Title: Participatory Programs Specialist

Reports To: Audience Engagement Manager

Pay Type: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt, 35 hrs/week

Salary: Commensurate with Experience and Education

Benefits: Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and Long Term Disability Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit Union, Flexible Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Holiday Pay, Museum Membership and Discounts

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Work Location: Law Building, a non-smoking facility

The MFAH Department of Learning and Interpretation engages intergenerational audiences and students with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions of world art. The Audience Engagement area joins the forces of creative programming, entrepreneurship, and audience research to find and engage new audiences, and to create productive community partnerships. The Participatory Programs Specialist creates and plans public programs in which visitors take on active roles. This specialist works with the Audience Engagement Manager on a broad program of audience research, and in response, experiments with participatory program design to reach new audiences.

Responsibilities:

  • Conceptualizes, plans, and implements a range of programs for audiences wanting an immersive, participatory experience.
  • Works with the Audience Engagement Manager to assist with plans for a broad-based program to measure audiences’ engagement with public programs at the MFAH.
  • Continues to implement the following programs, developing a new evaluative tool for audience participants:
    • Art, Body, and Mind, a Wellness program in partnership with MD Anderson, in connection with relevant art on view.
    • MFAH Book Club, a program that links works of literature to works of art in the museum’s collection and special exhibitions.
    • Art + Food and Drink, programs that connect art in selected special exhibitions or collection areas with food and drink of a relevant region.
    • Art + Studio, a workshop program that connects art on view with artistic processes and hands-on making.
    • Various popular talks, as well as music and dance performances, that connect with art on view.
  • Assesses the effectiveness and impact of programs and projects and makes changes as necessary to serve the needs of audiences.
  • Works on a team to further develop the MD Anderson Wellness Programs at the MFAH, utilizing current programs, like exercise and meditation, and designing new offerings: as for example, social dance, nutrition, etc.
  • Experiments with new participatory program design, using information gleaned from visitor evaluation and research with potential visitors as a creative springboard.
  • Serves as point person for Audience Engagement area providing content and promotional copy to Marketing and Communications for website, eblast, and Social Media communications.
  • Writes components of grant proposals and reports for Audience Engagement area.
  • Other programs and duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated experience with program design and implementation
  • Demonstrated excellent writing, public speaking, and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills
  • Willingness to experiment with new program design, based on audience feedback
  • Able to handle many activities and projects simultaneously
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends
  • Familiarity with preparing copy for website and social media networking

Education and Experience:

  • B.A. in art history or humanities required, with M.A. desired
  • 2-3 years experience planning and implementing museum or art-related public programs
  • Art history or museum teaching experience from works of art required

How to Apply:

Send resume to Human Resources, Job 16-089EDU, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX 77265-6826; Fax 713-639-7508 or email: jobs@mfah.org.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, visit our website at http://mfah.org/about/careers/.