Chief Conservator & Science Leader

Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a visionary Head of Conservation and Science to lead the museum’s conservation and scientific research program, including the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science. You will oversee care, treatment, documentation, and research of the collection, coordinating with curatorial departments and external partners.

You will mentor staff, develop and implement conservation strategies, and collaborate with Philanthropy to secure support for priority projects.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in conservation, science or related discipline.
• Minimum of ten to fifteen years of post-graduate experience, or equivalent training and experience.
• Broad professional knowledge of conservation, conservation science, and collections care.
• Successful track record in a management role in a cultural institution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with software platforms for administration, project management, and image processing.

Responsibilities

• Provides professional and operational leadership for the Conservation and Science department.
• Directs Grainger Center for Conservation and Science activities, labs, classroom, and gallery.
• Advices on conservation and scientific research issues for museum collections.
• Oversees budgeting, facilities, and staff development for conservation teams.
• Develops research priorities and disseminates conservation findings.
• Leads fundraising outreach and philanthropic engagement for the department.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Conservation science

Team management

Education

Graduate degree in conservation/science

Job description

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a visionary Head of Conservation and Science to lead the museum’s conservation and scientific research program, including the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science. You will oversee care, treatment, documentation, and research of the collection, coordinating with curatorial departments and external partners.

You will mentor staff, develop and implement conservation strategies, and collaborate with Philanthropy to secure support for priority projects.