Description

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. The renowned collection includes nearly 160,000 works of art spanning the ancient world to the present. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free. 

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, seeks applications for the Head of Paper Conservation. Reporting to the Chief of Conservation within the Curatorial and Conservation Division, the Head of Paper Conservation will provide strategic leadership for the paper conservation department and assume responsibility for over 120,000 works on paper in the Gallery’s collection. 

Conservation at the National Gallery comprises six treatment labs plus the Department of Scientific Research. We are committed to responsible care and treatment of the collection, the advancement of research opportunities, and the training of fellows and interns. Stressing collaboration and creativity, the division seeks to expand access to collections, to think critically about our role as caretakers of cultural heritage, and to provide resources for the field. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Head of Paper Conservation operates and administers the paper conservation department comprehensively, including all personnel actions, assignment of work, space and budget planning, and goal implementation. The successful candidate will create a strategic plan for the paper department and advise on conservation policies, treatments, and improvements or upgrades to lab facility. They will supervise staff, contractors, interns, and fellows, assigning work based on availability, capability, and special qualifications. They will determine appropriate treatment methods and techniques and establish priorities for research and publication. Managing budgets, writing grants, and prioritizing projects are key aspects of their position.  

Actively engaging in all paper conservation activities to support treatment, exhibitions, loans, new acquisitions, and mentorship, the candidate will encourage collaboration and creativity across the department. The successful candidate will lead with empathy and inspire their staff to be curious and insightful in their research and treatments. They must have a proven record of managing personnel and stewarding an extensive collection of works on paper. 

In addition to managerial responsibilities, the head of paper will conduct research, publish, and develop new methodologies. They will represent the Gallery at scholarly convenings and engage with donors, scholars, and the public. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

•      Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program required.
•      Minimum of ten years of post-graduate experience or commensurate qualification and experience.
•      Proven expertise in the treatment of prints, drawings and other paper-based collections, including both historical           and contemporary artworks, and major and complex treatments.
•      Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•      History of research and publications 
•      Demonstrated experience working cross-departmentally 
•      Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines