related programming
• Leads tours and informal talks on exhibitions

Departmental fundraising duties

Organizes and coordinates (with Latin Maecenas Chairs and Development Department) guest speaker lectures, collection visits, events, dinners, and trips (national and international) for Latin Maecenas;

travels with the group.

• Maintains and distributes bi-annual events calendar and Newsletter for Latin Maecenas
• Works with Curator of Latin American Art and Latin Maecenas chairs to secure new group members
• Working with Curator and Gala auction committee, coordinates, manages, and negotiates consignment and gift agreements for auction items with artists, dealers, and private collections with the assistance of the Registrar's department
• Working with Curator and Gala auction committee, coordinates participation of galleries and artists in the bi-annual live and silent auctions.
• Coordinates, writes, secures images, and edits biennial Latin American Gala auction catalog
• Working with Curator, organizes, plans, and installs live and silent auction preview exhibition for potential buyers

Other departmental duties

• Supervises volunteers, interns, and fellows
• Travels to view artworks or visit artists' studios as needed or requested by Curator.
• Is encouraged to pursue personal research projects and publish articles in non-museum publications as well as participate in ICAA initiatives
• Writes articles for MFAH today and other promotional or didactic venues
• Attends national or international symposia on behalf of the Latin American department
• Represents Latin American department and its activities in Public Relations coordinated interviews in television, radio, and newspaper, both nationally and internationally
• Chaperons visiting scholars and dignitaries through the collection and offers informal talks

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities :

• In-depth knowledge of Latin American and Latino art history from 1900 to the present
• Broad knowledge of twentieth century and contemporary art
• Film and photography background also desirable
• Sophisticated research and writing skills
• Attention to detail, good organization skills, computer / word processing experience required (PC Word, Power Point, and Excel)
• Capable of setting priorities and working with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in both Spanish and English is a requirement; proficiency in Portuguese is desirable
• An enthusiasm for the museum profession, the ability to work collaboratively, and to approach a broad range of tasks with a positive outlook

Education and Experience :

• M.A. in Art History or Curatorial Studies, with strong emphasis on Modern and Contemporary Latin American art; A.B.D. or Ph.D. desirable
• A minimum of 3 years of museum or curatorial experience required

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 : Assistant Curator, Latin American and Latino Art

Reports to : Wortham Curator of Latin American Art

Classification : Exempt / Salaried

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, and when traveling, other related environments.

Work may vary and can involve physical labor during the design and installation processes. 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, bending, walking, and reaching, 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

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
• 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

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 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.

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Last updated : 2024-03-07