ICAA Digital Content Specialist

Department Overview

In 2001, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), established the Latin American Art Department and its research arm, the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA). The mission of the ICAA is to collect, exhibit, research, and educate audiences about the diverse artistic production of Latin American and Latinx communities in the United States. The ICAA organizes research-based exhibitions, maintains a dynamic publications program, and develops research and education projects that complement the MFAH’s renowned collections of Latin American and Latino art. The ICAA’s cornerstone initiative is the Documents of Latin American and Latino Art digital archive project, which is dedicated to recovering primary source documents and critical texts related to Latin American and Latinx art and making them accessible to a worldwide audience.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the ICAA’s Director and Associate Director, the Digital Content Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining a dynamic digital presence for the ICAA. You will promote the Center’s projects and initiatives; devise strategies for engaging and expanding the ICAA’s digital audience; and help to grow usership of the Documents Project digital archive. This includes the creation and management of copy, graphics, and other visual content for the ICAA’s bilingual website, social media channels, in-gallery digital experiences, and mobile applications.

The ideal candidate is a creative who can understand and develop content and messaging in alignment with the ICAA’s mission and goals. The candidate must be able to work both collaboratively and independently within a culturally diverse environment. They must also possess the necessary professionalism and diplomacy for communicating with a variety of national and international audiences, partners, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Website and Digital Applications

• Manages and updates website content; assists with changes and improvements to the website as needed
• Creates website graphics according to established guidelines; ensures a regular rotation of dynamic content across the site
• Writes copy for website and other digital applications as assigned
• Monitors functionality of the website and troubleshoots minor site errors
• Generates and evaluates monthly analytics reports
• Responds to user queries related to website functionality
• Manages content for interactive digital applications (in-gallery and mobile) for exhibitions supported by the ICAA

Social Media and Promotion

• Develops and implements social media strategies that increase awareness of, and engagement with, the ICAA’s projects and initiatives
• Develops and manages ICAA social media calendar
• Creates messaging and content (graphics, photos, short-form videos) that aligns with the ICAA’s mission and audience
• Leverages opportunities to develop content related to ICAA initiatives and events (artist talks, lectures, symposia, etc.)
• Identifies and implements creative strategies for repurposing existing assets
• Monitors and analyzes social media channels; adjusts strategies to improve engagement
• Writes, designs, and coordinates email campaigns and departmental newsletters
• Collaborates with internal and external partners in the development of digital assets and promotional campaigns as needed

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Proficient in English and Spanish (written and verbal)
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, visual)
• Strong writing, copy editing, and proofreading skills
• Knowledge of best practices for formatting and presenting textual, graphic, and A/V content for websites, mobile applications, and other digital media applications
• Experience with major social media platforms
• Expertise in digital content production tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Microsoft 365, etc.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics and SEO techniques
• Capable of organizing workloads, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing workflows
• Able to work as part of a complex team within a large institution; capable of working independently and with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated interest in Latin American art, Latino art, archives, and/or research
• Enthusiasm for engagement with students, researchers, arts professionals, and artists

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved
• 3+ years of professional experience related to digital content creation for websites and social media
• Experience working with museums, arts organizations, or higher education is highly desired
• A background in art history is a plus

Application must include:

1. Cover letter
2. CV/resume
3. Portfolio (PDF) including samples of your work and/or links to websites and social media channels you have previously managed.

Position Available:

Title: ICAA Digital Content Specialist
Department: Curatorial (International Center for the Arts of the Americas)
Schedule: 35-hour work week
Compensation: See below
Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Ability to collect and analyze research and data as well as verbal information to reach logical recommendations and conclusions
• Ability to work under deadlines and sometimes changing requirements or expectations in an appropriate manner
• Job duties will include extended sitting, standing, and working with a computer

With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will include:

• Must undergo and meet company standards for relevant criminal background and professional reference checks
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others

Mission
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, serves as a welcoming and inclusive place for all people, connecting the communities of Houston with diverse histories of art spanning 5,000 years and six continents. Through our permanent collections, special exhibitions, learning and interpretation programs, studio instruction, publications, conservation, and scholarly research, we strive to inspire appreciation and understanding of the broadest spectrum of human achievement.

Organization

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial, and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

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.

Benefits:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
• Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

• MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
• Metro commuter subsidy available upon request

Application Procedure
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, your portfolio, 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. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.