Studio Manager/Conservation Coordinator

Modern Art Conservation (MAC), a highly respected art conservation studio in Chelsea, NY, is seeking a Studio Manager / Conservation Coordinator with a strong background in modern and contemporary art and knowledge of the art market.As the studio’s primary point of contact for clients, the Studio Manager plays a central role in all coordinating conservation projects and ensuring the studio operates smoothly and efficiently.

This position requires exceptional organization, attention to detail, discretion, judgment, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.The Studio Manager oversees each project from initial inquiry and examination through photography, treatment, reporting, billing, and shipping. The role requires someone who can move seamlessly between competing priorities while maintaining order and a clear understanding of the status of every artwork and project.

The ideal candidate is personable and comfortable communicating with clients, conservators, technicians, shippers, vendors, and building staff.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment surrounded by exceptional modern and contemporary art, has a particular interest in paintings and their care, and enjoys working as part of a collaborative team.Additionally, this role involves working closely with our busy Director to help manage her workload.

Responsibilities include responding to emails, scheduling meetings, keeping her organized, informed, and on task, and anticipating her needs before she does—all while maintaining a fun, positive working relationship.MAC is a collaborative, close-knit studio comprising conservators at various levels, conservation technicians, and three administrators: the Studio Manager, a conservation photographer, and an administrator overseeing finance, operations, and HR.

We are looking for a dedicated professional who is interested in building a long-term career with the studio and becoming an essential part of our team.

The Studio Manager must have a comprehensive understanding of what is happening across projects and with clients and be able to communicate calmly, respectfully, intelligently, and comfortably with everyone.Responsibilities•Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, shippers, vendors, and general inquiries by phone, email, and in person.•Draft and manage internal and external communications, serving as a key liaison between the studio and its clients.•Collaborate with the Director to coordinate and oversee studio operations.•Coordinate conservation projects among conservators, technicians, the operations administrator, photographer, shippers, and clients.•Track multiple concurrent projects, both in-studio and on-site, ensuring deadlines and project milestones are met from initial inquiry through final reporting and shipping.•Maintain studio calendars, schedule meetings and events, and ensure all participants are informed and prepared.•Oversee the administrative team to ensure projects move efficiently through each stage.•Register artworks in the internal database and maintain accurate records of examination, photography, treatment, billing, and shipping.•Provide logistical and administrative support to conservators, including project preparation, record-keeping, document organization, filing, and archiving.•Lead staff meetings, facilitate communication, and help align team priorities.•Research artists, materials, and other information relevant to conservation projects.•Prepare, edit, proofread, and maintain treatment and condition templates and reports, ensuring documents are accurately named, distributed, filed, and backed up.•Keep the team informed of relevant auction and art fair dates and deadlines and coordinate itineraries and prepare documents for conservators traveling for fairs and on-site projects.•Manage material inventory and assist with general office maintenance and upkeep.•Coordinate studio events and tours and assist conservators in preparing for educational courses taught at MAC.Qualifications•Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in fine art management, including handling, conservation, preservation, installation, storage, and registration.•Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in art history, arts administration, art business, or a related field.

MA preferred.•Minimum of three years of professional experience in a gallery, museum, auction house, artist studio, or related art-world environment.•Strong knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary art, particularly paintings.•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with clients, vendors, and colleagues.•Excellent grammar, proofreading skills, and command of English.•Excellent judgment, memory, organization, problem-solving skills, punctuality, and dependability.•Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and to remain calm and effective under deadline pressure.•Ability to work comfortably in an open-office environment, process multiple conversations and requests, multitask, and keep track of competing priorities.•Positive, team-oriented, self-motivated, personable, and professional demeanor.•Comfortable working around high value works of art and interacting with a wide range of individuals.•Ability to work for extended periods at a computer.•Proficiency with Mac computers, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Google Suite, and Airtable or a similar art-management database.•Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.Please note: This is an administrative and project-management position, not a conservation or pre-program conservation position.