The Managing Archivist acts as steward of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Archives, overseeing the materials pertinent to the history of the MFAH, its collections, and related archival collections.

Along with one direct report, this individual will coordinate the accessioning, arrangement, description and preservation of the permanent records of the MFAH in textual, architectural, photographic, audio/visual, micrographic and multimedia formats. Additionally, this individual is responsible for maintaining and providing access to 100 archival collections of individuals or institutions closely associated with the MFAH.

Other major areas of responsibility include the implementation and operation of the institutional records management program, the initiation of outreach efforts and collaboration throughout the institution, development of departmental goals, and the administration of grants and special projects.

The Managing Archivist will keep abreast of developments in the archival and standards communities. The Managing Archivist provides reference service to the MFAH staff and public; processes photographic and digitized textual materials; and will oversee and enhance the departmental volunteer program. 

Responsibilities:

• Administration: Participates in the organization, planning, and assessing of departmental workflows, space and environmental needs; develops an annual departmental budget; initiates and administers grant projects; develops departmental web site; analyzes user and web site statistics; initiates outreach activities; participates in collaborative efforts and gives presentations in order to raise profile of archives; furthers collegiality by providing professional advice to others in the archival community. Supervises one (1) F/T staff member, as well as project volunteers and summer interns.
• Arrangement, description and preservation: Applies professional standards to the processing, arrangement and preservation of records; oversees creation of records and finding aids in ArchivEra archival collection management system and Preservica preservation system.
• Assessment and acquisition: Assesses institutional records unscheduled in the current MFAH Records Management Guide. Solicits and conducts oral histories with individuals closely associated with the MFAH.
• Reference: Provides reference service to MFAH staff and public. Oversees maintenance of reference files on MFAH's history, exhibitions, annual events, and artists index to non-annual group shows.
• Records Management: Oversees the institution’s records management program. Collaborates with the Legal Department on the implementation of the the Records Retention Schedule.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to supervise staff of professional archivists, paraprofessional and volunteers
• Excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently
• Knowledge and experience using retention schedules and records surveys
• Knowledge of descriptive content standards and best practices, particularly Dublin Core, EAD, and DACS
• Familiarity with archival technical standards and controlled vocabularies
• Familiarity with other software, such as the Microsoft suite, and online systems such as ArchivEra and Preservica Ability to manage a 3,600 linear ft. collection
• Knowledge of art history and/or museum operations desirable

Education and Experience:

• Degree in library sciences, archival management or other related academic credential required. Preferred educational achievements includes ALA accredited MLS with an emphasis in Archives or Archival Certification
• Extensive knowledge of archival cataloguing standards (EAD, DACS, , etc.)
• Extensive demonstrable experience with archival databases and database management
• Experience digitizing archival materials
• Knowledge of museum and records management policies, practices, and procedures
• 5+ years of archival experience recommended; museum experience preferred

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration.  Application materials should include a cover letter, your resume or CV, and if you prefer, a list of references will be accepted but not required at this early stage in the process.  Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration. 

For more information and to apply, please visit this link.