Conservation Director: Values-Driven, Collaborative Leadership

Artbma; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The Baltimore Museum of Art seeks an experienced Director of Conservation to lead a multi-disciplinary team of conservators and technicians and shape the department’s research, treatment, and preventive practices.

The role partners with Curatorial, Registration, Exhibitions, Installation, Facilities, and Education to advance ethical collection stewardship, sustainability, and audience engagement while guiding a comprehensive Conservation Plan and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in art conservation and at least 10 years of professional conservator experience.
• Strong leadership, staff development, and collaborative skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
• Experience developing and managing project and operational budgets.
• Proficiency with collection management systems; TMS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and day-to-day leadership for the Conservation Department, ensuring excellence and standards.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate conservators, technicians, interns, fellows, and contract professionals.
• Develop and implement conservation policies and workflows balancing risk, value, access, equity, sustainability, and impact.
• Oversee annual and multi-year conservation plans aligned with priorities and budgets.
• Lead emergency preparedness, disaster response, and incident triage.
• Represent the BMA as a leader in conservation within professional and community settings.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Staff development

Interpersonal skills

English communication

Education

Master’s degree in art conservation

Tools

TMS

Job description

The Baltimore Museum of Art seeks an experienced Director of Conservation to lead a multi-disciplinary team of conservators and technicians and shape the department’s research, treatment, and preventive practices.

The role partners with Curatorial, Registration, Exhibitions, Installation, Facilities, and Education to advance ethical collection stewardship, sustainability, and audience engagement while guiding a comprehensive Conservation Plan and strategic priorities.