The Interpretation Manager plays a critical leadership role within the Department of Learning and Interpretation and the Museum as a whole to enhance guest experiences of learning and engagement in the permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. This position has the opportunity to raise interpretation at the MFAH to the next level, taking on a leading role with teams across the Museum to create inclusive interpretation of art on view for all audiences. This position works collaboratively with curators, educators, exhibitions staff, and more to design gallery interpretation through text, digital technology (audio, video, digital interactives), live dialog, and guest response. As a critical component of the interpretive process, the Interpretation Manager works closely with community leaders who participate in and sensitively guide the creation of interpretive resources. The Interpretation Manager has two direct reports, both are Interpretation Specialists.

Responsibilities:

• Works with staff museum wide (curators, educators, conservators, librarians, archivists, and more) to identify and create content for in-gallery interpretation, from gallery texts to additional analog and digital formats.
• Works with museum staff in Exhibitions and Curatorial Departments to create interpretive plans for selected special exhibitions. Manages production of audio tours and gallery interactives in the special exhibitions.
• Works collaboratively with staff involved in the Museum’s IDEA initiative (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility), to develop sensitive interpretation for exhibitions and permanent collection installations that present various kinds of challenging content for guests.
• Works with staff museum wide (Marketing and Communications, IT, Guest Services, and more) to make sure interpretive strategies are consonant across mobile interpretation, way finding, and website platforms.
• Works with Senior Docent Specialist to manage the tour programs for those with low vision and memory loss, organize training and engagement for docents who facilitate access tours, and continue experiments in engaging those who experience neurodiversity.
• Brings expertise in an area or areas of the permanent collection to the Museum, offering advanced research that will benefit the Museum’s guests.
• Keeps abreast of best practices and conducts new research in all areas related to museum interpretation.
• Represents MFAH at regional and national conferences and publishes research when possible.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of and research capacity in art and cultural history as well as best practices in the field of museum interpretation and current strategies for reaching diverse audiences.
• Willingness to innovate and experiment with new modes of engaging guests in the galleries.
• Ability to work effectively on cross-departmental teams, supervising and mentoring staff, and managing budgets.
• Proven experience working successfully in collaborative environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to develop effective work processes, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with new technologies in mobile interpretation is highly desirable.

Education and Experience:

• M.A. in Art or Cultural History or a related field
• Five years museum or related experience
• Demonstrated management and administrative experience

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 women and 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