CAREERS - Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center

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We will advertise for current open positions at both our Williamstown + Atlanta locations on this page. If no positions are available at this time, we will archive your CV and application materials for future reference.

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CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS

Post Graduate Paintings Conservation Fellowship

Williamstown, Massachusetts – January 2024

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center seeks a qualified and motivated Post Graduate Painting Conservation Fellow to join our team at our Stone Hill Center located in Williamstown, MA. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate in paintings conservation who seeks to gain significant experience in practical conservation treatment, project management, and teaching. This is a one-year fellowship with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

The candidate would be joining a team of three multi-disciplined paintings conservators that work on a wide range of paintings, from 14^th century to modern and contemporary works. The conservators in the paintings studio work closely with colleagues in the paper, objects, furniture, and analytical departments and with our colleagues in W+AACC’s Atlanta Conservation Center for a cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to treatment and collection care. Our diverse range of projects provides the opportunity to work closely with many museums and academic institutions as well as private collectors and the public. The conservation fellow will gain significant practical experience with multiple approaches to structural work (i.e., lining, de-lining, tear repair), surface cleaning, varnish removal, filling, and retouching.

The conservation staff is supported by an in-house imaging specialist, conservation technicians, a preparator, and a talented administrative team. Our analytical laboratory and relationship with the Williams College Chemistry Department provide opportunities to integrate technical analysis into conservation methodology. Please see past issues of our Art Conservator publication to see what our community of conservators has been working on and the scope of projects that come through the Center.

Education and professional development is integral to our mission as a regional center. Our conservators teach in the graduate art history department at Williams College and provide mentorship to graduate and pre-program conservation interns. The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest and experience in education and preservation outreach.

Duties of this position:

Design and carry out examination and conservation treatment on a wide range of paintings from the 14^thcentury to the 21^st
Design and perform a range of collection surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations.
Collaborate with other conservation and collections professionals in developing and performing treatments and in preventive care activities.
Learn estimation practices for treatment duration and materials costs.
Communicate with collection stewards regarding inquiries and projects, in coordination with W+AACC’s administrative staff.
Interact professionally with a broad range of people concerning conservation and preservation, both in person, over the phone, and via electronic communications.
Conduct research to understand objects and to support recommended treatment protocols.
Perform onsite work which may involve organizational assessments, collection surveys, examinations, treatments, and consulting.
Participate in interdepartmental projects, acting as lead conservator on projects, as assigned.
Work with colleagues in other specializations and oversee interns and volunteers, as assigned.
Actively participate in W+AACC’s education programs – teaching, lecturing, and leading tours including instruction for a Williams College Graduate Art History course (ARTH 508).
Represent W+AACC in meetings with potential clients, donors, and other professionals.
Participate in staff meetings.
Stay current with theoretical discourse, best practice, and innovation in the field.

Applicant Requirements:

A Master’s degree in conservation OR equivalent educational experience.
Excellent communication, time management, and interactive skills for frequent collaboration on projects with other departments and member professionals.
Active membership in the American Institute for Conservation.
Demonstrated versatility and interest in the performance of techniques and materials used to treat a wide variety of paintings.
Experience with structural repair, including lining.
Experience with the use of the Modular Cleaning Program and/or methodology for the cleaning of unvarnished surfaces (i.e., modern oil or acrylic).
Experience with integrating technical analysis into treatment methodologies.
Ability to travel to onsite projects in the surrounding region and beyond, as required.
Ability to work on scaffolding indoors and out, stand for prolonged periods, lift 40lbs., have a valid driver’s license, and be legally able to work in the United States.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and FileMaker (Preferred).

Compensation + Benefits:

Salary for the Fellowship is $50,000, commensurate with experience.
A competitive benefits package is offered including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 403b with 5% employer match, holidays, vacation sick, personal, and research days.
A professional development allowance of $1,000 is provided towards workshops and conferences and support for half of the membership dues in the American Institute for Conservation is provided.

Applications are requested as soon as possible. Interviews will begin as soon as applications are received.

Applications should include a letter of interest, a portfolio demonstrating three treatments that address the requirements, and a CV. Please send applications to Maggie Barkovic at [email protected].

About the Center:

The Williamstown + Atlanta Centers are non-for-profit regional conservation centers that provide conservation expertise and treatment for collections belonging to member institutions, organizations, nonprofit and corporate collection stewards , and private individuals that do not have their own conservation resources. Our state-of-the-art conservation facility in the Berkshires was designed by Pritzker Prize architect, Tadao Ando, and is located on the campus of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, adjacent to Williams College campus.

W+AACC’s mission is to protect, conserve and maintain heritage objects from all cultures; to provide examination, treatment, consultation, and related conservation services for member institutions and other non-profit organizations, corporations, and individuals; to conduct educational programs with respect to the care and conservation of works of art and objects of cultural interest; to participate in the training of conservators; to promote the importance of conservation and increase the awareness of the issues pertinent to collections care; and to conduct research and disseminate knowledge to advance the profession.

Our conservation and preservation work touches upon objects born of all cultures, all times, all geographies, and all belief systems. It is imperative that W+AACC conduct its work within an environment that transcends any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, disability, or protected class. At W+AACC, all perspectives are relevant, vital, and welcome in the development and implementation of the best solutions to conserve, preserve, and share our visual material culture.

Finance and Administration Associate

Williamstown, Massachusetts – April 2024

Position Description

The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers (W+AACC) seeks a qualified and dynamic Finance and Administration Associate to join our team at our Williamstown, MA, location.

The Finance and Administration Associate will be an important member of the administrative team and will report to the Executive Director. The successful candidate will be active in supporting the following areas: finance, budgeting, staff benefits, hiring, and administration for both the Williamstown, MA, and Atlanta, GA, conservation center locations.

The Finance and Administration Associate will be a critical part of the front office team, participating in financial decision making and operations as W+AACC enhances its quality work and builds capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance associate to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a highly respected, high-impact nonprofit organization and grow within the team.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

Perform daily, weekly, and monthly bookkeeping and accounting tasks including classifying and recording accounts receivable and accounts payable data such as cash receipts, vendor invoices and resolving recipient and vendor issues and questions.
Prepare and clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; reconcile bank statements and oversee all financial, project, program, and grants accounting.
Coordinate and assist with the annual audit and tax processes with external auditors.
Contribute to the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED and consultants; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.
Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
Work to improve W+AACC’s project, fiscal management, and reporting systems; ensure that project billing and collection schedules are followed support operations.
Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; contribute to a new financial policy and procedure manual.
Work with the Executive Director to effectively communicate and present financial matters to the board of trustees; attend staff and board meetings.

Staff Support

Oversee human resources activities: compensation, benefits, training, and hiring.
Prepare bi-weekly payroll and coordinate with processing with outside vendor.
Prepare and submit electronic disbursement details for benefit payments to providers, including retirement, flex accounts, etc., and reconcile monthly benefit statements.
Ensure that on-boarding processes are consistent and successful.
Help employees understand and navigate staff policies, and procedures.
Work closely and transparently with external partners: member representatives, clients, third-party vendors, and consultants.
Oversee administrative functions to ensure efficient and consistent operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate Degree in Business or related field OR a combination of relevant education and professional experience.
At least one year of professional work experience in a similar position.
Expertise and experience with accounting practices for nonprofit organizations.
Experience as lead employee responsible for quality and content of financial data, reporting, and audit coordination for a division or program area.
Experience overseeing staff support functions, including benefits administration.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Knowledge of accounting and reporting software, specifically Sage 50
Technologically savvy with experience with managing software vendors.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Exposure to grant writing and management
Ability to set priorities and multi-task in a busy, fast-paced environment.
Analytic, organizational, and critical thinking skills to make sound decisions.
Excellent communication and relationship building skills; ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Integrity, credibility, attention to detail, and dedication to the mission of W+AACC.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be legally able to work in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits

The full-time, 37.5 hours per week position salary range starts at $50,000. The salary offered will be based on the applicant’s combination of skills, abilities, experience, and education.

An excellent benefits package is offered including health, vision, and life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a 403b with a 5% employer match; holidays; and vacation, personal, and medical leave.

To Apply

Applications are requested as soon as possible. Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received. Applications should include a letter of interest, résumé, and contact information for three references to Julie Reilly, W+AACC’s Executive Director, at [email protected].

About W+AACC

The Williamstown + Atlanta Centers are nonprofit regional conservation centers that provide conservation expertise and treatment for collections belonging to 57 member institutions, nonprofit, corporate, and private stewards. Our Williamstown Center is located on the grounds of the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA.