What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Restoration position at Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.?
Director of Restoration
Purpose
The Director of Restoration oversees a core element of the Foundation's preservation mission: conserving, protecting, and maintaining Monticello's historic architectural resources so they are enhanced and preserved for future generations. Through research, project planning, project implementation, and documentation, the Director oversees the Restoration Department's work to preserve, conserve, and restore the historic and reconstructed buildings owned by the Foundation in collaboration with other departments at the Foundation. The Director also engages and educates the public and Foundation staff members through special tours, presentations, scholarly papers, and publications.
Monticello's Director of Restoration understands the Monticello house, its evolution, and the Monticello plantation. The Director demonstrates:
- An interdisciplinary knowledge of architectural history (local, regional, and national), architectural conservation, the evolution of architectural finishes, landscape architecture, and an ability to place any proposed conservation, reconstruction, or restoration into a scholarly context
- Mastery of the design and evolution of Monticello's historic architectural resources
- The ability to develop, implement, and document conservation and restoration treatments for historic buildings in museum environments
- Familiarity with the documents relating to the design, construction, and subsequent history of the buildings and landscapes at Monticello
- Expertise in documenting historic resources through photography, architectural drawings, and written descriptions
- Ability to foster and grow collaborative relationships with Foundation staff, the public, and contractors
Essential Functions:
The Director is involved in a wide range of activities, including:
- Planning and implementing conservation treatments and restoration projects
- Overseeing outside contractors involved with conservation and restoration projects on the house, dependencies, and Mulberry Row
- Documenting existing conditions through photographs, written reports, and measured drawings
- Educating staff, volunteers, and new hires on Monticello's design sources and architectural evolution
- Writing scholarly and popular articles based on their work at Monticello
- Helping with donor and Board cultivation
- Supervising and managing the activities of the Restoration Specialists with occasional hands-on work required
- Working closely with the Curatorial, Facilities, and Garden and Grounds departments on planning and implementing conservation and maintenance projects
- Working closely with Education and Visitor Programs on training, updating interpretive materials, and project scheduling
- Working closely with Marketing and Communications on media requests and special tours
- Answering visitor and staff inquiries
Skills and Abilities:
- M.A. in a related field, e.g., architectural history, historic preservation, material culture
- Seven to ten years of experience required.
- Ability to manage staff members and consultants
- Ability to maintain a strong working relationship with other departments
- The architectural history of the 18th and early 19th centuries
- Experience in the theory and practice of architectural conservation
- Proven record of historic preservation, conservation, restoration, and reconstruction project management
- Ability to read construction drawings and the production of measured drawings to document existing conditions
- An understanding of architectural photography
- Knowledge of relevant professional practices, including carpentry, masonry, and other preservation trades.
Physical Demands and Work Considerations
Must be able to lift up to forty (40) lbs and comfortable with tasks involving the setup and breakdown of scaffolding.
We provide:
- Excellent benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan, life insurance, gym membership, and more!).
- Employee discount in the café, gift shop, and Monticello online catalog.
- Exciting quarterly social events for all employees.
- Beautiful grounds and walking trails.
If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply!
