Position at Cleveland Museum of Art

Chief Conservator
The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) seeks candidates for the position of
Chief Conservator.

The Chief Conservator of the Cleveland Museum of Art has primary
responsibility for the conservation of objects in the Museum's
collection and for overseeing all aspects of a major conservation
program that comprises a range of related activities: the treatment
of objects, technical analysis, scientific research, collaborative
work with other institutions, and the training of conservators.

As a senior manager within the institution, the Chief Conservator
oversees the operations of the conservation department, which is
staffed by six conservators, three conservation technicians, and
several interns and fellows, and works in close cooperation with the
Director of Museum Services, to whom s/he reports, and the Chief
Curator. S/he is also responsible for participating in institutional
planning, setting and maintaining effective policies with respect to
the care and treatment of the collection and loans as well as the
operation of the museum's facilities, the development of special
initiatives, and representing the institution to a broad range of
external constituencies including, most notably, the conservation
profession and upholding high ethical and professional standards in
fulfillment of the mission of the Museum.

With a superb collection that is renowned for its scope and quality,
the Cleveland Museum of Art is widely acknowledged as one of the
finest museums in the United States.  With an annual operating
budget of $35 million, it is a leading cultural resource in
Cleveland and northeast Ohio and a major center for art-historical
research.  It is presently in the midst of a seven-year, $258
million renovation and expansion project that will transform the
institution and include state-of-the-art conservation spaces with
laboratories for all specialties and areas dedicated for object
preparation, photo-documentation and scientific analysis.

Position Responsibilities:

    Develops and monitors the implementation of annual and
    multi-year work plans in accordance with the Museum's strategic
    plan; develops and manages operating, project and program
    budgets.  Coordinates the activities of the conservation
    department with the work of other departments within the
    division of museum services and with other divisions in the
    Museum.

    Works closely with the Director of Museum Services and the
    Directors of Protection Services and Facilities Management to
    ensure that the Museum's physical plant is managed in manner
    that provides for the safety and proper care of the collection.
    Participates in emergency and disaster planning and leads the
    conservation department's efforts in response to an emergency or
    disaster.

    Reviews and approves proposed treatments to ensure that they
    will be effective and are consistent with the Museum's
    responsibility to preserve the works of art in its care.

    Directs and monitors conservation treatments on objects in the
    Museum's collection done by the museum's own staff and, whenever
    appropriate, by contract conservators.

    Plans and coordinates, as needed, the scientific analysis of
    works of art in the collection or on loan by the museum's
    conservators or by contract conservators or scientists.

    Working in consultation with the Director of Museum Services and
    the curatorial staff, plans and directs research on works of art
    in the collection.

    Plans and monitors the preparation of documentation related to
    the analysis and treatment of works of art in the collection.

    Participates, as needed, in the analysis and review of works of
    art being considered for acquisition.

    Develops and monitors the adherence to protocols for the
    handling, movement, storage, and utilization of materials and
    equipment in a manner that will protect the health and ensure of
    the safety of the Conservation Department staff and other CMA
    employees. Develops and monitors the implementation of a plan
    for monitoring on an ongoing basis the condition of works of art
    in storage and on public display.

    Works closely with the museum staff to develop plans for special
    exhibitions-both those organized by the Museum and by other
    institutions-that will guarantee the safety and proper care of
    the collection and works of art on loan from other institutions
    and individuals.

    Works closely and proactively on installations that will
    guarantee the safety and proper care of works of art displayed
    in the Museum's galleries or on loan to other institutions.

    Serves the Museum's key representative to the conservation
    profession.

    Upholds the professional standards and guidelines of practice of
    his/her field and always acts in a manner that is consistent
    with the best interests of the Museum and will protect and
    enhance its reputation and standing within the community of
    museums.

Position Requirements:

    B.A. from a four-year college or university with a major in
    Chemistry, Art History or a related major course of study.

    M.A. from an accredited conservation training program or
    equivalent training

    Ten years of direct hands-on experience encompassing all aspects
    of conservation, preferably in a museum setting

    Strong leadership, conceptual, and written and oral
    communication skills.

    Demonstrated ability to supervise as well as to work
    successfully with others--e.g. museum staff, volunteers, and
    diverse public constituencies in a large general art museum.

    Proven ability to handle a variety of tasks concurrently in a
    complex environment.

Compensation: Competitive with excellent benefits package.

For Consideration: Qualified applicants should send resumes,
curricula vitae, or other relevant credentials to:

    Human Resources
    The Cleveland Museum of Art
    11150 East Boulevard
    Cleveland, OH 44106-1797
    resume<-a t->clevelandart< . >org

No phone calls please
Equal Opportunity Employer

Lauren E. Lees
Human Resource Generalist
The Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
216-707-2235
Fax: 216-421-0277


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:44
                Distributed: Saturday, February 23, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-44-028
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