• Job Description

  Req#: ASSOC001416

  Responsibilities:

  • Organizes and receives all requests for loans of MFAH collection pieces, as well as pieces in the museum’s care, to other institutions from the Director and/or responsible curator.
  • Presents requests to MFAH staff who recommend whether to agree to loan or not, and if there are any special circumstances that must be met to agree to the loan.
  • Prepares bi-monthly loan agenda of pending loans for curatorial review
  • Communicates MFAH decision to requesting institutions and coordinates all relevant documentation (loan contracts, certificates of insurance, facilities reports).
  • Coordinates with conservators to prepare detailed condition reports on outgoing works.
  • Works with craters, shippers and customs brokers to insure safe handling of artwork from the MFAH and back again.
  • Makes all courier arrangements (both in-person and virtual)
  • Updates exhibition and loan histories, and relevant files.
  • Assists with other collections projects as needed.

  Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Solid computer skills required; previous experience with “The Museum System” (TMS) highly preferred.
  • Must have good organizational and time management skills, be able to prioritize tasks and comfortably and effectively manage numerous projects at once.
  • Thorough knowledge of museum registration concepts, principles, standards, practices, and procedures.
  • Thorough understanding of fine arts insurance and risk management.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while applying a high attention to details.
  • Experience in arranging all aspects of complex international loans and traveling exhibitions.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, which occasionally may include weekends, early mornings or evenings.
  • Must have the aptitude to work both relatively autonomously as well as anticipate the needs of the team.
  • Team player who can work well with all staff in the Registration, Preparations, Exhibitions and Curatorial departments

  Education and Experience:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s Degree (Art, Art History, Museum Studies, or other relevant subject) OR a combination of education and directly related work experience may be considered
  • A minimum of two (2) years of experience in museum registration or managing registration projects or other related employment experience.
  • Five years or more of museum specific experience and progressively greater responsibility and successful outcomes will impact title decision (Assistant or Associate) for this role.
  • Preferred experience will come from an art museum with ambitious exhibitions, acquisitions, and outgoing loan programs.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience with museum packing and shipping procedures for collections and loans, including international shipping and freight forwarding.

  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 or Associate Registrar, Outgoing Loans

  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 an office environment. Work will involve extended sitting and computer use. 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 background and reference checks.
  • Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Extensive computer usage.
  • Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
  • Frequent sitting, standing and walking, 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.
  • Standard open office work environment shared with co-workers, with related phone, computer and printer noise.
  • The person in this position occasionally communicates with public membership and staff who have inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
  • May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds;
  • Support given to various departments across campus may result in occasional exposure to uncomfortable weather conditions.
  • Must have manual dexterity to handle works of art.
  • May call for occasional overnight travel.

  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 courses for you or your family at 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. 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.

• About the company

  The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, located in the Houston Museum District, Houston, is one of the largest museums in the United States.

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