Director of Conservation

Saint Louis Art Museum • St. Louis, MO

140d • $135,098 - $172,250

About The Position

The Director of Conservation provides visionary leadership in safeguarding and preserving the Saint Louis Art Museum's renowned collection. This senior role sets strategic vision, administrative oversight, and expert guidance for all conservation initiatives, ensuring the highest ethical and professional standards in the care, treatment and technical analysis of works of art. The Director works collaboratively across departments, actively contributing to institutional initiatives, research projects, and fostering a culture of excellence in collections stewardship. Overseeing every aspect of the Museum’s conservation program, the Director works collaboratively across departments to advance institutional priorities, research projects, and public engagement with the collection. The position plays a key role in programmatic, collecting, and scholarly initiatives, fostering a reputation for artistic excellence, scientific rigor, and innovative conservation practices. The Director manages both the day-to-day and long-term operations of the conservation department, supervising professional conservators, support staff, fellows, and interns. Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget oversight, and cultivating a culture of excellence in collections stewardship. Representing the Museum to the broader conservation community and other external constituencies, the Director serves as a leading voice in the field and an advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from a recognized art conservation training program, or the equivalent.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience as a practicing conservator, with a specialization in a specific discipline of museum conservation.
• Demonstrated leadership experience at a senior level with high responsibility and accountability.
• Proven ability to motivate and lead experienced conservators and effectively mentor entry- and mid-level professionals.
• Strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to generate and manage project and operational budgets.
• Comprehensive understanding of current conservation and museum practices.
• Strong knowledge of internationally accepted ethical standards and guidelines of practice in art conservation.
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience with conservation treatments of painting, paper, photographs, textiles, and/or three-dimensional objects.
• Advanced knowledge of chemical and physical properties of conservation materials and deterioration processes.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, construction documents, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of a foreign language is a plus.
• Proficiency with collection management databases; TMS is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of a collaborative Conservation Team, support the department endeavors ensuring efficient workflows and adherence to best practices.
• Provide expert oversight for all conservation treatments on the Museum's collection, ensuring compliance with the American Institute for Conservation's (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Perform job functions of a Senior Conservator in their area of expertise.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director and Chief Curator to develop and implement robust policies, procedures, and strategies for ethical and responsible collection stewardship.
• Ensure adherence to the highest safety and sustainability standards for both artworks and personnel during all conservation activities.
• Oversee and update departmental protocols for documentation related to the examination and treatment of artworks.
• Partner with department conservators and the Registration and Art Preparation & Installation departments to develop and implement artwork handling guidelines.
• Lead recruitment, retention, and performance management for conservation staff, including interns, fellows, and contract conservators.
• Act as a Museum courier for domestic and international travel, ensuring the safe transport of artworks.
• Provide recommendations for the maintenance and future development of collection storage areas.
• Oversee client service projects for Board Members and local collectors.
• Develop and monitor the implementation of annual and multi-year assessment and treatment plans aligned with the Museum's strategic goals and budgets.
• Collaborate with various departments to enhance operational efficiency while prioritizing the safety and integrity of the collections.
• Direct preventative conservation and maintenance of the collection.
• Work closely with curatorial staff to develop conservation strategies for special exhibitions.
• Proactively engage in collection installations to ensure the safety and proper care of artworks.
• Develop comprehensive plans for monitoring the condition of artworks in storage and on display.
• Actively participate in emergency and disaster planning.
• Plan and coordinate the scientific analysis of artworks within the collection or on loan.
• Facilitate research on individual artworks, technical art history projects, and treatment protocol development.
• Coordinate the analysis and review of potential acquisitions.
• Continuously enhance professional knowledge through ongoing education and active participation in national and international organizations.
• Disseminate conservation knowledge by serving as a resource to the Museum's community partners and the general public.
• Represent the Museum with a positive and professional image to professional colleagues and the broader community.
• Develop and manage departmental operating, project, and program budgets.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support conservation activities.

Benefits

• Full, competitive benefits package, including 4 weeks’ vacation.
• Parental leave.
• Robust wellness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees