Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings

Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings

Job no:
Work type: Faculty (Salaried)
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia
Categories: Educational and Media Services

Title: Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings

State Role Title: VMFA Senior

Hiring Range: $95,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: https://www.vmfa.museum/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

About the Conservation Department:

The Goode Center is a vibrant research, treatment, and training center dedicated to advancing the field of conservation, art history, and science through joint study with conservators, curators, scholars, and scientists. Opened in 2010, the Goode Center is one of the largest conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including hyperspectral, infrared, and multiband imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR, microfade testing, polarized light microscopy, and computed x-radiography.

General Information:

We are currently seeking applications for an experienced, adaptable, and inspirational individual to join our Conservation Department as the Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings.

The Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings provides leadership, oversight, and expertise in the conservation and preservation of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' collection of paintings on canvas and panel, in support of the museum's mission and strategic plan.

Working collaboratively with colleagues within Conservation and across the museum, the Senior Conservator of Paintings oversees all aspects of the care of paintings in the permanent collection and, as appropriate, works on loan to the Museum. Responsibilities include examination, documentation, treatment, technical research, preventive conservation, and the development and implementation of priorities for the long-term preservation of the collection.

The Senior Conservator of Paintings works closely with curators and other museum colleagues, applying established conservation standards and ethical principles to preserve the physical integrity, aesthetic qualities, and historical significance of each work while supporting the museum's exhibition, loan, acquisition, and programmatic needs. The position partners with the Chief Conservator to provide leadership, vision, and management of the paintings conservation staff and collaborates with the Chief Conservator and other Senior Conservators on departmental strategic planning, priorities, and budget management.

The Senior Conservator of Paintings also contributes to the museum's public engagement and educational programs through activities such as laboratory tours, presentations to visiting groups and museum audiences, responses to public inquiries, and presentations of conservation projects and activities. The position may also contribute to fundraising and development initiatives by communicating the significance and impact of conservation work to donors and other stakeholders.

National and international travel may be required for research, conferences, workshops, teaching opportunities, and activities related to exhibitions, loans, and new acquisitions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven skills in the supervision and mentoring of conservators and/or postgraduate fellows and in project and budget management.
• Proven skills in working collaboratively across departments in a complex institutional setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency performing condition assessments, developing complex conservation treatment proposals, and executing treatments independently and to a high degree of competency and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate treatment proposals and supervise treatments being performed by staff, interns, and contractors.
• Demonstrated proficiency researching history, methods of manufacture, materials, and condition issues utilizing scientific analysis and examination techniques frequently used in conservation. Experience in interpreting analytical results.
• Significant record of publications and/or presentations in both professional and public settings.
• Demonstrated high proficiency to manage time, workload, and multiple competing responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to convey information in a clear, succinct, and accurate manner to a wide range of audiences.
• Skilled with computer software programs commonly used in conservation, including collection management systems, software for scientific analysis, and spreadsheets. Experience with project management tools like Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Planner, and Asana is preferred.
• Strong experience as courier for artworks. International and traveling exhibition courier experience preferred.
• Knowledge of safe methods for handling chemicals and hazardous materials based on OSHA standards.

Benefits:

The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health benefits, paid leave, and flexible work schedules. The following benefits are available to classified employees:
• Vacation and Other Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits
• Sickness and Disability Program
• Deferred Compensation with Cash Match
• Group, Optional Life, and Long-term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Retirement Plans
• State Employee Resources

Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligible state employees can be found online at: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Special Instructions:

You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm on the designated closing date listed at the top of this posting on Jobs.Virginia.gov.

Please provide three professional references, including their full name, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter or attached separately in the portal's "other" field.

Contact Information

Name: HR Services

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum for recruitment related questions.

Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.

Advertised: 08 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 04 Dec 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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