Chief Conservator & Preservation Leader

Socket.dev; Folger (AK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403b contribution and match

Extensive leave options

Job summary

The Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill seeks a skilled conservation professional to lead long‑term care and treatment of its world‑renowned collection as Head of Conservation and Preservation. This role oversees a 2000‑sq ft lab, a team of four conservators, and partners with multiple departments to integrate preservation into institutional planning.

Ideal candidates have deep hands‑on expertise in book and paper conservation, strong material science knowledge, and proven management

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in conservation or MLIS with conservation training.
• 10+ years in book and paper conservation.
• 3+ years of management experience leading a lab and staff.
• Experience in exhibition preparation and installation.
• Strong documentation and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads treatments for Folger’s collections including books, manuscripts, and textiles.
• Performs risk assessments and sets preventive care priorities.
• Oversees complex conservation treatments and documentation.
• Represents conservation to external services and partners.
• Mentors staff, fellows, and interns; leads training sessions.
• Supports exhibition development and object handling guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team leadership

Conservation ethics

Communication

Education

MA in Conservation

MLIS with conservation training

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Word

Airtable

FileMaker Pro

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill seeks a skilled conservation professional to lead long‑term care and treatment of its world‑renowned collection as Head of Conservation and Preservation. This role oversees a 2000‑sq ft lab, a team of four conservators, and partners with multiple departments to integrate preservation into institutional planning.

Ideal candidates have deep hands‑on expertise in book and paper conservation, strong material science knowledge, and proven management