Several positions are currently posted. Scroll down to view them all. To apply for a position, email a cover letter and resume with contact information for professional references, to humanresources@newportmansions.org, or mail to Human Resources, 424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport RI 02840.
You may also download an employment application, fill it out and mail to the above address.
DIRECTOR OF MUSEUM AFFAIRS AND CHIEF CURATOR
The Preservation Society of Newport County, one of New England’s largest cultural organizations, seeks a Director of Museum Affairs & Chief Curator responsible for curatorial, conservation, academic and educational initiatives at its 11 historic properties. The Director will oversee the care, display, research and interpretation of approximately 55,000 objects in the collections of the eleven historic houses, encompassing the fine and decorative arts, historic costume and textiles, photographs, books, letters, coaches, and carriages.
Responsibilities:
- Establish the major initiatives that focus staff efforts and financial resources on key projects in curatorial, exhibitions, collections management, conservation, public and youth programs, research, publications and site interpretation. Direct a staff of 10 full-time professionals, 4 fellows, and a $1.8 million budget.
• Oversee curatorial, exhibition and collections management activities ensuring the sound stewardship and presentation of the Preservation Society’s properties.
• Work with volunteer advisory committees for Collections, Symposium and individual houses to ensure policies for acquisition, management and treatment of collections are adhered to.
• Administer the post-graduate residential Research Fellows program, including annual revisions to application guidelines and application review, and serve as primary academic advisor for 3-4 fellows.
• Direct the development and implementation of a wide range of programs for diverse audiences from scholars to the visiting public, The Newport Symposium, study days and the seasonal lecture series.
• Facilitate and help establish priorities for conservation treatment projects for individual collections objects and historic architectural elements.
• Oversee the ongoing initiative to digitize collections records for Collections Management database and for public access.
• Provide content to Communications Department for the website, social media and publications, as well as appear in promotional and educational segments radio and television.
• Oversee content development and interpretation strategies for guided and audio tours, public and school programs, and publications.
• Participate with major fundraising endeavors from grant writing to the donor cultivation.
• Work with members of the staff to integrate the work of the Museum Affairs department with the larger mission of the organization.
• Represent the Preservation Society at major professional conferences, public lectures, and community roundtables.
• Serve as a liaison to external stakeholders in the museum, preservation and academic communities, fostering collaboration on projects for students and professional audiences. May include participation at symposia, professional forums, public programs and accredited academic courses at the college or university level and media appearances.
• Exhibit high standards of written work and public speaking skills from the scholarly to popular level in order to effectively represent the Preservation Society's mission to a broad range of audiences.
Requirements:
• M.A. (Ph.D. preferred) in Material Culture, Decorative Arts, American Studies, Architectural history, Art History or a related field.
• The ability to foster a collaborative intellectual environment among a professional staff, diplomacy and tact, and a strong presence in public speaking.
• Ten years of scholarly and museum or historic site management experience is preferred.
PRESERVATION ARCHITECT
The Preservation Society of Newport County is looking for a highly-motivated, passionate and dedicated Preservation Architect. Reporting to the Director of Properties, the Preservation Architect will serve as a leader overseeing all architectural activities related to the preservation, maintenance, and protection of PSNC’s historic properties in the effort to ensure the long-term survival of our collection of historic houses and support buildings. S/He will have the ability to manage projects through all phases; developing schematic studies and self-producing sketches, plans and specifications for smaller to mid-sized projects and managing consulting architects, engineers and vendors through this process on larger projects while ensuring the use of sound architectural standards and maintaining interface with local, state, and federal officials and agencies as necessary to carry out design, construction and renovation/restoration projects. The Preservation Architect reviews and critiques proposals made by consulting architects & engineers, consultants, vendors and contractors; providing technical assistance on plans and specifications.
The Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit, is Rhode Island’s largest cultural organization that protects, preserves and presents an exceptional collection of house museums and landscapes in one of the most historically intact cities in America. Its 11 historic properties, seven of which are National Historic Landmarks, include 36 buildings and 88 acres of landscapes - exemplifying three centuries of the finest achievements in American architecture, decorative arts, and landscape design, spanning the Colonial era to the Gilded Age. We seek to inspire and promote an appreciation of the value of preservation to enrich the lives of people everywhere by protecting and preserving the architectural heritage of Newport, Rhode Island.
Required
Qualifications:
•Professional
degree in Architecture with a focus on Historic Preservation (preferred).
•Current
architectural registration/license (in RI preferred) and a comprehensive
working knowledge of building codes (local/state/federal).
•A minimum
of (8) years within the profession of architecture, or a related discipline,
and (4) years of professional experience specifically in the field of historic
preservation (preferred).
•Knowledge
of architectural preservation
principles, concepts, practices and techniques; including a demonstrated
knowledge of, and experience in, a wide range of historic preservation and
adaptive reuse approaches, materials, methods, construction technologies and
designs.
•Proficiency
in AutoCAD and other architectural specific software as well as Microsoft
Office programs (Word, Excel, Power Point) and familiarity with scheduling and
graphics illustration programs such as MS Project, and/or Adobe Create Suite
products (Photoshop, Illustrator).
•Experience
working with, and the application of, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for Preservation and the Treatment of Historic Properties.
•Ability to
develop, track, maintain and adjust project budgets and schedules to meet the
overall financial and time goals of projects and the organization.
•Ability to
work independently and in team settings with outstanding interpersonal,
analytical, organizational & communication skills (written and verbal).
•Project
management experience.
•Experience
soliciting proposals, bid leveling & comparison and contract negotiation.
•Monitors
construction in the field and creates regular field & progress reports.
•Provides
overall guidance and direction on all architectural related projects, issues,
questions, objectives and concepts.
•Solicits
contractor estimates and proposals and develops budgets. Monitors, tracks and
examines the expenditure of funds on established project budgets.
•Reviews and
assists in preparation of preservation grant applications and implementation
once obtained.
•Acts as a
subject matter expert and advises on all architectural matters.
•Selects,
evaluates, and implements procedures and techniques to be used on projects.
•Candidate
must demonstrate knowledge and passion for of rehabilitation, preservation,
restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings resources (and their
associated materials and methods of construction).
•Responsible
to assist with the execution, review & approval of ordered materials for
in-house projects.
•Maintains
working knowledge of building codes, building cost data and structural &
engineering systems as they relate to historic buildings; ADA, etc.
•Prepares
informational presentations as requested.
•Ability to
exercise good judgment with a strong attention to detail and a large degree of
creativity is expected.
•Ability to
multi-task and establish priorities while maintaining a flexible approach
towards assignments.
•Flexibility
to work both independently and in team settings.
•Ability to
climb stairs and lift weights up to twenty-five pounds and climb and work from
a ladder up to fifteen feet off the ground.
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
•Graduate
degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Historic Preservation or
related field (preferred).
•Working
knowledge of the process for completion of a Historic Structures Reports and
the administration of State & Federal grants.
•Prior
supervisory and/or management experience and who is committed to excellence and
has proven leadership skills
•Turn of the
20th Century (Gilded Age) design knowledge and building techniques highly
desired
HOUSEKEEPER (Part-Time)
The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks a part –time candidate to work a flexible schedule up to 25 hrs/wk with the possibility of up to 40 hrs/wk in season. Some weekend days required. Occasional special events may require work outside of this time frame.
Job Responsibilities:
Follow an established schedule to ensure that primary cleaning duties are completed in time for the property to open to the public.
Daily operation of the alarm system and lights in preparation for site open and close to the public.
Daily glass cleaning and removal of dust on floors, surfaces and furniture.
Careful movement of furniture or other historic artifacts when directed and under the supervision of Site Supervisor.
Periodic cleaning/buffing floors, may involve use of wax or other chemical compounds, as directed.
Opening and closing of windows, as directed and replacement of light bulbs.
Collect trash, vacuum as necessary, clean, and monitor and restock bathrooms.
Sweep and removal of trash, leaves, and snow from interior and exterior walkways and entrances, may require use of blowing machine for leaf and /or snow removal.
May be asked to check conditions of grounds of assigned property and set up and dismantle traffic ropes and signage.
Perform other related duties as required or directed.
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent with previous housekeeping experience preferred.
Strong self-starter with the ability to work independently, multi-task, and establish priorities.
Work from verbal and written instructions, able to read and comprehend simple instructions.
Good communication skills and ability to maintain flexible behavior.
Follow prescribed safety and health rules, regulations and practices.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.