Position at Center for Jewish History

Preservation Services Manager
Center for Jewish History (New York City)

The Center for Jewish History is seeking qualified candidates for a
full-time Preservation Services Manager.  This position manages the
Preservation Services department which offers conservation treatment
and re-housing of archival, library and photographic materials,
exhibition consultation, and preventive conservation services for
the partner's collections.

The Center for Jewish History is a cultural institution, independent
research facility and destination for the exploration of Jewish
history and heritage.  It is home to five partner organizations:
American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation,
Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum and YIVO Institute
for Jewish Research.  The partners' archival collections span more
than 700 years of history and total over 500,000 books and 30,000
linear feet of records.  The collections also include thousands of
artworks, textiles, ritual objects, recordings, films and
photographs.  Reporting to the Senior Manager for Collection
Services, this position will work directly with the Archival
Services Manager and Digital Services Manager around joint
processing, digitization and conservation projects.  The role
requires a close working relationship with the partner collection
managers to determine their treatment priorities, advise on and
collaborate in all aspects of collection care; and Building Services
for environmental monitoring and other preventive conservation
projects.  The successful applicant will be a dynamic team leader
and a forward-thinking and professionally engaged conservation
manager.  They will have the ability to work both independently and
collaboratively in a rapidly changing team-based environment.  The
ability to formulate and implement innovative approaches and
solutions to problems, communicate complex ideas to a wide range of
audiences, and to speak and write clearly, concisely, and
persuasively is important.  Exceptional organizational, analytical,
and interpersonal communication, time and project management skills,
and a strong commitment to the improvement of preservation and
collection services will be essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities include:

    Planning and managing workflows through the conservation lab and
    determining priorities for conservation treatment, re-housing,
    exhibitions and preventive conservation

    Developing, maintaining and implementing procedures and training
    manuals; evaluating processes and outputs, ensuring that
    treatment standards are met and implementing modifications to
    improve quality and effectiveness; training and supervising lab
    staff, volunteers and interns

    Tracking budget expenses and materials; maintaining department
    statistics and preparing reports; maintaining treatment records
    and database systems

    Directing and carrying out environmental monitoring and
    preventive conservation activities

    Directing condition surveys on both item and collection level as
    appropriate, devising and implementing short and long term
    preservation strategies based on assessment

    Advising on exhibition and loan of collection material to ensure
    its safety and care, including packaging for transport,
    security, length of display, mounting, lighting and
    environmental conditions

    Providing emergency preparedness and disaster recovery
    leadership

    Examining, documenting, and conducting complex conservation
    treatment of a wide range of paper-based archival, library and
    photographic material

    Following best practices and standards for treatments; keeping
    current about the latest conservation techniques and practices
    through research and training

    Assisting in identifying grant opportunities and in the
    preparation of grant applications and funding proposals for
    collection-related needs

    Supporting staff, patron, and community engagement through
    outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, and other
    training for Center and/or external audiences, and social media

Required qualifications:

    Master's degree from a recognized conservation training program
    with a specialization in paper or book conservation

    Minimum five years experience conserving paper-based materials
    Experience in preservation project management

    Knowledge of preservation theory and standards of conservation
    practice Experience supervising and managing collaborative teams

    Experience with technology-based management tools

    Good organizational, time management and communication skills

    Ability to work independently and as part of a team

    Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including
    collection managers, archivists, librarians, building operations
    staff, and administration

    Preferred qualifications:

    Experience working with library or archival material

    Experience with budget development, and tracking budgets and
    expenditures

To Apply: Review of applications will begin immediately.  First
consideration will be given to applications received by Sunday
December 27, 2015.   Please direct questions and applications (cover
letter addressing each of the selection criteria, resume and salary
requirements) to:

    Felicity Corkill
    Preservation Services Manager
    Center for Jewish History
    15 West 16th Street
    New York NY 10011
    fcorkill<-at->cjh<.>org

No phone calls please.  Candidates invited for interview will be
required to present a conservation portfolio of projects and
treatments, and the contact details of three references.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:28
                 Distributed: Friday, December 4, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-29-28-031
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