Head of Exhibitions - Houston, TX
Company: Texas Association of Museums
Location: Austin
Posted on: October 17, 2024
Job Description:
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, serves as a welcoming and
inclusive place for all people, connecting the communities of
Houston with diverse histories of art spanning 5,000 years and six
continents. Through our permanent collections, special exhibitions,
learning and interpretation programs, studio instruction,
publications, conservation and scholarly research, we strive to
inspire appreciation and understanding of the broadest spectrum of
human achievement.In this context, the museum seeks a new Head of
Exhibitions. Reporting to, and working closely with, the Director
of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), the Head of Exhibitions
will manage the complex set of activities, relationships and
decision-making involved in bringing exhibitions to fruition,
balancing the visions of multiple departments and stakeholders
against the practical realities that shape what the public
ultimately sees. The Head of Exhibitions is responsible for
implementing a comprehensive exhibitions program that includes
temporary exhibitions and the installations and rotations of the
permanent collection; for managing all stages of exhibition
development from concept to installation, including timelines,
budgets, and resource allocation for multiple projects underway at
the same time; for managing and tracking the museum's overall
exhibitions budget; and for coordinating and communicating
effectively with the many internal and external stakeholders
necessary to produce high-quality exhibitions and programs in a
cost-effective manner.The Head of Exhibitions will manage a team of
three-two Senior Exhibitions Coordinators and one Exhibitions
Administrative Assistant. As a member of the Senior Management
team, this position will liaise closely with the CFO, COO and CDO
to create and carry out the MFAH's exhibition and installation
program, managing an annual exhibitions budget that ranges from
$3-$5 million.This position requires a person who is able to manage
complex logistics, competing demands and multiple stakeholders with
grace, diplomacy and decisiveness while also being a listener, able
to pivot, and open to the ideas of others. The ideal candidate is
someone who can maintain a detailed calendar, communicate clearly
with relevant parties, troubleshoot unforeseen problems effectively
and enjoys working closely with many different kinds of
personalities. This position requires a leader who will foster a
creative and collaborative work environment while keeping projects
on budget and on time and raising up the mission and objectives of
the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.Responsibilities
- Lead planning and coordination for all exhibitions, liaising
with all stakeholder teams across the museum including Curatorial,
Conservation, Registration, Preparation, Production, Design,
Engineering & Facilities, and Image Services, among others.
- Manage the exhibitions office, assigning projects and tasks as
necessary and liaising with senior coordinators to plan and
schedule and manage workflow and budgets.
- Set and manage all logistical requirements, budget requirements
and fund allocations and make sure that they are closely aligned
with the MFAH's exhibitions team to guarantee the smooth and
effective execution of exhibitions and installations (i.e., on time
and within budget).
- Create and finalize exhibition budgets and monitor actuals
versus budget, reporting quarterly on final project costs.
- Prepare content for quarterly Trustee Exhibitions Committee
Meetings.
- Maintain long-range exhibition schedules and budgets.
- Maintain cordial and collaborative relationships with the
museum's ten curatorial departments.
- Partner with executive staff on long-term planning for the
exhibition and installation program.
- Exemplify a leadership style that engages stakeholders and
staff, enhances the visitor experience for a diversity of
audiences, and continues to amplify the museum's role in the
community.
- Provide clear communication of exhibitions, schedules, and
budgets to staff throughout the museum.
- Develop and coordinate traveling exhibition tours, including
preparing proposal materials, identifying potential tour venues,
establishing terms, and managing shared cost tracking and
reconciliation.
- Oversee the development of all necessary contracts, including
exhibition agreements, artist agreements, and professional service
agreements.
- Develop and maintain a national and international network of
partnerships with other institutions.
- Recruit, hire, train, manage and mentor staff; promote and
reward excellence and collegiality; provide ongoing support and
guidance to maintain a motivated and dedicated team.
- With MFAH staff support, review and develop audience and
engagement metrics that can inform new program and event
opportunities and improve the impact and relevance of
exhibitions.
- Take on other special projects or initiatives as they
arise.Qualifications
- BA in art history, museum studies or related field, MA
preferred.
- At least eight years of exhibition experience in roles of
responsibility at a museum or cultural nonprofit.
- Brings a robust knowledge of exhibition concepts and practices;
can provide analysis to better help MFAH meet its goals for
innovation and audience engagement.
- Extensive knowledge of exhibition development and
implementation- including project management, budgeting, and
contracts-is essential.
- Strong financial management skills and demonstrated success
with operational budgeting and reporting.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, and up-to-date on
new and emerging exhibition trends.
- Verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal
dexterity to engage and communicate effectively with internal and
external museum professionals, staff, and visitors.
- An understanding of and daily commitment to diversity,
accessibility, and inclusion.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, adapt to changing situations,
and collaborate with a diverse implementation team.
- A calm personality who can ably negotiate.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Teams).Extras
- A thought leader; someone intellectually curious, deeply
interested in the connections between art and culture and how those
are manifested in a museum experience.
- An articulate and dynamic manager with proven success in
developing cooperative and effective relationships with
stakeholders and staff.
- Knowledge of a foreign language is
beneficial.CompensationSalary range begins at $125,000. Final
compensation and title will reflect seniority and experience;
experienced candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The MFAH
offers attractive health insurance and pension benefits.Equal
Opportunities for AllThe MFAH believes that diversity, equity,
accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to the organization.
We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to
contribute to the organization and who uphold our pledge for
workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.How to ApplyTo apply
in confidence, please email: 1) Cover letter expressing interest in
this position, giving brief examples of past experiences and salary
requirements, 2) Resume-- or curriculum vitae, 3) Names and contact
information of at least three references and your professional
relationship, to Connie Rosemont, Senior Search Consultant, Museum
Search & Reference at: SearchandRef@museum-search.com by September
27, 2023. Early applications are encouraged and will be reviewed on
a rolling basis. References will not be contacted without prior
permission of the applicant. Nominations are welcome.
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Keywords: Texas Association of Museums, College Station , Head of Exhibitions - Houston, TX, Accounting, Auditing , Austin, Texas
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