Curatorial Assistant, Modern & Contemporary Department

Summary

The Curatorial Assistant will support the Modern & Contemporary Curatorial Department on exhibitions, collection management, scholarly research, community engagement, fundraising, and related administrative tasks.

• Aid in the development, planning, and implementation of curatorial strategies and activities.
• Serve as inter‑departmental liaison with Learning & Interpretation, Registration, Exhibitions, Graphics, Visitor Services, Development, and Marketing.
• Assist in hiring and supervising interns, fellows, and volunteers.
• Draft collection reports, labels, interpretation materials, and other supporting documentation.
• Publish and lecture on curatorial projects, exhibitions, and collection objects.
• Conduct research on modern and contemporary artists related to museum projects.
• Coordinate curatorial needs for installations and committee meetings.
• Participate in scholarly activity and professional development.

• Ensure stewardship, care, and preservation of the collections.
• Coordinate collection management operations and meet short‑ and long‑range objectives.
• Respond to public inquiries, loans, accessions, and donations.
• Research and present specific objects.
• Prepare acquisition reports for new acquisitions.

• Facilitate and guide exhibition content development with curators and Learning & Interpretation.
• Act as project manager in collaboration with the Exhibition department.
• Secure rights, reproduction permissions, and images for catalogues.

• Engage support group members, recruit new members, and develop programs.
• Present objects for funding to subcommittees.

• Assist in public programs, education, outreach, and temporary and permanent exhibitions.
• Provide public tours and informal classes as needed.

• Support marketing and public‑relations materials for the department and exhibitions.
• Assist with social‑media posts and press interviews.

• Willingness to learn museum history and engage with other arts organizations.
• Lead visiting scholars and dignitaries through the collection.
• May travel to view works, exhibitions, or artists’ studios.
• May represent the department or museum at functions and interviews.

• In‑depth knowledge of art history and curatorial practice.
• Broad museum knowledge and sophisticated research/write skills.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational and computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Project coordination, logistics, scheduling, expense tracking.
• Prioritization and independent work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with donors, artists, and collaborators.
• Second‑language reading knowledge.
• Experience with curatorial resource care, preservation practices, and community engagement.
• Enthusiasm for the museum profession and collaborative work culture.

• M.A. in Art History.
• Minimum of 2 years of museum or related curatorial experience.

• Medical, dental, vision insurance.
• Life insurance and long‑term disability, no cost to employee.
• Paid time off, reserve time off, holidays, and volunteer time off.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• MFAH membership and discounts on museum shop and campus eateries.
• Metro commuter subsidy available.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.