Director of Conservation

The Director of Conservation is responsible for the management of the museums conservation department. This senior-level role is a key leadership position, guiding the museums conservation program in support of the museums exhibitions, collections, public and patron programs, and research initiatives. The Director of Conservation oversees and manages the conservation team, including contract conservators, and the steady operation and implementation of conservation efforts across PEMs campus, including the assessments, treatments, and research of the museums global collection to advance its care and preservation.

This position upholds the highest professional standards, including adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, and plays a strategic role in implementing preventive care and sustainable conservation protocols across the museum.

Reporting to the Director of Collection Services and collaborating as an integral part of the Collection Services senior leadership team, this position works closely with department heads in Curatorial, Collection Management, Registration, the Library, Exhibition Planning and Design, and Facilities to define institutional standards, establish and implement strategic plans, and develop policies and procedures in support of the overall care and preservation of the museum collection and its display.

The Director of Conservation will have primary responsibility for the development of PEMs conservation program by establishing and re-defining the departments operational framework, as well as by developing and building a conservation team to support the museums varied collections and programs. In addition, and especially until the department is fully staffed, the Director of Conservation will manage a wide network of established independent contract conservators, help to identify new contractors as needed, and oversee all contract conservation work, ensuring adherence to institutional protocols and standards of practice.

There is also an opportunity to build a fellowship program for emerging talent in the conservation field.

The Director of Conservation will work closely with the Executive Team, Development, the Director of the Collection Center and Collection Stewardship, and the Chief Curator to raise funds that advance the museum goals related to the collection, the conservation program, and the James

B. and Mary Lou Hawkes Collection Center.

• A Masters degree in conservation from a recognized conservation training program, with a specialization in objects conservation. PhD or additional training in conservation science or preventive conservation is a plus.

• Ten years of experience as a conservator is required; art or object-based museum experience preferred.

• Five years of supervisory, budget, and project management experience is required, preferably in a museum conservation or private conservation lab setting.

• Evidence of scholarship such as publications, presentations, or participation in national/international research collaborations.

• A demonstrated ability to lead and conduct historic and materials research.