Conservator, Paper at Art Institute of Chicago

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Hiring Range: $72,000 - $90,000
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full-Time Salaried Staff
• Grade Level: 9

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Responsible for the treatment, research, and long-term preservation of over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute’s collections, the Department of Conservation and Science is integral to the museum’s mission to safeguard the world’s artistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Founded in 1956 with a single paintings conservator, the department has grown to a staff of over 30 specializing in nine disciplines organized in five divisions:

• Objects and Textiles
• Paintings and Frames
• Paper and Books
• Photography and Media
• Scientific Research

Members of the department contribute to the advancement of the field and the broader awareness of conservation issues through multiple avenues of specialized and societal dissemination, are involved in object-based teaching and scientific research, and actively support the education of future conservation and museum professionals.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting to the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation, the Conservator carries out examination, research and treatment of objects in the permanent collection, providing ongoing care to works of art on paper and other paper-based museum collections. The Conservator carries out conservation-related activities to support exhibitions, permanent collection rotations, new acquisitions, gifts, loans, imaging, technical examination, as well as researcher and class visits. Advises on care for the collection and preventive conservation processes including maintenance, proper storage, and environmental conditions in storage and exhibition. Conducts in-depth studies and publishes on artists’ technique and on methods and materials used in the making or caring of works of art. Collaborates in the planning, maintenance and day-to-day workflow of the paper conservation studio. Actively engages in mentoring junior conservators, fellows, interns and volunteers as needed. Is committed to and actively engaged in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Treatment and Collection Care

• Responsible for prioritizing treatment needs for works on paper in the collection, discussing and coordinating treatments and schedules with curatorial colleagues. Engages in high level discussions with curatorial staff about treatment choices, history and aesthetics of collection. 
• Prepares treatment proposals in consultation with the William E. Urschel Family Director of Paper, Photography and Media Conservation. Executes conservation treatments and maintains full documentation of treatment. Supervises the execution of treatments by other paper conservation staff and outside consultants as needed.
• Regularly meets with curatorial colleagues to advise on art preparation, installation and movement for gallery rotations, loans, and exhibitions.
• Advises on environmental standards for works on paper in the permanent collection and for works that are proposed for loan.
• Advises on gallery and storage maintenance, including regular and preventative care of artworks.
• Responds to emergencies that occur in galleries or storage areas as requested.

Exhibitions, Loans, and Acquisitions

• Manages all work related to loans, including conducting condition assessments, estimating framing and preparation needs and costs, documenting transit and display requirements, discussing and disseminating documents, and addressing concerns as needed.
• Manages scheduling and communication with museum colleagues for loan preparation and examination. Carries out treatments related to loans. Supervises the execution of minor treatments by other paper conservation staff and outside consultants related to loans as needed.
• Carries out examinations on works on paper as they enter and leave the museum for loans, and prepares and shares related documentation.
• Manages the conservation requirements for assigned exhibitions, including condition reporting and treatment, and ensuring that environmental requirements of lenders are met.
• Responsible for review of works under consideration for purchase and preparation of relevant documentation.
• Serves as a courier (virtual or in person) for artwork as needed.

Conservation records

• Maintains all conservation documentation pertaining to the collection in the department’s files and shares copies in the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system in accordance with the highest archival and digital preservation standards.
• Acts as the licensed user for Paper Conservation data uploaded to the museum's collection management database and digital asset management system.
• Facilitates access to and advises on organization of images and files on the Paper Conservation server.

Materials and Supplies

• Contributes to studio maintenance and safety, and to using/maintaining equipment.
• Oversees use and maintenance of the technical imaging room and equipment; disseminates protocols and instructions as needed. Oversees development and implementation of the methodology for registration and tiling of conservation images.
• With supervisor’s approval orders supplies in consultation with the Administrative Coordinator for Conservation and Science.

Collaboration

• Maintains clear communication with colleagues (manager, peers and subordinates) about ongoing priorities, goals, and projects.
• Facilitates interdepartmental communication with Curatorial Departments, Collections and Loans, Museum Engineers, Exhibitions and other in-house entities as directed by supervisor in relations to paper conservation needs and requirements.
• Supports the museum in its commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution; treats colleagues and visitors fairly and respectfully, recognizing the value that diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to our organization.

Research

• Conducts research and publishes on technique, conservation and on methods and materials of works of art on paper.
• Keeps up to date with the newest technologies and seeks ways of applying them to the conservation of Art Institute collections.
• Performs basic technical analysis after training and conducts more sophisticated scientific investigation in partnership with the museum’s conservation scientists.

Communication, professional development and dissemination

• Publishes results of research projects in Museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences.
• Travels to attend conferences and workshops, present papers and confer with colleagues.
• Corresponds with professionals with regard to research, answers inquiries of a technical nature, in-house and outside the institution. Answers public inquiries by phone and mail as necessary. Conducts studio tours and lectures.
• Leads initiatives aimed at donor stewardship and philanthropy, including tours, presentations, and public engagement as needed.
• Serves on committees and undertakes special projects and responsibilities as appointed by the Executive Director of Conservation and Science.

Training and Mentorship

• May be asked to occasionally mentor and supervise treatment and research activities of junior conservators, fellows, interns, volunteers and visiting scholars as needed.
• May be asked to train and supervise art handlers, mount makers, photographers and other specialists in all aspects of their work with works on paper and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for hours at a time, lift up to 30 pounds, and work in an environment which includes exposure to materials containing possible dust, pests, mold and chemicals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program required.
• Minimum of ten years of post-graduate experience or commensurate qualification and experience.
• Proven expertise in the treatment of prints, drawings and other paper-based collections representing globally diverse traditions and perspectives, including major and complex treatments.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by a track record of publications and presentations.
• Must have previous experience at stewarding the work of others and effectively leading cross-departmental teams.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines and be proficient at project prioritization.
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others, maintain positive relationships, and contribute to long-term cross-departmental relationships.
• Embraces the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

UNION: This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected].