The Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) supports the well-being of people and the planet for a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We operate five national grantmaking programs—in the performing arts, the environment, medical research, child and family well-being, and mutual understanding between communities—as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly.

Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global culture of Islamic art and design through innovative exhibitions, guided tours, public programs, and digital initiatives. Built in 1937 as the Honolulu home of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke (1912-1993), Shangri La was inspired by Duke’s extensive travels throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and reflects architectural traditions from those regions. Duke directed in her will that Shangri La be “available to scholars, students and others interested in the furtherance and preservation of Islamic art and make the premises open to the public.” In 2002, Shangri La opened as the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to Islamic art.

JOB SUMMARY

The Conservator is responsible for overseeing the proper care, conservation, and preservation of Shangri La’s collections of artworks, cultural resources, and architectural elements. In collaboration with museum staff, the Conservator develops, leads, and implements the institution’s conservation plan, manages, and performs daily conservation activities—including the work undertaken by two part-time conservation technicians as well as conservation contractors and vendors—and advises on building and grounds preservation and capital projects.

The ideal candidate is an innovative problem-solver who develops solutions for complex conservation challenges in an artistically active museum located in a tropical, oceanfront environment. The Conservator must be a consummate professional who strives to achieve the highest standards of care and protection for the collection as embodied in the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice while being mindful of issues of sustainability and the cultural history and needs of the institution.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

- Update and maintain a conservation plan that ensures the proper care and preservation of collections and addresses larger questions pertaining to sustainability.

- Carry out object stabilization and treatments within the parameters of Conservator’s specific expertise for display, loan, storage, and research purposes.

- Advise on preservation issues for the installation of collections in on-site and off-site galleries, and in storage, including documentation, prioritization, and actions to be taken to address changes in condition and undertake approved tasks with team support.

- Serve as the institution’s primary liaison to consulting conservators and conservation professional associations and organizations; advise when a specialist conservator is required.

- Critically evaluate proposed treatments and treatment documentation.

- Advise on and track environmental monitoring of conditions; provide recommendations for proper and safe storage and exhibition environments.

- Review loan requests; make recommendations to the Curatorial Committee; advise on the treatment, mounting, rotation, packing and transport of outgoing loans; and undertake approved actions with team support.

- Efficiently run conservation work areas/labs, including defining protocols and procedures; ensure workplace health and safety standards; maintain supplies.

- Participate in disaster planning and collections emergency preparation and training.

- Serve on organizational ad hoc and standing committees as assigned.

- Provide supervision and designated training to conservation technicians and be able to contract and supervise conservation consultants.

- Other duties as assigned by the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Advanced degree in Conservation.

- Minimum five years’ work experience as a conservator, in a museum setting or archeological site (required).

- Specialization in the treatment of objects, both portable and embedded, in a variety of media (metalwork, ceramics, glass, wood, mixed media).

- Excellent general conservation knowledge of a variety of media and types of objects (e.g., textiles, paper); experience in the physical handling of a variety of collections materials.

- Archeological field experience is strongly preferred.

- Demonstrated experience and strong managerial skills in conservation administration and operations to include developing and implementing conservation plans, budgeting, analyzing, prioritizing, problem solving and time management.

- Experience as an adaptable thinker who can enthusiastically undertake the challenges of working in a tropical, non-climate-controlled environment, to find creative and innovative solutions for environmentally threatened collections.

- Experience working both independently and collaboratively.

- Excellent oral and written communication skills.

- Strong computer and internet skills with a moderate to high level of experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook as well as collections management database software (preferably The Museum System); experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign also desired.

- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, climb and work from a high stepladder and scaffolding, and climb multiple flights of stairs.

- A professional, collegial demeanor with a genial sense of humor desired.

- Currently eligible to work in the United States (U.S. citizen or permanent resident).

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

- Anticipated salary range is $72,000-$90,000, and the final offer will depend on experience.

- Industry-leading benefits.

COVID-19 VACCINATION

As a condition of employment, new hires/employees are required to be up to date with an FDA-authorized vaccination against COVID-19, including bivalent booster; proof of vaccination series and boosters will be required upon beginning/continuing employment. Reasonable accommodation for legally required exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

HOW TO APPLY

Click on the Apply button. Include your last name followed by “Conservator” in the subject line. Application reviews will begin February 28, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

No phone calls or in-person applications, please.

OUR VALUES

The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:

Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake. As a group of private foundations, we are accountable to the many stakeholders affected by our work.

Excellence: We will insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission, will ground our work in best practices and will make decisions based on the best available information.

Openness and Imagination: We will be listening and learning organizations that are responsive to ideas and opinions from a variety of sources. We value imagination and creativity, the ability to think in new ways about the work we do and how we do it.

Collaboration: We value a collaborative and supportive environment in which to advance our mission and objectives. Creating a working environment that promotes trust, honesty and respect within our organizations is as important as earning the trust and respect of our colleagues and peers in the fields in which we work.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We believe in the essential value that a diverse set of perspectives, experiences and abilities brings to the table. Our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is an ongoing, active engagement reflected in our funding areas, grantees, museums, centers, board and staff. At the core of our work is a dedication to serving and learning from organizations and individuals addressing inequities and working toward a more just, healthy and inclusive society. (Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and how we incorporate this value into our work.)

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and workplace culture. We provide equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law; and we strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

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