Head Preparator

About the Foundation 

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) honors the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg by fostering interdisciplinary creativity and supporting artists, scholars, and change-makers. Focus areas include expanding access to Rauschenberg’s work, nurturing artists through residencies, and promoting art’s role in social issues. 

Position Summary 

The Head Preparator reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Responsible for the management of artworks in the holdings of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF). They ensure that artworks are stored, handled, transported, conserved, and documented according to leading industry standards. When not on loan or consignment, these artworks are stored in a 30,000 square foot warehouse in Westchester County, New York. 

The Head Preparator oversees all logistics related to the movement of artworks for exhibitions, viewings, loans, and consignments and serves as the primary liaison for all conservation and photography with external vendors. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Is responsible for the overall maintenance and preservation of artworks in RRF holdings across all sites in collaboration with the COO, CCO and curatorial team, including collections conservation; maintenance of storage facilities; and movement of the collection as needed.
• Directs teams of art handlers and contracted service vendors as needed to support the Foundation’s art programming and strategic initiatives as directed by RRF’s Executive Leadership team (ED, CCO, COO)
• Oversees the successful execution of art related activity including packing, crating, transportation, handling and installation of works.
• Develops, manages, and maintains departmental budget; solicits and submits estimates for approval and invoices for payment.
• Ensures and establishes high standards of art handling and collection care for storage, art handling and display.
• Maintains installation instructions, packing instructions, and labeling of components.
• Supports condition reporting needs, in collaboration with Senior Registrar, who are responsible for generating reports.
• Works closely with the Registrar on art handling and movement needs.
• Works with the Curatorial and Collection Management teams on exhibitions, loans and viewings.
• Collaborates with external organizations such as museums and commercial galleries to provide guidance and technical support for art installation.
• Works closely with the COO and Facilities team to research and develop best practices for art storage and preservation.
• Supports the COO for any security breaches and assists in communication with all local officials including fire, police, and the department of buildings as needed, and in the development of an emergency response guide. 

Essential Skills & Experience 

• 10+ years of experience in professional art handling, installation, and collections care following museum-quality standards.
• Proven leadership managing art handling teams and coordinating contracted services for exhibitions, loans, and strategic projects.
• Demonstrated experience in packing, crating, transportation logistics, and safe movement of artworks across local, national, and international sites.
• Strong collaboration with registrars, curators, conservators, and facilities teams to support storage, conservation, and emergency preparedness.
• Experienced in developing installation instructions, packing documentation, and supporting condition reporting workflows.
• Highly effective communicator with strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Budget management experience, including preparing estimates, approving invoices, and overseeing departmental expenses.
• Strong familiarity with art storage best practices and maintenance of large-scale warehouse environments. 

Work Environment

This is a fully in-person role based primarily at RRF’s Westchester County, NY location. 

ADA Specifications 

• Requires the ability to sit, stand, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time.
• Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings.
• Requires the ability to travel nationally and internationally.
• Must be able to lift up to 40lbs. and safely maneuver complex objects.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated compensation for this position is between $150,000 and $160,000 per annum, depending on experience and level of education. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for vision coverage, life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer matching contribution. Additionally, the Foundation offers a robust charitable giving matching program, tuition reimbursement and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Foundation is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity in all its forms and actively seek to attract a wide range of talented individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in arts organizations.