- Job Posting: 0054-16
- Department: Conservation
- FLSA Status: Exempt
The essential functions of this position are directing the operations of the conservation laboratory and managing the activities of the staff conservators, interns and contractors in providing conservation care, treatment and advice for clients.
ARTEX Conservation Laboratory, based in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area, is seeking a full-time Director of Conservation with a specialty in paintings.
The ARTEX Conservation Laboratory is housed in a spacious, modern studio space in the Washington, DC area. ARTEX provides museum standard environmental controls, security system, and fire protection, in addition to excellent storage capabilities, professional art handling, and an art crating workshop on site. The Conservation staff consists of 4 full time painting conservators, 1 part time objects conservator, and a conservation technician/administrator.
If you are interested in this position, please forward a cover letter, resume, available start date, and salary history/requirements to our HR department at jobs_dc@artexfas.com for immediate review/consideration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Account and Project Management
– Lead and/or coordinate examination, documentation, conservation and restoration procedures on behalf of ARTEX Fine Art Services.
– Conduct and/or coordinate technical research relating to ARTEX conservation projects.
– Oversee the department’s strict adherence to accepted professional standards, inclusive of the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, in all aspects of examination, documentation, treatment, and client care.
– Establish operational budgets and ensure accurate reporting on all project costs.
– Ensure that accepted health and safety procedures are communicated, monitored, and evaluated.
– Plan and assign work based on the skillset, area of expertise and workload of individual team members.
– Ensure client requirements are met in a responsive and efficient manner while maintaining the highest standards of client service.
– Oversee the design, implementation and analysis of reports and key metrics to set and monitor service standards and identify areas of improvement.
Leadership, Staffing and Team Management
– Establish a staffing structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities and the necessary headcount complement to fulfill both current and anticipated client work, research projects and other departmental objectives.
– Oversee the recruitment and selection of qualified staff.
– Manage the activities of staff conservators, interns and contractors in providing conservation care, treatment, and advice for museums, art galleries, government agencies, private collectors, corporate collectors, and others with custodial responsibilities for works of art and historical or heritage objects.
– Provide leadership and expertise for all technical aspects relating to conservation work.
– Meet with team members regularly to provide ongoing mentoring based on clearly defined performance expectations in support of job satisfaction, employee retention and increased employee engagement levels.
– Design a comprehensive training and development program focused on employee professional development; supporting individual skill development, work requirements and career aspirations.
Business Development and Marketing
– Build the department’s business development strategy to support growth and optimize opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
– Provide leadership and support for the design, development and implementation of marketing collateral that draws awareness to the Conservation team’s area of expertise and service offerings.
– Ensure all marketing efforts are well coordinated, support clearly defined marketing plan objectives and are an effective expenditure of resources inclusive of participation in national conferences, symposia, and other targeted events.
– Promote ARTEX conservation practices and projects to the greater conservation community to build greater awareness of the department.
– Support the integration of the department’s services and abilities within the larger scope of the company’s service offerings.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
– 18+ years post graduate experience including extensive experience in the examination and treatment of paintings, particularly modern and contemporary paintings as well as murals and architectural paintings.
– Knowledge of modern museum practices and care of collections, including environmental control and monitoring, and safe handling.
– Demonstrated experience in the creation and management of conservation service contracts as well as estimation and monitoring of actual costs for the examination/treatment of paintings.
– Experience with the preparation and presentation of grants, contract proposals, reports, lectures, publications, and seminars relating to conservation.
– Prior experience in private practice and management of a conservation practice including safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
– Demonstrated ability to set clear and measurable team goals and objectives and hold staff accountable to meet/exceed goals.
– Proven track record in generating and growing new business and driving client relationships.
– Solid computer skills (including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FileMaker and Adobe Photoshop) and a thorough understanding of how technology can be used as an effective resource.
– Capable of working well under pressure and able to meet deadlines.
EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL STATUS
– Master’s degree in Art Conservation, or equivalent combination of conservation training and experience.
– Periodic professional development through attendance of conservation workshops, seminars, or professional conferences.
– Professional Associate status within AIC or higher.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts both orally and in writing with both internal and external customers. Excellent verbal, telephone and written communication skills.
HOW TO APPLY
If you feel that you possess the experience and qualifications outlined, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to our HR department at jobs_dc@artexfas.com for immediate review/consideration.
Consideration will be granted ONLY to those who possess the minimum requirements as stipulated. Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply. Artex, Inc. is a federal contractor and an EOE AA M/F/VET/DISABLED employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, medical condition or disability or protected veteran status. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (301) 350-5500.