Organizer Information
The opportunity is hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), one of the largest and most established art museums in the United States. Founded over a century ago, MFAH operates as a major encyclopedic institution with extensive modern and contemporary collections, multiple gallery buildings, sculpture gardens, educational schools, and public programming divisions. The museum serves more than one million visitors annually and maintains a significant global profile through exhibitions, acquisitions, scholarly research, and public engagement. Its Modern & Contemporary Art department plays a key role in shaping the museum’s curatorial direction, international collaborations, and collection development strategies.
Title & Description
Curatorial Assistant – Modern & Contemporary Art
This is a full-time curatorial position supporting the Modern & Contemporary Art department at MFAH. The role is designed for a museum professional with strong research and writing capabilities who will contribute to exhibition development, collection management, public programming, and institutional outreach.
The Curatorial Assistant will participate in the full curatorial lifecycle of exhibitions and collection-related work, including research on modern and contemporary artists, preparation of interpretive materials, coordination with internal museum departments, and engagement with external stakeholders such as scholars, donors, and visiting artists. The role combines scholarly research with operational and administrative responsibilities, making it both an intellectual and project-based curatorial position.
The Role Overview
- Position: Curatorial Assistant – Modern & Contemporary Art
- Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt/Salaried
- Work Schedule: 35-hour work week (on-site)
- Reporting To: Department Head, Modern & Contemporary Art
- Workplace: Houston (on-site at MFAH’s Audrey Jones Beck Building)
- Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience (range not publicly fixed)
- Contract Type: Permanent staff role (museum employment)
Position & Tasks
- Conducting scholarly research on modern and contemporary artists and artworks
- Writing interpretive materials such as wall labels, collection texts, and curatorial reports
- Supporting exhibition planning, coordination, and implementation across departments
- Assisting in collection management, including acquisitions, loans, and documentation
- Coordinating with departments such as exhibitions, education, marketing, and development
- Supporting installation logistics and project management for exhibitions
- Participating in public programs, lectures, tours, and outreach activities
- Assisting with fundraising-related presentations and donor engagement activities
- Supporting administrative tasks, scheduling, and interdepartmental communication
- Occasionally supervising interns, fellows, and volunteers
- Engaging in external scholarly activities, conferences, and professional development
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Modern & Contemporary Art
- Art History & Research
- Museum Studies
- Exhibition Production
- Public Programming
- Cultural Heritage Management
Eligibility
- Master’s degree (M.A.) in Art History or related field
- Minimum 2 years of museum or curatorial experience
- Strong academic and professional research background in art history
- Ability to write and communicate at a scholarly level
- Reading knowledge of at least one language other than English (preferred)
- Eligibility is primarily national (USA-based employment), though international applicants with valid work authorization may apply
- Suitable for early-career to mid-level museum professionals
Program Benefits
- Competitive museum-sector salary (experience-based)
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer leave
- Retirement savings plan with employer matching
- Free museum membership benefits
- Staff discounts (museum shop, cafés, art school programs)
- Professional development opportunities and scholarly exposure
- Access to one of the largest modern and contemporary art collections in the U.S.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Cover Letter outlining relevant experience and interest
- Optional: Reference list (not required at initial stage)
Additional materials may be requested later in the process.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Posted Date: June 18, 2026
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis or until filled
- Notification Date: Not specified
- Start Date: To be determined upon hiring
Location
Houston, United States
Additional Details
This role requires a high degree of flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend availability for public programs and institutional events. The Curatorial Assistant may also participate in travel for research, studio visits, or exhibition-related activities.
MFAH emphasizes diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from candidates who may not meet every listed qualification but possess relevant experience and potential.
The position is deeply integrated into a large institutional ecosystem, requiring strong collaboration across departments such as education, marketing, registration, and exhibitions.