Answer ad and grab the brass ring

What color is your parachute? What influences from antiquity might the stitching reveal? And how might California’s wealthiest museum help the masses understand the cultural forces at work behind the evolution of the parachute?

Anyone who can answer these questions in forceful tones with clear diction should be advised that the Getty Museum’s director search has reached a broader phase. Last week, job listings for the position ran in newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and The Times.

The ad seeks a museum professional “who desires a very visible position, with significant influence, stature, and authority.” That person, it continues, will need vision, commitment, perspective, morale-building skills and “elegance and effectiveness” in communication.

The Getty’s last director, Deborah Gribbon, drew a base salary of about $425,000. She resigned in October, citing philosophical difference with Getty Trust President Barry Munitz. Those aiming to fill her shoes are directed to contact the Los Angeles office of Korn/Ferry International, a global executive search firm.

Meanwhile, for those aiming a little lower, the Getty gift shop is hiring too. A senior associate job there, according to the Getty’s website, starts at $12.11 per hour.

Christopher Reynolds