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Collections Storage Manager - Preparations

Job Category: Preparations

Requisition Number: COLLE001763

• Posted : August 4, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

The Audrey Jones Beck Building
5601 Main St
Houston, TX 77005, USA

Description Position Summary:

The Manager, Collections Storage, Preparations Dept is responsible for the strategic oversight, organization, security, and preservation of the museum’s off-site collections storage facilities. This position leads inventory control, space management, art logistics, and collection movement activities while ensuring the highest standards of collections care. The role supervises preparatory staff and oversees the safe handling, packing, transportation, tracking, and storage of artworks and artifacts. The Manager serves as a key partner to Registrars, Conservators, Curators, and Exhibition teams to support collection stewardship, exhibitions, loans, and gallery rotations.

Core Responsibilities: Collections Storage & Space Optimization

• Develop and implement safe, efficient, and scalable storage solutions for the museum’s collection.
• Design and maintain high-density storage systems, including pallet racking, compact mobile shelving, painting storage, and custom housing solutions.
• Evaluate storage capacity and recommend improvements to maximize collection accessibility and preservation.

Collection Management Systems

• Oversee the accurate use of The Museum System (TMS) database for tracking collection objects.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates related to accessions, deaccessions, object relocations, exhibitions, loans, and storage locations.
• Maintain inventory controls and documentation standards to support collection accountability.
• In partnership with the Chief Preparator, will supervise and coordinate the work of Preparators, contract art handlers, and storage personnel needed to manage the off site storage facilities.
• Along with Chief Preparator, will establish work schedules and assign priorities for collection moves, exhibitions, truck runs, and loan activities for the off site storage facilities.
• Assist as we train staff on museum handling procedures, safety protocols, and collections care standards.

Logistics, Packing & Transportation

• Plan and oversee the safe packing, crating, transportation, installation, and deinstallation of collection objects.
• Collaborate with Registrars, Conservators, Curators, and external vendors on collection movement projects.
• Ensure appropriate handling methods are used for objects of varying sizes, materials, and conditions.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Monitor and enforce Integrated Pest Management protocols throughout storage facilities.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintain records related to pest monitoring and mitigation efforts.
• Develop, update, and maintain emergency response and disaster preparedness plans for off-site storage locations.
• Lead collections recovery planning and response efforts during emergencies.

Budget & Resource Management

• Under the supervision of the Chief Preparator, manage operational budgets for storage facilities and related projects.
• Oversee procurement and inventory of storage materials, packing supplies, equipment, and shop resources.
• Identify cost-effective solutions while maintaining museum-quality standards.

Exhibitions & Collection Access

• Support exhibition installations, gallery rotations, and collection access initiatives as needed.
• Coordinate object retrieval and return activities for exhibitions, conservation treatments, research, and loans.

Art Transportation

• Safely transport artwork between museum campuses, storage facilities, and affiliated house museums when required.
• Ensure compliance with museum transportation policies and object security standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Collections Care & Storage Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of museum standards for art handling, packing, storage, preservation, and preventive conservation.
• Expertise in archival materials and custom storage housing solutions for diverse object types.

Rigging, Crating & Handling

• Demonstrated experience supervising and executing complex crating projects, soft-packing procedures, and rigging operations.
• Ability to safely manage oversized, heavy, or unusually vulnerable objects.

Equipment Operation

• Certification and proficiency in operating forklifts, scissor lifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.
• Thorough understanding of workplace safety requirements.

Storage Planning & Space Management

• Strong knowledge of museum storage systems and furniture.
• Ability to design and implement efficient storage layouts while maintaining conservation and safety standards.

Woodworking & Shop Operations

• Experience maintaining a woodshop environment and fabrication equipment.
• Ability to fabricate custom crates, supports, and storage solutions.
• Manage woodworking materials and shop inventories.

Leadership & Team Management

• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate preparators, art handlers, and contract staff.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Accuracy & Attention to Detail

• Exceptional recordkeeping and inventory management skills.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate object location records and documentation.

Communication & Professionalism

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with museum staff, vendors, couriers, visiting scholars, and other stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Fine Arts, Conservation, OR an equivalent combination of related education and museum preparations, storage and collections work experience will be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in museum collections management, art handling, or collections storage operations.
• Significant experience working with fine art, museum collections, and preventive conservation practices.
• Demonstrated experience supervising art handling, preparatory, or collections management processes and/or staff.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency with The Museum System (TMS) or similar collections management software.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and related Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with digital imaging systems, inventories, and collections documentation platforms.

About the MFAH

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.

Position Available:

Title: Manager, Collections Storage, Preparations Dept

Pay Rate: Please see ‘Compensation’ below

Work Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background, and reference checks.
• Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
• Frequent standing and sitting, which may be required for extended periods of time.
• Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout storage and museum facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills necessary for handling delicate and fragile collection objects.
• Ability to work on ladders, lifts, and elevated platforms as necessary
• Forklift and scissor lift certifications required (or ability to secure.)
• Ability to safely navigate warehouse and storage environments.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Equal Opportunities for All

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our mission and organizational excellence. We welcome all applicants whose skills, experience, and perspectives prepare them to succeed in this role and support the Museum’s work in serving a broad public.

MFAH is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, and without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fair and consistent employment practices and to maintaining a professional, respectful workplace for all employees.

We recognize that no candidate meets every qualification listed in a job description. If your background and experience align with many of the responsibilities and requirements of this position, we encourage you to apply.

MFAH is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process, interview process, perform essential job functions, and access the benefits and all other privileges of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation may be directed to the Human Resources Department at HR@mfah.org

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 coveragethrough 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 providesa 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 eleven 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

• Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
• Roth IRA also available!
• Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art.

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description. The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.