Senior Specialist, University & Professional Learning

The MFAH Department of Learning and Interpretation engages intergenerational audiences, students, and diverse communities in Houston with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions of world art. The University and Professional Learning area promotes learning through art as a vital part of undergraduate and graduate education, and professional learning.

The Senior Specialist of University and Professional Learning serves as the primary department liaison with local colleges, universities, and professional schools to integrate the Museum’s collections and exhibitions into university and professional learning region wide. The Senior Specialist maintains and develops the long-standing fellowship and internship programs at MFAH in the areas of arts and humanities, public and community engagement, art education, and other areas of the Museum. The Senior Specialist also maintains the growing demand for medical humanities programming in conjunction with hospitals and graduate schools in Houston’s renowned Medical Center.

Responsibilities

The Senior Specialist of University and Professional Learning will:

• Liaise with area colleges, universities, professional schools and other organizations, working closely with the Chair of Learning and Interpretation.
• Design and expand new experimental methods and partnerships to integrate the Museum’s collections of art into college, university, medical school, and professional development curricula.
• Teach object-based courses, training sessions, and gallery sessions for college students, as well as graduate students and residents preparing for healthcare professions, and develop new learning opportunities for leadership and job skills training.
• Manage the Museum’s fellowship and internship programs in the areas noted above, working closely with the Chair of Learning and Interpretation, the Senior Manager of Human Resources, and the Chief Diversity and Human Resources Officer.
• Build and maintain working relationships with MFAH departments and staff to ensure a student-centered approach to the Internship and Fellowship program.
• Act as a mentor and provide guidance to fellowship recipients throughout their fellowships.
• Promote the Internship and Fellowship Program via website and email with postsecondary institutions (local, statewide, regional, national as needed) and applicants, and maintain communications with students interested in the Internship and Fellowship Program, and with all applicants, and maintain an archive of past interns and fellows.
• Research and keep current about university and professional learning in art museums, and network with other institutions.
• Maintain program schedules and budget; prepare reports as needed.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Background in the arts, humanities, professional training, non-profit management in the cultural sector, or related areas.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Excellent gallery-teaching skills with students and faculty in higher education.
• Motivation and proven ability to work diplomatically with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; adept at collaborating and engaging with institutional stakeholders, and the broader community.
• Team player, with an agile, proactive approach to project and program management.
  
  

Education And Experience

• MA required in Art History or Fine Arts, Arts Education, Humanities or closely related field preferred.
• Gallery teaching experience highly desired, preferably at the higher education level.
• 2-3 years experience in museum education, planning and leading education and/or training programs, or related teaching.
• Experience managing a budget.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate multifaceted projects.
• Experience in research and evaluation design, collection, and synthesis methodologies.