The MFAH’s Department of Learning and Interpretation develops programs, materials, and other opportunities that engage intergenerational audiences and students with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions of world art.  The Museum’s volunteer Docent Program is administered through the Object-based Learning area of Learning and Interpretation. Over 45,000 students and adults participate in docent-led tours each year. The docent corps consists of 120 volunteers who lead gallery experiences during the week, evenings, and weekends.  MFAH docents lead tours that encourage visitors of all ages to respond to and reflect on original works of art in the Museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions.

The tour program assistant is the primary scheduler for docent-led tours, and assists with training materials for all of the docents. This position works to ensure that the docent program is functioning at a high level of logistical organization.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the day to day operations of the tour program, including scheduling of all docent tours and organizing of groups in lobby for school tours
• Work with Managers in Department of Learning and Interpretation to coordinate details related to docent education, including making relevant research materials available for docent use, reserving rooms and A/V, copying training materials for distribution
• Maintain communication within the Museum (Security, Guest Services, Membership, ) regarding scheduling and coordination of tour schedules and docent education
• Maintain mailing lists, and compile statistics related to numbers of visitors participating in tours
• Maintains excellent relationships with School Tour District Partners
• Collaborates with Senior Specialist, Docent Programs and Object-based Learning Specialist on special requests from teachers
• Attends docent committee meetings with Object-Based Learning team
• Maintain, and organize supplies for the docent program
• Coordinate administrative, marketing, and other support for Access and public tours.
• Process all purchase orders and interoffice paperwork
• Serves as the primary staff member responsible for docent newsletters and correspondence, communicating regularly and effectively with docents about opportunities and assignments.
• Maintains docent records, including availability, preferences, special requests, and docents on leave of absence.
• Processes bus scholarships
• Available to work some weekends and evenings, as needed
• With Senior Specialist, Docent Programs, coordinates docent recognition events
• Other administrative tasks and duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Event coordination and/or scheduling skills strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, organization, speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide front-line customer service skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, working effectively and efficiently under pressure and paying great attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, take initiative, and problem solve.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; openness and eagerness to always train in this domain
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) desired

Education and Experience:

• BA in the Humanities; Art History, Museum Studies, Art Education or Administration
• Previous office work experience highly valued
• Previous experience working with volunteers highly valued

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.

Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

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 to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org