The Baltimore Museum of Art seeks candidates for the position of Director of Conservation, an endowed position. The Director is responsible for managing the conservation department’s activities including treatment, research, and overall care and preservation of the collection. The Director will lead and support a department of experienced and committed staff currently consisting of 3 conservators, 2 technicians, and 1 part-time administrative assistant. S/he will guide the overall vision of the department and be a strong advocate for departmental needs. This is a particularly significant time for the Museum, as our newly appointed Museum Director begins to put in place visionary programming that aligns facilities, exhibitions, collection, and programs, to expand upon the Museum’s presence in a broader Baltimore community.
The Director of Conservation will undertake future conservation planning. Programs will be considered that advance the Museum’s mission, making more visible to visitors the priority we give to collection care. Building upon the importance of past research projects, collaboration with curators and education staff will be encouraged to benefit the public’s recognition of collection care as well as making important contributions to conservation research. The Director will encourage collections-based research by supporting projects and expanding the department’s analytical capabilities. S/he will participate in institutional planning and will discuss and implement policies that ensure the preservation of the collection while aligning with the Museum’s expanding programming. Collaboration between departments is expected, particularly scholarly exchange between curators and conservators.
Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and skilled oversight of The Baltimore Museum of Art’s conservation department to ensure the highest professional treatment and care of the collection.
- Work with BMA facilities staff to carefully monitor climate controls so that conditions (temperature, humidity, lighting, sanitation, security) are suitable for the long-term preservation and display of the Museum’s collection.
- Oversee documentation of treatments and treatment histories, by museum conservators and contract conservators, integrating record keeping with individual object records in TMS.
- Conduct conservation treatments in area of expertise.
- Supervise conservation documentation and treatments by museum conservators and contract conservators.
- Collaborate with other Museum departments to establish best standards and procedures for the preservation care and maintenance of the collection, including the review and implementation of collections care policies.
- Support and expand the presence of the Department through increased public programming, the possibility of additional staff for collection care, and educational advancement opportunities for staff, fellows, and interns.
- Plan and coordinate the scientific analysis of objects in the collection, furthering art historical and conservation scholarship. Publish or lecture regarding findings as appropriate to enhance reputation of the Museum, its collection and conservation staff.
- Maintain awareness and contribute to the advancement of the principles, methodologies, and technical aspects of the conservation profession through research and participation in professional conferences, lectures, and workshops.
Position Requirements:
The applicant should have earned an M.A. from an accredited conservation training program, followed by a minimum of ten years of experience, preferably in a museum setting. The successful candidate will have conservation experience with management and supervisory responsibilities. S/he will have demonstrated effective leadership and interpersonal skills demonstrating collegiality with other museum staff. Experience in collection care policy, planning, and implementation required. The applicant must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including publications and speaking engagements. S/he will be experienced in research and demonstrate excellent organizational skills in project management.
Benefits:
The BMA is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace. We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package. For this exempt position we offer medical, dental, vision, prescription, 403b retirement plan, long-term disability, flexible spending account, flexible and condensed scheduling, Museum and restaurant discounts, and reduced fee gym membership. We also offer accrued vacation, holidays, personal days, floating holidays, and sick days.
Apply:
Salary will be commensurate with background and level of museum experience. Please send cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, and salary requirements via email to HR@artbma.org with “Director of Conservation Last Name and First Name” in the subject line.
No phone calls please.
Incomplete application packages will not be considered.