The (Assistant or Associate - final title DOE) Registrar, Special Projects supports the care, documentation, and movement of artworks across the museum in connection with acquisitions, rotations of the permanent collection galleries, exhibitions and special events involving works of art. This role provides comprehensive exposure to the responsibilities of museum registration, offering a range of rotating projects based on the Museum’s needs.
Key Responsibilities will include the following:
Cataloguing:
- Initiate and maintain data entry into the museum’s collection database “The Museum System” (TMS) for permanent collection exhibitions and rotation records.
- Update exhibition history records in TMS for permanent collection and long-term loan objects.
- Confirm artworks going and coming off view are catalogued in accordance with museum standards.
- Support the museum’s annual artwork inventory, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date records.
- Assist with maintaining accurate physical and digital exhibition and object files.
- Coordinate the transfer of relevant files to the Archives department.
Registration Projects:
- Assist with establishing operational standards and cross-training Registration colleagues
- Coordinate and oversee installation documentation of complex permanent collection objects or special exhibitions as needed; coordinate unpacking and processing large incoming collections for acquisition.
- Serve as the primary registrar for biennial, short-term special exhibitions such as the MFAH Staff Art Show and Galas.
- Serve as the primary contact for office art requests.
- Support Collections Registrars with the application of physical identification numbers, with legibility, to accessioned artworks as well as non-accessioned property, frames, archival objects, equipment, and other materials.
- Assist with unpacking, packing, and handling artwork as needed.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Chief Registrar.
Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience:
- Given the nature and scope of this role, a bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Fine Arts, is preferred. We will be open to consider an equivalent combination of related education and museum registration and collections work experience.
- A minimum of two years of museum, gallery, collections, or registration-related experience required.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Must have strong communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to interact with diverse groups of people.
- Prior experience with a collections database is required (TMS is a plus), especially in a museum or archival setting.
- Experience with art handling is preferred but not required—we’re happy to train the right candidate.
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 or Associate) Registrar, Special Projects
Classification: Exempt - Salaried
Schedule: 35-hour work week – 8am-4pm
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, along with other areas including museum galleries, conservation labs and warehouse/storage environments. Work will involve extended sitting and computer usage, along with times were extended walking, climbing, standing are part of the work day.
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 requirements 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, vendors, and others.
- Frequent standing and sitting, 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.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout museum facilities for extended periods.
Equal Opportunities for All
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our mission and organizational excellence. We welcome all applicants whose skills, experience, and perspectives prepare them to succeed in this role and support the Museum’s work in serving a broad public.
MFAH is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, and without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fair and consistent employment practices and to maintaining a professional, respectful workplace for all employees.
We recognize that no candidate meets every qualification listed in a job description. If your background and experience align with many of the responsibilities and requirements of this position, we encourage you to apply.
MFAH is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process, interview process, perform essential job functions, and access the benefits and all other privileges of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation may be directed to the Human Resources Department at [email protected]
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:
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
