Sherman Fairchild Director of Conservation

Description:

The Morgan Library & Museum (“the Morgan”) invites applications for the role of Sherman Fairchild Director of Conservation in the Thaw Conservation Center (“TCC”). Working collaboratively with the Morgan administration, and with colleagues in conservation, exhibitions, registrarial, facilities, curatorial and other departments, develop and promote policies and procedures supporting the preservation, documentation, conservation treatment, exhibition, loan and technical study of the Morgan’s collections, primarily focusing on books, manuscripts, photographs, and works on paper but also including paintings, sculptures, furniture and other artifacts on view in the historic library building and in storage.

• Provide strategic and administrative leadership for staffing and operations of the Thaw Conservation Center, serving both departmental and institutional goals. Manage annual departmental budget planning and expenditures. Act as primary liaison with Conservation Visiting Committee and other donors, working closely with the Director of Individual Giving. Maintain relationships with foundations supporting post-graduate fellowships and endowed staff positions. Create reports and presentations for all of the above as required.

• Collaborate closely with the Exhibition and Collection Management Department to ensure seamless coordination of shared exhibition- and loan-related timelines and workflows.

Supervise permanent staff of four full-time conservators, one full-time preparator, and two part-time preparators; hire and recruit contract conservators, consultants, post-graduate fellows and staff members as needed.

Carry out research and treatment on Morgan collection materials according to individual conservation specialty. Participate in national and international professional organizations, present and/or publish on significant research or treatment projects related to the Morgan’s collections. Support collaboration, outreach, and education both inside and outside of the Morgan.

Requirements:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work creatively and collaboratively with colleagues throughout the Morgan, and to engage a variety of constituencies with the activities of the TCC .

Knowledge of the history of art, history of photography, bibliography, and/or the history of manuscript and book production. Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of paper, parchment, leather, papyrus, and other materials found in the Morgan’s collections of books, manuscripts, and works on paper, and the methods used to treat them; familiarity with a variety of analytical and imaging techniques for identifying and/or determining changes in these materials.

Extensive experience with simple and complex treatments of books, paper, parchment, photographs or other materials represented in the Morgan’s core collections; ability to make informed judgments on appropriate treatment and/or housing strategies.

Understanding of and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.

Awareness of analytical and imaging procedures typically used in conservation research and documentation (e.g., spectral imaging, XRF, FORS, beta radiography).

Ability to use the Morgan’s information systems (TMS, Voyager); proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and digital imaging/processing hardware and software.

Ability to write and edit texts for publication and presentation.

Education and Experience:

Graduate degree in conservation, or equivalent knowledge and experience, with a minimum of an additional ten years working in museum or library conservation at progressive levels of responsibility. Significant supervisory experience is strongly preferred.

History of successful conservation or preservation management in non-profit or academic organizations; experience writing grant proposals and managing project budgets and workflows. Commitment to the advancement of cultural heritage conservation, as demonstrated through research, publications, presentations, teaching, advocacy, and/or professional service

Demonstrable record of conservation treatments on significant works on paper, manuscripts, rare books, bindings, photographs, or other materials relevant to the Morgan’s collections.

Travel

Occasional off-site visits to local storage facilities, private residences, auction houses, and other institutions. Domestic and international courier travel for loans may be required.

Work Environment

The Thaw Conservation Center is a fully equipped book and paper conservation facility with appropriate safety equipment such as fume extraction and designated chemical storage.

Physical Requirements

Excellent level of manual dexterity and visual acuity; ability to work standing as required for successful completion of conservation treatments. Ability to use appropriate PPE to protect against moderate levels of dust, mold, or chemicals used in treatment.

Additional Qualifications

Ability to use the Morgan’s collection information systems (The Museum System, Voyager); facility with Microsoft Office applications and digital imaging platforms used for conservation documentation.