Senior Director, Conservation & Museum Care

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia is seeking a Director of Conservation to lead the conservation department, shape preservation strategies, and ensure high standards of care for historic assets across the Foundation's collections and preservation programs.

You will oversee budgets, collaborate with curators and registrars, support donor development, and guide education and interpretive efforts while advancing emergency preparedness and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, history, art history, American studies, or related field.
• Graduate-level conservation studies or equivalent professional experience.
• Ten or more years of professional conservation experience.
• Six or more years of management experience in a museum or related institution.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight for the conservation department.
• Collaborates with other Foundation departments on mission-driven projects.
• Helps maintain industry status as a leading conservation institution.
• Establishes procedures and long-range plans for the department.
• Collaborates with curators and registrars on conservation guidance for collections.
• Oversees documentation and standards of treatment, written/digital and photographic.
• Leads research and analytical capabilities and conservation facilities.
• Manages department budgets and prepares budget quotes for materials.
• Works with VP on fundraising, grants, and donor development.
• Partners with Public Safety on emergency plans and readiness.
• Supports staff development and oversees publications and research.

Skills

Conservation science

Museum ethics

Historic artifacts

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in conservation, history, art history, American studies, or related field

Graduate-level conservation studies or equivalent

Job description

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia is seeking a Director of Conservation to lead the conservation department, shape preservation strategies, and ensure high standards of care for historic assets across the Foundation's collections and preservation programs.

You will oversee budgets, collaborate with curators and registrars, support donor development, and guide education and interpretive efforts while advancing emergency preparedness and staff development.