Interpretation Specialist | Houston, TX

MFAH Job Description 

Title                                                               Interpretation Specialist 

The Interpretation Specialist works with the Interpretation Manager and another Interpretation Specialist to play a critical role within the Department of Learning and Interpretation and the museum as a whole to enhance visitors’ experiences of learning and enjoyment in the permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. Charged with the task of helping to make art at the MFAH accessible and engaging to the broadest possible audiences, the Interpretation Specialist is expected to participate in all aspects of the interpretive process, which includes, but is not limited to, the writing of interpretive plans; the development of content for in-gallery texts, audio guides, interactive kiosks, other new interpretive tools and technologies, and online platforms; and the assessment of those interpretive resources.  
 

Responsibilities: 

• Works with the Interpretation Manager and a collaborative team of curators, educators, conservators, and other museum staff to identify and create content for in-gallery interpretation of the permanent collection, in text, audio/video, and digital formats. 

• Works with the Interpretation Manager and staff in Curatorial Graphics and Publications, Marketing, and other departments on interpretive materials for selected special exhibitions, including in-gallery texts, audio and other digital interpretation, and live dialog. 

• Works collaboratively with staff involved in the Museum’s IDEA initiative (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility), to develop sensitive interpretation for exhibitions and permanent collection installations that present various kinds of challenging contents for guests 

• Evaluates visitor experience in permanent collection and special exhibition galleries using a range of methods including timing and tracking, interviews, and review of analytics data. 

• Works with a collaborative team to develop new ways for docents and other educators to interpret art for visitors in the galleries, especially those visitors with special needs. 

• Assists with docent training for the Access Docent program. 

• Brings expertise in an area(s) of the collection that will diversify the Interpretation department’s body of knowledge 

• Offers teaching in the galleries as available. 

• Serves as project lead for interpretative projects as required 

• Keeps abreast of best practices in the field of museum interpretation, and represents the MFAH at regional and national conferences. 

• Assists the Interpretation Manager with other initiatives, as needed. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:  

• Must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the history of art as well as interpretive theory, museology, and evaluative practices 

• Demonstrated excellent writing, public speaking, and verbal communication skills 

• Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work collaboratively across museum departments 

• Willingness to innovate and experiment with new modes of interpretation and visitor engagement 

• Ability to develop effective work processes and coordinate multiple projects.  

• Familiarity with new and emerging technologies in interpretation is highly desirable.  

• Experience with project management and project task delegation 

• Experience with digital media production is highly desirable: audio or video production, web design, user experience design (UX), graphic design, or another area of interest. 

Education and Experience:   

• M.A. in art history or humanities required; or B.A. in these fields with relevant art museum interpretation experience. 

• 2-3 years museum or related experience  

• Proven experience working successfully in collaborative environments 

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: Interpretation Specialist 

Reports to: Senior Manager of Interpretation 

Classification: Exempt/Salaried 

Schedule: 35-hour work week  

Pay Rate: $45,000 – 48,000/year 

Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 

Work Schedule 

Full-time exempt/salaried position with a regular in-person work schedule. We value work-life balance and offer flexibility to accommodate life’s demand.  Hybrid work options may be consider after the 90-day introductory period.    

Working Conditions and Other Requirements 

• Work is primarily performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, with some limited working (special events, festivals) occurring outdoors.  May be exposed to various environmental and event related factors such as but not limited to music, and crowd noise at a high, medium or low noise intensity 

• Ability to collect and analyze research and data as well as verbal information to reach logical recommendations and conclusions  

• Ability to work under deadlines and sometimes changing requirements or expectations in an appropriate manner 

• Job duties will include extended standing and working with a computer 

Work will be performed across MFAH campus, including studios, galleries, and outdoor locations.   

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 relevant criminal background and professional reference checks.  

• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.   

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. A salary range for this role has been set but we know additional factors may be considered in extending an offer including (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, candidate experience and unique qualifications, 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.   

As a MINIMUM, application materials should include 1) a cover letter, 2) your resume or CV, and if you prefer, any other relevant materials you believe objectively demonstrate your qualifications and experience to be successful in this role.   

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.   

1. Visit the MFAH Careers page at - 

https://www.mfah.org/about/careers/ 

2. "Click" on All current employment opportunities  

3. Scroll through the listings to find this role.  

4. "Click" and apply!  

5. It's that easy.  We hope you will consider us and this opportunity.