Job Opening: Studio Manager/Head Administrator

Modern Art Conservation (MAC), a highly respected art conservation studio in Chelsea, NY, is seeking a Studio Manager/Head Administrator with a strong background in modern and contemporary art and knowledge of the art market. The Studio Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for clients and should have an understanding of the contemporary art world and the conservator’s role in the industry. The ideal candidate must excel in multitasking, organization, attention to detail, discretion, and interpersonal communication. This role is essential in ensuring the studio operates efficiently and effectively.

The Studio Manager position involves project-managing the conservation process, including tracking every job, artwork, and its progress—from initial examination to treatment, photography, and reporting. The ability to seamlessly shift between tasks while maintaining order is crucial, along with a friendly demeanor when interacting with the team, clients, shippers, and building staff. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a deadline-driven environment surrounded by art, has a passion for modern and contemporary paintings, enjoys a spectacular view every day, and will happily travel to far West Chelsea for this full-time, in-person position.

Additionally, this role involves working closely with our busy Director to help manage her workload. Responsibilities include assisting with email management, scheduling meetings, keeping her organized, informed, and on task, and anticipating her needs before she does—all while maintaining a fun, positive working relationship.

At MAC, we take pride in our collaborative and close-knit environment. Our team consists of conservators at various levels, conservation technicians, and three administrators: a studio manager (this role), one specializing in photography and administrative support, and another overseeing finance, operations, and HR. We are looking for a dedicated professional who is committed to growing with us long-term and providing essential support to help our conservators deliver outstanding results on the exceptional art we care for. The entire team relies on the Studio Manager to know what is going on with every project and client and to communicate calmly and comfortably with everyone.

Responsibilities:

General reception (phone, email, and in-person). Main point of phone contact for clients, shippers, and inquiries.
Collaborate with the Director to manage and oversee all aspects of studio operations.
Coordinate conservation projects with conservators, technicians, the operations manager, the photographer, shippers, and clients.
Maintain and manage studio calendars ensuring meetings and events are scheduled and recorded, and all parties involved are apprised of their commitments and prepared for their various engagements.
Draft and manage internal and external studio communications, acting as a key liaison between the studio and its clients.
Oversee multiple concurrent projects, both in-studio and on-site, ensuring deadlines are met and all stages—from inquiry to final reporting—are carried out.
Provide logistical and administrative support to conservators, including record-keeping and preparation, organization, and filing of documents for projects.
Coordinate and organize artwork shipments in collaboration with technicians, shippers, and clients.
Lead staff meetings to encourage collaboration, share updates, and align priorities.
Research artists, materials, and information relevant to conservation projects.
Prepare, edit, and ensure the accuracy of treatment and condition templates and reports.
Ensure all documents are correctly named, shared, filed, and backed up.
Keep the team informed of auction and art fair dates and deadlines; coordinate art fair itineraries for traveling/on-site conservators.
Manage material inventory, and help with general office maintenance and upkeep.
Coordinate studio events and tours and assist conservators with preparation for education courses taught at MAC.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in fine art management, including handling, care, preservation, installation, storage, and registration.
Bachelor’s degree (minimum), preferably in art history, arts administration, or art business (MA preferred).
A minimum of two years of professional experience in a gallery, museum, auction house, or artist studio.
Strong knowledge and appreciation for modern and contemporary art, with a focus on paintings.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with clients, vendors, and staff.
Excellent grammar, proofreading skills, and command of English.
Good judgment, great memory, very strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, punctuality, and dependability.
Ability to calmly but effectively handle sensitive and confidential situations and deadline-driven tasks.
Ability to work in an open office environment, hear and process many voices, multi-task, and keep track of everyone’s needs.
Positive, team-oriented attitude with self-motivation, discretion, and a personable demeanor.
Comfortable around high-value works of art and a range of individuals.
Ability to work for extended periods at a computer. Proficiency with Mac computers. Skilled in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Google Suite, and AirTable (or similar art management database).
Candidates must be able to work in the US legally.

*Note this is not a conservation or pre-program conservation position.

Benefits and perks

100% paid Health Insurance
Optional pre-tax dental and vision insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Paid vacation (increases with tenure)
Paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year
Bonuses/raises (subject to revenue and performance)
Gym membership discount and other perks offered by the Starrett Lehigh Building

Full-time (M-F 9:30 - 5:30), in-person.

Base salary $60K - $75K. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

Candidates should email a detailed letter of interest, a PDF of their CV with three professional references listed, and a writing sample to job@modernartconservation.com with “Studio Manager 2025” in the subject line. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. No calls or walk-ins, please.

Preference is given to applications received by January 5, 2025. The position must be filled by February 1, 2025, to allow for a trial period and training with the current Studio Manager.

Job Opening: paintings Conservator

Modern Art Conservation, a large, New York City-based, woman-owned conservation practice, is seeking a full-time paintings conservator to join our dynamic team. The studio specializes in the examination and treatment of late 19th century, modern, and contemporary paintings and painted objects. Our clients include museums, galleries, private and corporate collections, auction houses, art fairs, artist estates/foundations, and contemporary artists. The team comprises conservators, technicians/preparators, a conservation photographer, and registrars/administrators. Our bright beautiful studios are located in the Chelsea arts district in a landmark building with numerous amenities.

Responsibilities will include conservation assessment, research, treatment, and documentation of individual artworks and large collections. The applicant must be skilled in the practical treatment of paintings and painted surfaces, possess knowledge of preventive conservation practices, and have a strong interest in technical art history and in writing detailed condition reports. The applicant should enjoy collaborating and problem-solving with colleagues, be able to communicate effectively in written and oral form with a wide range of individuals, have strong interpersonal skills, show diplomacy and judgment, be open to learning and sharing, and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, calmly, and effectively under tight deadlines.

The applicant must be a graduate of a recognized conservation training program and demonstrate a career interest in the conservation of paintings and/or painted objects. Conservators of traditional easel paintings or painted objects are encouraged to apply, but a strong interest in developing a specialization in modern and contemporary paintings is desired. Candidates should be knowledgeable in art history and have an interest in working in a fast-paced environment in which time is spent on treatments and condition reporting for clients both in and outside the studio. We value stability and seek candidates who are looking to join a close-knit team, grow professionally in the position, and form a long-term work relationship. Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills in English are required.

Salary ranges from $58,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include 100% paid health insurance, matching 401k contributions, continuing education opportunities, paid vacation, paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Years, and bonuses/raises subject to revenue and performance. Candidates must be able to work in the US (we cannot sponsor any visas at this time). The position is available as early as January 2025 but there is a lot of flexibility to the start date for the right candidate. We are open to an August/September 2025 start for those on the academic cycle.

Please email a detailed letter of interest, a PDF of your CV with three professional references listed, two sample treatment reports, and two sample condition reports to cons@modernartconservation.com with “Conservator Position 2025” in the subject line. Application materials will be kept confidential. No calls or walk-ins, please. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Application review begins November 25th and will remain open until the position is filled.