Head Preparator

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group
of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage
individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized
and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our
shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry,
citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial
status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital
status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran
status, or any other protected status.

How You Will Contribute:
Under the supervision of the head of the department of Prints, Drawings, and
Photographs, the Head Preparator is responsible for the preservation of works
of art on paper, which includes archival mounting, matting and framing for
display and transport, as well as the housing of art in storage. In addition
to supervising the work of a Preparator, the Head Preparator works in a
highly collaborative environment in consultation with Curators, Collections
Staff, Registrars and Art Conservators. The Head Preparator is expected to
track and maintain a busy schedule of work for the department’s
exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions, as well as demands for matting and
framing services from other curatorial departments.

Specifically, you will:
•       Mat, hinge, and frame works of art on paper in the museum’s collection
•       Cut mats, create folders, boxes, book cradles, and mounts for works of
art on paper
•       In collaboration with Conservation and Collections staff, create secure
and archival housing for works of art on paper for storage or travel
•       Support the department’s intake and transport of art
•       Supervise work of the Preparator
•       Track and order supplies, working with the Departmental Administrator as
necessary, obtain cost estimates, and recommend budget for materials and equipment
•       Meet scheduled deadlines of work for exhibitions, loans, and acquisition
committee meetings
•       Schedule and accommodate work requests from other museum departments
•       Maintain database of frames and organize frame sales
•       Oversee maintenance of tools and equipment
•       Attend exhibition planning and loan meetings, collaborate with curators
to discuss curatorial needs and provide recommendations
•       Assist Curatorial Fellows and Collections Staff with transport of art to
the study room, storage, Conservation, or other locations on the museum campus
•       Support art handlers and the department staff with handling and
installation of art as needed
•       Attend periodic courier trips

Your background and experience include:
•       Experience in handling works on paper at the level of fine art
•       Prior experience matting and framing works of art on paper
•       Previous supervisory experience
•       Excellent organizational skills
•       Excellent communication skills
•       Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact well with others
•       Ability to work independently
•       Ability to make aesthetic decisions
•       High degree of accuracy and precision
•       Post secondary education with experience or particular focus on Studio
Art or Conservation, with a BA or BFA preferred

Position and Compensation Details
•       The minimum salary for this position is $55,000.
•       This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week.
•       COVID-19 vaccination required.

Application Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to
apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool
or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer
Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have
access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

•       Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
•       Discounted guest tickets for admission
•       Discounts on gift memberships
•       Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and
conservation teams
•       Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and
online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

•       Medical, dental, and vision benefits
•       Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability
insurance, and life insurance
•       Health savings or flexible spending account program
•       Retirement savings program with museum match
•       Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including
the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.