Description

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center (W+AACC) seeks a full-time Conservator and Head of Paintings Lab for its Williamstown facility. We welcome applicants regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or protected class.

Conservator and Head of Paintings Lab is responsible for the paintings laboratory including staff, interns, and students that work in the lab, all aspects of the conservation and preservation work of the lab, and operation of the lab. This role combines hands-on paintings conservation practice with administrative and strategic leadership, ensuring the highest standards of preservation care while advancing WACC’s mission and institutional priorities. The Conservator and Head of Paintings Lab is a senior member of the staff and reports to the Executive Director.

The Conservator and Head of Paintings Lab works with colleagues in W+AACC’ s paper, paintings, objects, frames and furniture, and analytical departments in both Williamstown and Atlanta to develop and perform cross-discipline, collaborative treatment and care for art and cultural heritage that is the key mission of the organization.

The Conservator and Head of Paintings Lab will supervise an experienced team of six FTE paintings conservators working within an established laboratory structure and in close collaboration with the Executive Director, administrative, and senior staff.

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ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

W+AACCis a non-profitorganizationcomprisedof regional conservation centers in the Northeast and Southeast.Ourstate-of-the-artconservationcenters enjoy strong relationships with local museums andinstitutionsof higher education. The Williamstown Center is located on the campusof the Clark Art Institute, while theAtlanta Centerislocatedinan offsite facilityofthe High Museum of Art.W+AACC’smission is toprotect, conserve,andmaintainheritage objects from all cultures.Witha membershipof more thanfifty organizations, W+AACCis the largest regionalconservation center in the country.

Ourconservators adhere to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice as formulated by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC), the national membership organization of conservation professionals.
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Oversee the daily operations of the paintings laboratory to accomplish the Center’s objectives. Manage, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and interns, including making recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions.
• Set priorities, direct workflow, monitor quality and productivity.
• Plan, cost, coordinate, and implement strategies pertaining to the care of cultural heritage materials for the Center's clients, including examinations and condition assessments, treatments, condition surveys, institutional assessments, and recommendations for the display, handling, storage, and transport of objects.
• Serve as a member of the senior staff. Work with the Executive Director and other members of the senior staff to contribute to the development of W+AACC’s vision, strategy, and operational procedures for an industry leading organization. Align department’s annual goals and team member expectations in support of the organization’s overall goals.

OTHER LAB HEAD DUTIES

• Maintain awareness of current conservation principles and best practices.
• Work with senior staff and the Executive Director to develop and implement policies and procedures of the organization
• Develop budgets, manage expenditures, and contribute to grant writing and fundraising proposals
• Lead or assist with large-scale conservation projects, research programs, or education initiatives
• Represent W+AACC in meetings with other professionals, potential clients, and donors
• Set standard for exceptional client service and delivery and ensure team is providing exceptional client services; expanding and growing existing relationships and obtaining referrals for new clients

CONSERVATOR DUTIES:

• Examine paintings presented for conservation care and prepare examination and condition reports
• Conduct sufficient research, in consultation with the owner/curator, to understand paintings and support recommended treatment protocols
• Perform scientific and technical analyses using imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical tools as appropriate
• Design and recommend treatment proposals for paintings with time and cost estimates
• Perform conservation treatments and preservation procedures as described in approved proposals and following current best professional practices
• Design/perform a range of surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations
• Communicate with collection stewards regarding projects, in concert with W+AACC administrative staff
• Participate in interdepartmental projects, acting as project lead as needed.
• Develop protocols and environmental and material standards for the display, handling, storage, and transport of materials
• Manage and oversee subcontractors as needed for projects

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Master’s degree in Conservation (with a specialization in Paintings) or equivalent training
• Minimum of five years of post-graduate professional conservation experience
• Demonstrated readiness to assume laboratory leadership responsibilities, including leading, managing, and developing a team
• Skilled in project management
• Excellent communication skills
• Exhibit exceptional professional presence, confidentiality, and judgement in all interactions
• Displays flexibility and openness in daily work and encourages others to stay open to change and improvement
• Demonstrates and promotes respect toward coworkers
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects
• Ability to thrive in a team environment with a “can do” attitude in helping one another to provide an exemplary level of service
• Digital literacy and comfort with standard office software (email, spreadsheets, databases, and document tools)
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess credentials permitting legal work in the United States

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COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Annual salary of $85,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience
• $5,000relocationallowance
• Excellent benefits package is offered including health, dental,paidholidays,paid time off,paidsick time
• A professional development allowanceand five dedicated days annually for research and professional development
• W+AACC covers half of theannualcost of membership in the American Institute forConservation
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TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, CV or résumé, a portfolio of three conservation projects, and contact information for three professional references. Materials should demonstrate relevant paintings conservation experience and preparedness for laboratory leadership. References will be contacted only for finalists.

Send materials to: WACC@WilliamstownArt.org

Questions may be directed to:
Briann Greenfield, Executive Director
BGreenfield@WilliamstownArt.org

Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.