Assistant to the Chairman, Department of Conservation

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is seeking an Assistant to the Chairman, Department of Conservation, to provide critical administrative support for one of the museum’s most dynamic and collaborative departments. This position ensures the smooth daily operations of the department and the office of the Chairman, supporting a team of conservators, scientists, fellows, and interns who care for the museum’s world-class collections.

This is more than an administrative role — it’s an opportunity to be part of a lab that values curiosity, collaboration, and the generous exchange of knowledge. The Assistant to the Chairman is a key partner in fostering efficiency, professionalism, and connection across the museum.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who shares our core values and is also:

• Is organized and thoughtful. You bring clarity and structure to complex tasks, ensuring that details are never lost in the shuffle.
• Works collaboratively. This is a team-driven lab rooted in the generosity of knowledge, time, and credit.
• Thrives in complexity. You can move fluidly between budgets, travel arrangements, records retention, and the passionate nuances of museum work.
• Sees what we do in conservation as a shared responsibility. Your work supports effectively across disciplines, departments, and job titles.
• Leads with humility and curiosity. You support a culture of learning, respect, and shared growth.
• Is values-driven. Integrity, empathy, and respect for diverse lived experiences guide your approach.
• Understands that how we work matters. Excellence should never come at the cost of well-being, equity, or kindness.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for the Chairman of Conservation, ensuring they are fully prepared for meetings, projects, and correspondence.
• Manage departmental budgets, invoices, and expense tracking.
• Coordinate purchasing, vendor relationships, and service contracts.
• Schedule and organize departmental meetings, conferences, tours, and events, including preparing agendas, notes, and follow-ups.
• Oversee standard office functions: personnel time-off records, mail, supplies, scheduling, and visitor reception.
• Arrange travel logistics and reservations for conservation staff.
• Support fellows, interns, volunteers, and scholars, including orientation, scheduling, and file requests.
• Maintain departmental manuals, records, and compliance with retention policies.
• Partner with colleagues to ensure the conservation facility and shared spaces are well-maintained.
• Contribute to special projects and professional development opportunities as they arise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in liberal arts or related field.
• At least two years of administrative or office management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience in a museum, conservation, or cultural heritage environment is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to quickly learn new software.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
• A collaborative, flexible mindset with a commitment to equity, respect, and teamwork.

Why Join Us

At MFAH, conservation is about more than preserving objects; it’s about sustaining stories, knowledge, and community. As Assistant to the Chairman, you’ll be a trusted partner in advancing this mission, ensuring that the department runs smoothly while contributing to a culture that values curiosity, learning, and care.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; manual dexterity required for handling delicate objects and instruments.
• Activities include standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
• Use of PPE as needed for chemical and analytical processes.

Compensation and Benefits

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

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.
• 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
• Professional development support and museum membership
• Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should apply online, as this is the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include:

• CV or résumé
• Cover letter addressing your qualifications, interest in the position, and how your values align with the MFAH's mission
• Contact information for three professional references

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.

Visit the MFAH Careers page at – https://www.mfah.org/about/careers/