Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Responsibilities:
The Assistant Archivist assists in all aspects of managing the The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Archives and overseeing the materials pertinent to the history of the MFAH and our collections.
This individual will work directly with the Managing Archivist to coordinate the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of the permanent records of the MFAH in all formats. This individual will assist in providing access to archival collections of individuals or institutions closely associated with the MFAH. Additionally, the Assistant Archivist will be involved in implementing and maintaining the software and systems needed to meet the needs of housing digital materials in the Archives.
The Assistant Archivist will keep abreast of developments in the archival and standards communities, take a leadership role on special projects and initiatives, and serve as steward and ambassador for the Archives within the MFAH and professional community.
- Works to provide collection access and reference service to professional staff and scholarly public.
- Describes and processes physical records and manuscript collections.
- Manages creation of and access to finding aids.
- Assists with digitization initiatives for archival materials including textual, photographic, architectural, and audio-visual items. Digital archive tasks would include scanning, metadata creation, workflow planning, file preservation and managing online access tools.
- Responsible for maintaining data, digital files, and databases related to the collections.
- Manages preservation of digital assets and born digital materials.
- Works with software tools including, but not limited to, Preservica and ArchivEra including ingesting materials, importing metadata, and format migration.
- Assists with Archive Records Management Program for accession and destruction of materials according to guidelines.
- Works with and provides training for staff and volunteers.
- Assists with Archive projects including oral histories, physical and online exhibits,
- Keeps abreast of best practices and standards
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Strong command of archival theory and best practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of principles of content description and collection processing.
- Demonstrated familiarity with EAD, DACS, Dublin Core, and related standards.
- Familiarity with archival technical standards and controlled vocabularies
- Demonstrated ability to work with databases, data mapping and migration of data.
- Familiarity with OAIS standards and electronic document retention
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to think creatively.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to supervise paraprofessional staff and volunteers.
- Excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of and experience using retention schedules and records surveys.
- Knowledge of art history and/or museum operations desirable
Education and Experience:
- Success in this role will likely require Masters in Archival Studies, Library and Info Science, or another other related academic credential required. Preferred educational achievements includes ALA accredited MLS with an emphasis in Archives or Archival Certification. ACA certification preferred.
- We would be willing to consider an applicant with an equivalent combination of directly related work experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
- Two or more years of professional archival experience with similar duties preferred.
- Experience with digitization and volunteer projects preferred.
- Experience providing reference service, processing records and validating finding aids preferred.
- Experience with born-digital records archiving and trustworthy digital repository preferred.
- Experience with developing, utilizing and documenting workflows preferred.
- Art history background preferred. Experience in museum setting highly desirable.
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 Archivist
Reports to: Managing Archivist
Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly
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 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 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.