Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings

DHRM•Richmond, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is seeking an experienced, adaptable, and inspirational individual to join its Conservation Department as the Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings. This role provides leadership, oversight, and expertise in the conservation and preservation of the museum's collection of paintings on canvas and panel. The Senior Conservator of Paintings will work collaboratively with colleagues within Conservation and across the museum to oversee all aspects of the care of paintings in the permanent collection and, as appropriate, works on loan to the Museum. Responsibilities include examination, documentation, treatment, technical research, preventive conservation, and the development and implementation of priorities for the long-term preservation of the collection. The position partners with the Chief Conservator to provide leadership, vision, and management of the paintings conservation staff and collaborates on departmental strategic planning, priorities, and budget management. The role also contributes to public engagement and educational programs through activities such as laboratory tours, presentations, and responses to public inquiries. Additionally, the position may contribute to fundraising and development initiatives by communicating the significance of conservation work to donors. National and international travel may be required for research, conferences, workshops, teaching opportunities, and activities related to exhibitions, loans, and new acquisitions.

Requirements

Proven skills in the supervision and mentoring of conservators and/or postgraduate fellows.
Proven skills in project and budget management.
Proven skills in working collaboratively across departments in a complex institutional setting.
Demonstrated proficiency performing condition assessments.
Demonstrated proficiency developing complex conservation treatment proposals.
Demonstrated proficiency executing treatments independently and to a high degree of competency and efficiency.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate treatment proposals and supervise treatments being performed by staff, interns, and contractors.
Demonstrated proficiency researching history, methods of manufacture, materials, and condition issues utilizing scientific analysis and examination techniques frequently used in conservation.
Experience in interpreting analytical results.
Significant record of publications and/or presentations in both professional and public settings.
Demonstrated high proficiency to manage time, workload, and multiple competing responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner to a wide range of audiences.
Skilled with computer software programs commonly used in conservation, including collection management systems, software for scientific analysis, and spreadsheets.
Strong experience as courier for artworks.
Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.
Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Completion of an I-9 form and presentation of documentation of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience with project management tools like Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Planner, and Asana.
International and traveling exhibition courier experience.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, oversight, and expertise in the conservation and preservation of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ collection of paintings on canvas and panel.
Oversees all aspects of the care of paintings in the permanent collection and, as appropriate, works on loan to the Museum.
Conducts examination, documentation, treatment, technical research, and preventive conservation of paintings.
Develops and implements priorities for the long-term preservation of the collection.
Works closely with curators and other museum colleagues, applying established conservation standards and ethical principles to preserve the physical integrity, aesthetic qualities, and historical significance of each work.
Supports the museum’s exhibition, loan, acquisition, and programmatic needs.
Partners with the Chief Conservator to provide leadership, vision, and management of the paintings conservation staff.
Collaborates with the Chief Conservator and other Senior Conservators on departmental strategic planning, priorities, and budget management.
Contributes to the museum’s public engagement and educational programs through activities such as laboratory tours, presentations to visiting groups and museum audiences, responses to public inquiries, and presentations of conservation projects and activities.
May contribute to fundraising and development initiatives by communicating the significance and impact of conservation work to donors and other stakeholders.
Performs condition assessments, develops complex conservation treatment proposals, and executes treatments independently.
Evaluates treatment proposals and supervises treatments being performed by staff, interns, and contractors.
Researches history, methods of manufacture, materials, and condition issues utilizing scientific analysis and examination techniques.
Interprets analytical results.
Manages time, workload, and multiple competing responsibilities.
Conveys information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner to a wide range of audiences.
Serves as a courier for artworks, including international and traveling exhibitions.