Position Posting
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Position: |
Director of Conservation |
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Reports to: |
Founder and Chief Administrative Officer |
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Key Relationships: |
Curatorial, Facilities |
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| Background: |
Located on 200 acres in Potomac, Maryland, Glenstone strives to provide visitors with a unique experience through the seamless integration of art, architecture, and landscape. Its first exhibition building was designed by late architect Charles Gwathmey and opened to the public in 2006. It hosts a series of rotating exhibitions with artworks drawn from Glenstone’s permanent collection of postwar art. The outdoor landscape is home to monumental sculptures carefully placed amidst rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland. Admission is always free, and visits are scheduled by appointment to encourage an unhurried, intimate engagement between the viewer and their surroundings. Glenstone is now embarking upon an expansion in order to strengthen its commitment to the viewing public. The centerpiece of this project will be the construction of a new exhibition building designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners. The building will highlight a series of discreet pavilions, or “rooms” surrounding a central water courtyard, many of which will be devoted to single-artist installations. It will provide significantly expanded gallery space and state of the art collection storage. Landscape architects Peter Walker and Partners will also oversee a revised master plan of Glenstone’s outdoor landscape. Finally, the expansion will incorporate a new public entrance and visitor amenities, to support a more comfortable and rewarding visit. |
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Job Purpose: |
The successful Director of Conservation candidate will bring a broad range of skills to the position in order to fully initiate an extensive conservation program for the museum. |
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Essential Duties: |
The primary goal is to comprehensively address the conservation needs of Glenstone’s collection which is comprised of painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, installations, electronic media, and outdoor sculpture. Applicants should have a background in objects conservation and ideally some experience working with installation art and/or works with electronic media components. She/he will be responsible for all aspects of establishing a conservation program to include treatment, condition assessments, and documentation for works in the collection falling within their area of expertise as well as supervising contract conservators addressing other types of materials. In addition, the Director of Conservation will play an active role in Glenstone’s ongoing exhibition and outgoing loan program, providing guidance and support as needed for stewardship and care of the collection. A key responsibility will be facilitating dialog with artists, studio assistants, and/or artist estates regarding documentation of works in the collection. Therefore applicants should possess direct experience and comfort in working with artists and a broad knowledge of modern and contemporary art. Glenstone is committed to continuing professional development, and will enthusiastically encourage research on the collection to advance both conservation practice at Glenstone and to inform the conservation community at large, in addition to supporting attendance at professional meetings and conferences. Glenstone has undertaken initial steps to construct and outfit a conservation studio onsite at the museum, therefore the successful applicant will participate in this process to provide specifications and define parameters for this dedicated work space. Other responsibilities to include: routine maintenance of works on view, guidance regarding preventive conservation within museum facilities, establishment and supervision of a conservation internship/fellowship program, and direct collaboration and engagement with other museum staff (registrar, curatorial, visitor services, archives, facilities, etc.) |
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Qualifications: |
A degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in objects is required, along with knowledge of modern and contemporary art and a minimum of five years work history. Direct experience with and aptitude for working closely with living artists is essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary, as are strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate creatively with other Glenstone colleagues across multiple museum departments. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to advance the field of conservation through dedicated research projects and dissemination of this work through presentations and publications. |
| Salary and Benefits: | Glenstone offers competitive salary and a total compensation package that includes health care and a 401(k) matching program. Glenstone is an equal opportunity employer. |
| To Apply: | Send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and references to Laura Linton, Chief Administrative Officer at: hr@glenstone.org |
| Application Deadline: | April 18, 2014 |
| Date Posted: | March 19, 2014 |