John E. And Louise Bryson Director, Getty Conservation Institute

Overview

The John

E. and Louise Bryson Director of the GCI is the Institute’s chief executive and strategic leader who steers and inspires a diverse team of approximately 100 staff, cultivating a high performance, inclusive, learning culture that values collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Serving on Getty’s executive team, the new Director will conceive, shape and execute a compelling vision for conservation in the twenty-first century, affirming GCI—and Getty more broadly—as a global leader in research-led, values-based, sustainable cultural heritage conservation practice.

This responsibility comes at a pivotal moment marked by rapid technological change and intensifying environmental, economic and ideological risks to cultural heritage. The Director will drive impact, innovation, and deepen global partnerships.

External:
Partners including peer institutions; domestic and international government and non-government cultural agencies; multilateral organizations; universities and research labs; professional associations; community partners; funders and philanthropies; GCI Support Council Members.

Internal:
President and CEO;
Directors of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Research Institute, and Getty Foundation;
Executive Vice President, Finance & Operations;
Vice President, Communications & Community Engagement;
Vice President, Chief Digital Officer;
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees;
Vice President, Development and Institutional Advancement; and Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer.

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
  • Develop, articulate, and execute a multi year strategy for the GCI that advances Getty’s mission and institutional priorities.
  • Initiate and implement flagship GCI initiatives and research agendas that measurably improve cultural heritage conservation practice and outcomes globally.
  • Enhance a “One Getty” mindset by fostering cross program initiatives with the J. Paul Museum, Getty Research Institute, and Getty Foundation—aligning goals, resources, and communications.
• Program Oversight
  • Steer GCI’s research pipeline, field projects, standards development, and training programs; ensure scholarly rigor, transparency, and global relevance.
  • Advance open access to data, tools, and publications; promote digital platforms that expand reach and provide knowledge and resources to conservation practitioners.
  • Embed sustainability and climate resilience across methodologies, materials, facilities, and field operations.
• External Engagement and Partnerships
  • Serve as a visible, persuasive spokesperson for heritage conservation with international organizations, governments, NGOs, peer institutions, and funders.
  • Build and steward strategic partnerships with intergovernmental organizations, governments, agencies, museums, universities, communities, and professional associations to co develop programs and scale impact.
  • Engage the Los Angeles region—civic and cultural partners, academic institutions, and diverse communities—supporting Getty’s goal to be the city’s definitive arts leader.
  • Build trust across cultures and sectors; negotiate alignment; communicate compellingly to technical and non technical audience.
• Team Leadership and Organizational Culture
  • Lead and inspire a diverse staff, cultivating a human-centered, inclusive, learning culture that values collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  • Attract, retain, and develop talent; ensure robust succession planning, professional development, and staff engagement.
  • Maintain strong project governance and portfolio management to assure impact and deliver work on time, and to scope.
• Fiscal and Operational Stewardship
  • Ensure fiscal discipline and resource allocation of the GCI’s $21.6M annual operating budget, as generated from Getty’s endowment.
  • Develop and steward the GCI Council, which helps to support the work of the GCI, and leverage other external funding opportunities.
  • Ensure management of risks and alignment with institutional processes and controls.
  • Foster a culture of compliance with relevant safety, legal, and ethical standards in laboratories, studios, field sites, and…