Job Posting: Textile Conservator, ICA-Art Conservation
Listing Start Date: January 15, 2025
Expires: March 15, 2025
ICA-Art Conservation seeks a full-time Textile Conservator. The textile conservation lab is part of a vibrant, full service, nonprofit, regional conservation center that includes paintings, objects, textiles, and paper conservation studios. ICA conservators treat collection items for public organizations, government entities, individuals, and corporate collection stewards. ICA is located in a restored warehouse complex near downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It is the oldest regional non-profit conservation center in the US.
The Cleveland area is experiencing a renaissance of development and active revitalization with many unique neighborhoods, including the area around ICA. This revitalization, and a long history of community and public investment, support very active arts and culture, sports and entertainment, parks and nature, food, music, education, and medical sectors. Cleveland is an excellent place to live with a high quality of life and a low cost of living.
The Textile Conservator is responsible for the examination and treatment of artwork and objects at ICA and on site during regional fieldwork and participates in the implementation and oversight of textile conservation projects which may involve coordinating staff and subcontractors. The conservator will interact professionally with board members, community leaders, clients, collecting institutions, and the general public. This position reports to the Executive Director.
Principal duties and responsibilities:
▪ Design and carry out examination and conservation treatment of textiles from a range of public and private collections
▪ Prepare time and cost estimates for conservation projects
▪ Assemble materials for Request for Proposals (RFPs)
▪ Communicate with clients regarding inquiries and projects
▪ Interact professionally with a broad range of colleagues concerning conservation and preservation projects
▪ Conduct research to understand objects and to support recommended treatment protocols
▪ Prepare documentation for grant applications and reports
▪ Perform onsite field work which may involve working with local communities, organizational assessments, collection surveys, examinations, treatments, and consultations
▪ Participate in interdepartmental projects and act as lead conservator as needed
▪ Collaborate with colleagues in other specializations and mentor interns and volunteers
▪ Manage and oversee subcontractors
▪ Actively participate in ICA’s education programs which include- teaching, lecturing, leading tours and other outreach opportunities
▪ Represent ICA in meetings with potential clients, donors, and other professionals
▪ Stay current with theoretical discourse, best practice, and innovation in the field through pursuing professional development opportunities
Qualifications:
▪ Master’s degree in conservation from a recognized training program OR equivalent experience
▪ Experience in treating textiles of all types including contemporary art and costumes
▪ Experience working in the field of conservation in an institutional or private practice setting
▪ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
▪ Ability to travel to onsite projects in the surrounding region and beyond, as required
▪ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
▪ You must be legally authorized to work in the United States, either as a US citizen, permanent resident, or already in possession of a valid work visa
Compensation & Benefits
▪ Starting salary range: $52,000 – $59,000
▪ An excellent benefits package, including 403 B with an employer match after 1 year
▪ AIC Membership
▪ Friendly, supportive atmosphere at the nation’s first nonprofit regional art conservation center
To apply please send a cover letter and CV to: [email protected]