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:

• 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.
• Participates in organizing three yearly festivals at MFAH, creating inclusive access to the Museum and its campus through lively performances and participatory activities.
• Develop strong, collaborative relationships within L&I, as well as Curatorial, Marketing, AV, Membership 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.
• Liaise with Marketing staff to assist them in promoting public programs widely.
• 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’s Community Engagement area, 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
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as program schedule demands

Education and Experience:

• We believe a successful candidate for this role will at minimum possess a B.A. degree in an area such as Humanities, Visual and Performing Arts, or Communications.
• A Master’s of Arts degree would likely identify a preferred candidate for this role.
• Two (2) or more years’ experience working in museums, cultural organizations, or other relevant settings
• Some experience with program evaluation and audience research beneficial

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:                                                    Public Programs Specialist

Reports to:                                          Manager of Public Programs

Classification:                                     Exempt/Salaried

Schedule:                                           35 hour work week – 9 am to 5 pm

Compensation:                                  DOE

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 criminal background check 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, 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.

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
• Metro commuter cards subsidized by the MFAH!
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description.