Position at Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Head of Conservation
Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

(Search reopened)

The Asian Art Museum, a premier San Francisco institution, is one of
the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to
Asian art. The museum's magnificent and priceless collection of more
than 17,000 objects, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics,
bronzes, jades, and textiles, exemplifies the artistic
accomplishments of countries and cultures throughout Asia. In 2003
the museum relocated to an historic Civic Center building which
underwent a multi-million dollar renovation to become the Asian Art
Museum's spectacular new home.

    *   The museum began recruiting for a Head of Conservation in
        2006 but placed the recruitment on temporary hold while
        pursuing a Mellon Grant to fund conservation efforts. This
        $1.5M grant has now been received, allowing for a
        conservation endowment of $2.5M.

The Asian Art Museum is seeking an experienced conservator with
strong managerial, leadership, and communication skills to supervise
and coordinate the staff and operations of the Conservation
Laboratory for this world-renowned collection.

Reporting to the Director of Museum Services, the Head of
Conservation directs and manages the staff and activities of the
Conservation department; supervises and performs highly skilled
conservation work, including examination, research, treatment,
documentation, and preparation for exhibition of Asian art objects.
He/she manages all administrative duties related to the operations
of the department, and serves as the museum's chief spokesperson on
conservation issues.

The Head of Conservation performs highly skilled conservation work;
determines standards and procedures for the care of Asian artworks
within the museum, in exhibitions, and on loan; devises restoration
and preservation methods and techniques; consults with curators,
scientists, and external conservators; liaises with outside
specialists such as painting mounters and framers; and provides
information on conservation matters to museum staff, colleagues and
the public.

The ideal candidate will have a significant record of professional
accomplishments that may also include publishing and research.
Bringing energy and vision, the candidate will be able to anticipate
the future needs of the institution and to design effective systems
for meeting the museum's obligations with regard to the care and
preservation of the collection.

Minimum Qualifications

    Master's Degree in Art Conservation from a recognized college or
    university, or a Master of Arts Degree in Art History with a
    Certificate in Conservation from a recognized Conservation
    Training Program. The desired candidate will have a strong
    background in object conservation and experience with Asian art,
    although outstanding candidates with other conservation
    specializations will also be considered.

    Five (5) years of verifiable museum conservation experience,
    beyond the degree or certificate, with the techniques, materials
    and equipment used in the conservation of Asian art objects; or
    an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
    experience must include at least two (2) years of supervision.

    Demonstrated knowledge of: the technology, materials and
    equipment used in the conservation of works of Asian art;
    procedures relating to the examination and the preventative and
    corrective treatment of art objects; the environmental and
    handling requirements for storage, exhibition and travel of art
    objects.

    Ability to: examine and determine the condition and conservation
    needs of works of art; plan, direct and implement research
    strategies to determine the date, authenticity and fabrication
    of Asian art objects; work collaboratively with curatorial staff
    in research projects.

    Ability to provide sound advice and recommendations regarding
    the design of facilities to ensure the proper display, storage
    and treatment of works of art.

    Ability to: organize and manage complex projects; analyze
    complicated administrative problems, evaluate alternative
    solutions and adopt effective courses of action; develop and
    manage budgets.

    Ability to: supervise, direct, motivate and evaluate staff,
    interns and volunteers; establish and maintain cooperative and
    effective working relationships with museum staff, visitors,
    volunteers, donors and representatives of other museums.

    Strong leadership, interpersonal, planning and organizational
    skills; excellent written and oral communication skills;
    effective presentation, negotiation, problem solving, and
    conflict resolution skills.

Compensation: Excellent compensation and benefits package

Apply online at <URL:http://www.asianart.org> or send a letter of
interest and resume as soon as possible to:

    Human Resources
    Asian Art Museum
    200 Larkin Street
    San Francisco, CA 94102
    Fax: 415-861-2359

The Asian Art Museum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:36
                Distributed: Saturday, January 27, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-20-36-025
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