Managing Archivist at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in Houston, TX

Responsibilities:

The Managing Archivist acts as steward of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Archives, overseeing the materials pertinent to the history of the MFAH, its collections, and related archival collections.

Along with one direct report, this individual will coordinate the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of the permanent records of the MFAH in textual, architectural, photographic, audio/visual, micrographic and multimedia formats. Additionally, this individual is responsible for maintaining and providing access to 100 archival collections of individuals or institutions closely associated with the MFAH.

Other major areas of responsibility include the implementation and operation of the institutional records management program, the initiation of outreach efforts and collaboration throughout the institution, development of departmental goals, and the administration of grants and special projects.

The Managing Archivist will keep abreast of developments in the archival and standards communities. The Managing Archivist provides reference service to the MFAH staff and public; processes photographic and digitized textual materials; and will oversee and enhance the departmental volunteer program.

Administration: Participates in the organization, planning, and assessing of departmental workflows, space and environmental needs; develops an annual departmental budget; initiates and administers grant projects; develops departmental web site; analyzes user and web site statistics; initiates outreach activities; participates in collaborative efforts and gives presentations in order to raise profile of archives; furthers collegiality by providing professional advice to others in the archival community. Supervises one (1) F/T staff member, as well as project volunteers and summer interns.
Arrangement, description and preservation: Applies professional standards to the processing, arrangement and preservation of records; oversees creation of records and finding aids in ArchivEra archival collection management system and Preservica preservation system.
Assessment and acquisition: Assesses institutional records unscheduled in the current MFAH Records Management Guide. Solicits and conducts oral histories with individuals closely associated with the MFAH.
Reference: Provides reference service to MFAH staff and public. Oversees maintenance of reference files on MFAH's history, exhibitions, annual events, and artists index to non-annual group shows.
Records Management: Oversees the institution’s records management program. Collaborates with the Legal Department on the implementation of the the Records Retention Schedule.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to supervise staff of professional archivists, paraprofessional and volunteers
Excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently
Knowledge and experience using retention schedules and records surveys
Knowledge of descriptive content standards and best practices, particularly Dublin Core, EAD, and DACS
Familiarity with archival technical standards and controlled vocabularies
Familiarity with other software, such as the Microsoft suite, and online systems such as ArchivEra and Preservica Ability to manage a 3,600 linear ft. collection
Knowledge of art history and/or museum operations desirable

Education and Experience:

Degree in library sciences, archival management or other related academic credential required. Preferred educational achievements includes ALA accredited MLS with an emphasis in Archives or Archival Certification
Extensive knowledge of archival cataloguing standards (EAD, DACS, , etc.)
Extensive demonstrable experience with archival databases and database management
Experience digitizing archival materials
Knowledge of museum and records management policies, practices, and procedures
5+ years of archival experience recommended; museum experience preferred

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: Managing Archivist

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.

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 eleven 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!)
Roth IRA also available!
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.

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.