HEAD OF CONSERVATION

**SEARCH REOPENED**



The Asian Art Museum, a premier San Francisco institution, is one of the

largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. The

museum’s magnificent and priceless collection of more than 17,000 objects,

including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, bronzes, jades, and textiles,

exemplifies the artistic accomplishments of countries and cultures

throughout Asia.  In 2003, the museum relocated to an historic Civic Center

building which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation to become the

Asian Art Museum’s spectacular new home.



The Asian Art Museum is seeking an experienced conservator with strong

managerial, leadership, and communication skills to supervise and

coordinate the staff and operations of the Conservation Laboratory for this

world-renowned collection.



Reporting to the Director of Museum Services, the Head of Conservation

directs and manages the staff and activities of the Conservation

department; supervises and performs highly skilled conservation work,

including examination, research, treatment, documentation, and preparation

for exhibition of Asian art objects.  He/she manages all administrative

duties related to the operations of the department, and serves as the

museum’s chief spokesperson on conservation issues.



The Head of Conservation performs highly skilled conservation work;

determines standards and procedures for the care of Asian artworks within

the museum, in exhibitions, and on loan; devises restoration and

preservation methods and techniques; consults with curators, scientists,

and external conservators; liaises with outside specialists such as

painting mounters and framers; and provides information on conservation

matters to museum staff, colleagues, and the public.



The ideal candidate will have a significant record of professional

accomplishments that may also include publishing and research.  Bringing

energy and vision, the candidate will be able to anticipate the future

needs of the institution and to design effective systems for meeting the

museum’s obligations with regard to the care and preservation of the

collection.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS



·     Master’s Degree in Art Conservation from a recognized college or

university, or a Master of Arts Degree in Art History with a Certificate in

Conservation from a recognized Conservation Training Program. The desired

candidate will have a strong background in object conservation and

experience with Asian art, although outstanding candidates with other

conservation specializations will also be considered.



·     Five (5) years of verifiable museum conservation experience, beyond

the degree or certificate, with the techniques, materials, and equipment

used in the conservation of Asian art objects; or an equivalent combination

of education, training, and experience; experience must include at least

two (2) years of supervision.



·     Demonstrated knowledge of: the technology, materials, and equipment

used in the conservation of works of Asian art; procedures relating to the

examination and the preventative and corrective treatment of art objects;

the environmental and handling requirements for storage, exhibition, and

travel of art objects.



·     Ability to: examine and determine the condition and conservation

needs of works of art; plan, direct and implement research strategies to

determine the date, authenticity, and fabrication of Asian art objects;

work collaboratively with curatorial staff in research projects.



·     Ability to provide sound advice and recommendations regarding the

design of facilities to ensure the proper display, storage, and treatment

of works of art.



·     Ability to: organize and manage complex projects; analyze complicated

administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions and adopt effective

courses of action; develop and manage budgets.



·     Ability to: supervise, direct, motivate, and evaluate staff, interns,

and volunteers; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working

relationships with museum staff, visitors, volunteers, donors, and

representatives of other museums.



·     Strong leadership, interpersonal, planning, and organizational

skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; effective

presentation, negotiation, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.



COMPENSATION



Excellent compensation and benefits package



APPLICATION PROCEDURE



Apply online at www.asianart.org or



Send a letter of interest and resume as soon as possible to:



HUMAN RESOURCES

ASIAN ART MUSEUM

200 Larkin Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

FAX: 415-861-2359





The Asian Art Museum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.