Assistant to the Chairman (Conservation)
mfahHouston (TX)
About the role
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. 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:
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.
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 toparticipate in the job application orinterview process; perform essential job functions; and/orparticipate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.orgCompensation and Benefits
BenefitsMedical 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 Professional development support and museum membership Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available CompensationSalary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has established the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline, 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.
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants should apply online, as this is the most effective way to ensure consideration. Application materials should include:
- CV or rsum
- 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 athttps://www.mfah.org/about/careers/"Click" on All current employment opportunities
Scroll through the listings to find this role."Click" and apply!
It's that easy.
About the MFAH Conservation Environment:
The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is home to 21 diverse and highly skilled team of conservation professionals dedicated to the preservation and study of the museum's encyclopedic collection. The staff includes specialists in paintings, paper, photo, science, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, as well as imaging specialist, conservation technicians, matting and framing technicians, fellows, and
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
More like this